Free agency is in the books, the draft is over and the schedule is here — which means it is time to make some picks.
Here is an Eagles game-by-game prediction for the 2020 season:
Week 1 At Washington:
The Andre Dillard vs. Chase Young matchup could be a tough one for Eagles fans to watch in Week 1. Carson Wentz is 5-0 against Washington since his rookie year and it is unlikely that changes in Week 1. The last time the Eagles opened on the road in Washington was 2017. We all remember what happened that year.
Prediction: Win (1-0)
Week 2 Home vs. Los Angeles Rams:
Some matchups are pretty simple. Carson Wentz is a better quarterback than Jared Goff and Doug Pederson is a better head coach than Sean McVay. The fact this is in Philadelphia makes it an easy win for the Eagles.
Prediction: Win (2-0)
Week 3 Home vs. Cincinnati Bengals:
Considering how tough their schedule is, this one can't be a loss for the Eagles if they have any plan of seriously contending for a playoff spot. The good news is it is tough to see rookie quarterback Joe Burrow having a good day against Jim Schwartz's defense. Getting the Bengals early on, with two weeks of tape, should make this one even easier.
Prediction: Win (3-0)
Week 4 at San Francisco 49ers:
This projects as a tough matchup for the Eagles, but they do have a few advantages against the 49ers. To start, their defense should be really strong against the run, which is the driving force behind the 49ers offense. Second, they should be well versed on the 49ers offensive scheme, as they now former 49ers coach Rich Scangarello in the building. The cross country trip won't be easy, but of all the tough games that look like losses on the schedule, this one has the best chance of being a big win. Still, primetime makes this one a tough spot for the Eagles.
Prediction: Loss (3-1)
Week 5 At Pittsburgh Steelers:
The Eagles don't make many trips to Pittsburgh, as they have only faced their cross-country rivals three times in the steel city since 2000. The Eagles need to hope Ben Roethlisberger is already sidelined by the time this game happens.
Prediction: Loss (3-2)
Week 6 Home vs. Baltimore Ravens:
The Eagles were very good against the run last season, which should help them remain competitive against one of the best running teams in the league last season. The Eagles made an effort to get faster on defense this offseason. Lamar Jackson will certainly be a great test of that new speed.
Prediction: Win (4-2)
Week 7 Home vs. Giants:
The Giants on a short week is the perfect opponent for the Eagles. How successful the Giants are this season depends on how big of a step forward Daniel Jones takes from his rookie year. Getting them in a prime-time spot feels like an edge for the Eagles — especially at home.
Prediction: Win (5-2)
Week 8 Home vs. Dallas:
Last season the Cowboys trip to Philadelphia ended up essentially being the NFC East championship game. This one won't be, but it might feel just as important, and it will be a great first test for the Eagles.
Prediction: Win (6-2)
Week 9: BYE
Week 10 At Giants:
Carson Wentz is 2-0 at MetLife since his rookie season, and his offense has put up 34 points in each of those wins. This one should have a similar outcome.
Prediction: Win (7-2)
Week 11 At Cleveland Browns:
In some ways the Browns are one of the toughest teams in the league to get a read on. They have plenty of talent on offense, and if Baker Mayfield has a bounce-back season, they could be a tough matchup for any team. On the other hand, they are the Browns.
Prediction: Win (8-2)
Week 12 Home vs. Seattle Seahawks:
Pete Carroll and the Seahawks seem to have Doug Pederson and the Eagles' number. It is tough to predict that changing until we actually see the Eagles come out on top against Seattle.
Prediction: Loss (8-3)
Week 13 At Green Bay Packers:
The Eagles got one of their biggest wins of the season last year in Green Bay. It is tough to see them walking out of Lambeau Field with a second-straight win — especially in a cold, late-season game.
Prediction: Loss (8-4)
Week 14 Home vs. New Orleans Saints:
The Saints have owned the Eagles recently. Getting the Saints in Philadelphia is a major break for the Eagles. Plenty of interesting quarterback battles in this one — Carson Wentz vs. Drew Brees and Taysom Hill vs. Jalen Hurts. This will be the Saints' third-straight road game, and getting them this late in the season is an advantage for the Eagles.
Prediction: Win (9-4)
Week 15 At Arizona Cardinals:
The Cardinals have the potential to be a playoff team this season, especially if Kyler Murray takes another step forward from his rookie season. The key matchup to watch here will be Darius Slay vs. DeAndre Hopkins — the veteran player the Eagles traded for vs. the one many wish they would have. Arizona has been a tough place for the Eagles, as they are just 2-8 in their last 10 trips to the desert.
Prediction: Loss (9-5)
Week 16 At Dallas:
This is easily the most exciting matchup on the schedule. Wentz vs. Dak, Reagor vs. CeeDee Lamb, Doug Pederson vs. Mike McCarthy. On paper, the Cowboys are better than the Eagles are right now, but this should be a close one — and not the blowout it was last season in Dallas. This very well could be for the division titile.
Prediction: Loss (9-6)
Week 17 Home vs. Washington:
This should be a nice easy late-season win for the Eagles if they need it.
Prediction: Win (10-6)
You can reach Eliot Shorr-Parks on Twitter at @EliotShorrParks or email him at esp@94wip.com!
