The Eagles 2021 schedule is here — which means it is time to make some picks.
The schedule actually sets up nicely for the Eagles. They end the year with four-straight divisional games, giving them a chance to make up any ground they might need in the NFC East. They don’t have any road trips longer than two games and they don’t get on a plane in the final eight weeks.
So how will the season go?
Here is the full Eagles’ schedule with a win-loss prediction for each:
Preseason Opponents: Pittsburgh Steelers, New England Patriots, New York Jets
Week 1: At Atlanta Falcons (Sept. 12, 1 p.m.)
The Eagles opening up in Atlanta is a tough spot and will be an immediate test for their defense considering the weapons the Falcons have. This will be a game for new defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon to show why he was the most sought-after at his position in the NFL this past offseason.
Pick: Win
Record: 1-0
Week 2: vs. San Francisco 49ers (Sept. 19, 1 p.m.)
The Eagles beat the 49ers last season despite playing some of the worst football this franchise has played in the last 10-plus seasons. Getting the 49ers early, when rookie Trey Lance will likely be playing, makes this one easier for the Eagles. A 2-0 start might seem crazy, but remember, Doug Pederson and his new staff started 3-0 — and this will be the first game infant of a sold-out Linc since 2019.
Pick: Win
Record: 2-0
Week 3: At Dallas (Sept. 27, Monday Night Football)
Getting Dallas early on in the season will be a great chance to see just how far ahead the division favorites are from the Eagles. Going to Dallas is never easy, especially in prime time. This will be the Eagles’ second road game in the first three weeks.
Pick: Loss
Record: 2-1
Week 4: Home vs. Kansas City (Oct. 3 , 1 p.m.)
Andy Reid is back in Philadelphia for the first time since 2013, when he came to Lincoln Financial Field and beat Chip Kelly. The results should be similar against Nick Sirianni.
Pick: Loss
Record: 2-2
Week 5: At Carolina Panthers (Oct. 10, 1 p.m.)
The Panthers have plenty of weapons on offense and a quarterback in Sam Darnold that should be improved now that he isn’t being coached by Adam Gase. This could be a win, but sandwiched between the Chiefs and the Buccaneers, this one seems like a schedule loss.
Pick: Loss
Record: 2-3
Week 6: vs. Tampa Bay (Oct. 14, Thursday Night Football)
There is no easy spot to play the Buccaneers — and that is especially true on a short week. Then again, we all remember what happened the last time the Eagles were underdogs against Tom Brady.
Pick: Loss
Record: 2-4
Week 7: At Las Vegas Raiders (Oct. 24, 4:05 p.m.)
The Raiders are a tough team to get a read on and were very up-and-down last season, as their 8-8 record indicates. This feels like a schedule-win for the Eagles, who will have extra time to prepare coming off of a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Plus, coming off of four-straight losses, they will need a win.
Pick: Win
Record: 3-4
Week 8: At Detroit Lions (Oct. 31, 1 p.m.)
Plenty has changed since Jared Goff beat the Eagles in Philadelphia last season. To start, he isn’t going against Carson Wentz. And more importantly, he isn’t playing for the Rams.
Pick: Win
Record: 4-4
Week 9: Home vs. Los Angeles Chargers (Nov. 7, 4:05 p.m.)
Coming off of two-straight road games the Eagles return home and get a win over Justin Herbert.
Pick: Win
Record: 5-4
Week 10: At Denver Broncos (Nov. 14, 4:25 p.m.)
The Broncos could have Aaron Rodgers at quarterback. If they do, this will be a loss. Until they trade for him, however, this feels like a win.
Pick: Win
Record: 6-4
Week 11: Home vs. New Orleans Saints (Nov. 21, 1:00 p.m.)
The Eagles were able to beat New Orleans in Philadelphia last season without Drew Brees. They should be able to do it again this year and get their fifth-straight win after a 2-4 start.
Pick: Win
Record: 7-4
Week 12: At New York Giants (Nov. 28, 1:00 p.m.)
The Giants are one of the most overhyped teams in the NFL heading into the 2021 season, but chances are the Eagles will split with them this season. This will be the Giants chance to get the revenge they are so desperately seeking after they foolishly blamed the Eagles for not making the playoffs last season (despite being 6-10)
Pick: Loss
Record: 7-5
Week 13: At New York Jets (Dec. 5, 1:00 p.m.)
This is one of the easiest games on the Eagles schedule. If they want to make a realistic push to the playoffs they are going to have to win this one.
Pick: Win
Record: 8-5
Week 14: BYE WEEK
There is no getting around it — this is a really tough spot for the Bye Week. Only potential upside to a Week 14 Bye Week is it could help them get ready for a really important stretch to end the season.
Week 15: Home vs. Washington Football Team (Dec 18th or 19th, time TBD)
Getting Washington twice in the final few weeks is ideal for the Eagles considering Ryan Fitzpatrick has consistently shown he is not a quarterback you can count on for the entire season. The later in the season the Eagles get Washington, the better chance there is Fitzpatrick has already fallen apart.
Pick: Win
Record: 9-5
Week 16: vs. New York Giants (Dec. 26, 1:00 p.m.)
Getting the Giants this late in the season at home is a big boost for the Eagles. It should allow them to make up any ground they need to in the NFC East.
Pick: Win
Record: 10-5
Week 17: At Washington Football Team (Jan. 2, 1:00 p.m.)
The Eagles’ season started to fall apart last season in Week 1 when they blew a 21-3 lead vs. Washington. This game is certain to have playoff implications.
Pick: Loss
Record: 10-6
Week 18: vs. Dallas Cowboys (Jan. 9, 1:00 p.m.)
Will this be an NFC East championship game? The NFL setting up the Eagles to play the Cowboys, who are the favorite in the division, could be an indication they think it will be.
Pick: Win
Record: 11-6
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!