The date of one of the biggest events on the NFL's calender -- the release of the 2019 schedule -- is finally known.
The NFL will be releasing their schedule on Wednesday night, April 17th, at 8 p.m. EST. The release of the schedule is always an exciting time for fans, as it gives them another reminder that football is indeed returning soon, and a chance to make their first prediction for how their team will do.
94WIP is going on FIVE road trips this season with Phans of Philly and you can join! Details at 94WIP.com/roadtrip.
While we wait for Wednesday night to get here, here is a ranking of the Eagles' toughest opponents they will face in 2019, as well as an initial prediction for each game:
1. Patriots(home): Any game against the New England Patriots, regardless of when or where, is tough. Getting them in Philadelphia makes this one slightly easier, but this is still without question going to be the toughest game on the Eagles' schedule. LOSS
2. Packers (away): The Packers aren't the second-best team on the Eagles' schedule, but a trip to Lambeau field is never easy, with the team going 2-6 in their last eight trips to Green Bay. Going against Aaron Rodgers is also, obviously, a tough challenge. LOSS
3. Bears(home): The Bears will come into Philadelphia with revenge on their minds and (presumably) one of the NFL's best defenses. Even though this game is in Philadelphia, Chicago is likely going to be one of the top teams in the NFC next season and this game could have plenty of playoff implications. WIN
4. Dallas Cowboys: Eagles fans might not want to admit it, but the Cowboys are one of the toughest teams in the NFL. They have plenty of young talent on defense and a powerful trio on offense with Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper and Dak Prescott. The Eagles have lost three in a row to the Cowboys. (WIN in Philly, LOSS in Dallas)
5. Seahawks(home): A playoff team last season, the Seahawks have one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and no fear of coming into Philadelphia. The Eagles getting this game at home is a major bonus for them, as opposed to having to go into Seattle. LOSS
6. Falcons(Away): Like getting the Seahawks in Philadelphia is a bonus for the Eagles, getting the Eagles in Atlanta is a bonus for the Falcons, as the Eagles have lost their last two games in Atlanta. The good news for the Eagles is that quarterback Matt Ryan always seems to struggle against his hometown team. LOSS
7. Vikings (away): There might not be a team the Vikings hate more in the NFL right now than the Eagles, who kept them out of the Super Bowl in 2017 and then took their playoff spot in 2018. Having to go to Minnesota is tough, especially if it falls on Thanksgiving night. WIN
8. Bills(away): The Bills could surprise some people next season, especially if quarterback Josh Allen takes a step in the right direction. Still, the Eagles should be able to go into Buffalo and get a win. WIN
9. Jets(home): The Jets have made some improvements this offseason, especially at the running back position with Le'Veon Bell. The question is whether quarterback Sam Darnold will be ready to go into an environment like Philadelphia and beat a team like the Eagles? The answer to that question is likely no. WIN
10. Lions (home): The Lions are likely going to be one of the worst teams in the NFL next season. This should be an easy one for the Eagles. WIN
11. Giants:One of the only teams that might be worse than the Lions? The Giants. The Eagles, always have a tough time with the Giants, but there is no excuse to lose to the Giants this season. (WIN in Philly, WIN in New York)
12. Dolphins (away): This is one of the games that could become a little more difficult if it is early on. The Eagles don't play in Miami often, and road games against AFC opponents are never easy. If this one is early, it could be a tough one. Sooner rather than later, however, the Dolphins are going to start competing for one of the top picks in the 2020 NFL Draft. WIN
13. Washington: Washington does not have a quarterback, they have terrible skill position players and their defense is overrated. There will be real reason for concern if the Eagles drop one to Washington. (WIN in Philly, WIN in Washington)
OVERALL:11-5
You can follow Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
