NFL schedule launch: Predicting the Eagles' 2024 season recreation by recreation – The Philadelphia Inquirer

How will the Birds fare this season? Jeff McLane, EJ Smith and Olivia Reiner take their first guesses.
Now we all know who, when, and the place the Eagles will probably be enjoying this season. Right here’s how our Eagles beat writers see issues unfolding.
» READ MORE: Eagles’ 2024 schedule features five early road games, and five matchups in prime time
EJ Smith: The Packers, not like the Eagles, completed final 12 months on a excessive be aware and are gifted sufficient to spoil the Eagles’ journey to São Paulo, particularly if the new-look protection experiences rising pains in opposition to Packers quarterback Jordan Love. Nick Sirianni could also be 3-0 in season openers with the Eagles, however the unknown popping out of the offseason makes this seem like a toss-up. LOSS, 0-1
McLane: The Eagles are anticipated to maintain journey to São Paulo to a naked minimal and received’t arrive early for follow dates. The direct flight is roughly eight hours, however there’s solely a one-hour time distinction. With burgeoning quarterback Jordan Love, Inexperienced Bay is a scorching pundit decide to be a rising NFC workforce. The Eagles, with two new coordinators, will attempt to keep away from a gradual begin. LOSS, 0-1
Olivia Reiner: The Eagles’ season opener in São Paulo in opposition to the Packers contains a matchup between two groups that had reverse seasons in 2023. The Eagles began final season 10-1 and misplaced six of their final seven video games, together with their wild-card recreation in opposition to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. After a 3-6 begin, the Packers received six of their ultimate eight regular-season video games and upset the Dallas Cowboys within the wild-card spherical earlier than falling to the San Francisco 49ers within the divisional spherical. Jordan Love had success main the Packers’ younger offense final season, and I believe he’ll proceed to construct in 2024. LOSS, 0-1
» READ MORE: David Murphy: Saquon Barkley as NFL MVP? Maybe not. In the conversation? You bet, with or without the numbers.
Smith: Returning on a protracted flight house from Brazil could add some factor of a global recreation hangover to this matchup, however the prolonged week works within the Eagles’ favor right here. Atlanta added some credibility to the quarterback place with Kirk Cousins and now boasts probably the most explosive offenses within the league, however the Falcons’ protection is much less intimidating. The Eagles may have to win a shootout right here, however the enhance of a house opener is sufficient to tip the scales. WIN, 1-1
McLane: The NFL provides the Eagles 10 days in between the opener and this Monday evening matchup that’s really at house. The Falcons are present process one more shift with a brand new coach (Raheem Morris) and new quarterback (Kirk Cousins). Working again Bijan Robinson might trigger issues, however Atlanta must be one of many Birds’ simpler opponents. WIN, 1-1
Reiner: The Falcons spent the offseason revamping their quarterbacks room, signing Kirk Cousins and deciding on Michael Penix Jr. with the No. 8 general decide. Barring damage, Cousins figures to start out in opposition to the Eagles. Can he replicate the success he had in 2022, one 12 months faraway from a season-ending Achilles damage? There’s cause for skepticism. WIN, 1-1
» READ MORE: How Cooper DeJean’s ‘first love’ of basketball helped set him on a path to the Eagles
Smith: The Saints have been pushing off a rebuild for a while now and don’t seem like a real contender. Touring on a brief week so shortly after the worldwide journey is a troublesome break for the Eagles, as is catching the Saints earlier than their season has the prospect to take a downturn, however that is nonetheless a really winnable recreation. WIN, 2-1
McLane: The Eagles play in New Orleans for the primary time since Alshon Jeffery dropped the Nick Foles cross that knocked them out of the 2018 playoffs. The Saints have been a middling workforce since Drew Brees’ retirement and once more don’t look poised to make a soar. May this be the primary of two video games on the Super Bowl-hosting Superdome? WIN, 2-1
Reiner: The Saints didn’t make any notable free-agency strikes. Nonetheless, they made some stable additions within the draft, selecting up cornerback Kool-Assist McKinstry to enrich an already sturdy cornerbacks group. However offensively, beginning quarterback Derek Carr is inconsistent and their outlook with him on the helm heading into the season isn’t very excessive. WIN, 2-1
Smith: After getting bounced by the Buccaneers within the wild-card spherical of the playoffs final season, this will probably be seen as a revenge recreation no matter how the primary few weeks of the Eagles’ season go. Tampa Bay doubled down on Baker Mayfield this offseason and targeted totally on retaining the roster from final 12 months. The Bucs determine to be a handful most weeks, particularly for a road-weary Eagles workforce, however they need to be beatable. WIN, 3-1
McLane: The Eagles will probably be again on the Bay trying to avenge an embarrassing playoff loss that ended one of many worst season-ending spells in workforce historical past. Newly acquired linebacker Devin White can also have some further juice in opposition to his former workforce. Three straight wins in opposition to NFC South opponents might get coach Nick Sirianni off any potential early scorching seat heading right into a bye. WIN, 3-1
Reiner: The Eagles head again to Tampa to avenge their humiliating wild-card loss final postseason. This time round, they must have a greater plan and efficiency in opposition to Todd Bowles’ blitz. WIN, 3-1
» READ MORE: From brotherly love to Brotherly Love: How sibling competition helped drive Will Shipley to the Eagles
Smith: An early bye week is normally a nasty factor for a workforce with playoff aspirations, however after only one true house recreation sandwiched between a global journey and two flights to NFC South opponents, this will probably be a reprieve for the Eagles.
McLane: The Eagles get their earliest week off since 2016 when the bye got here in Week 4. It could have slowed the momentum of a 3-0 begin as they misplaced 9 of their subsequent 11 in Doug Pederson’s first season as coach.
Reiner: The Eagles land an early bye week after opening the season with three of 4 video games on the highway, together with the journey to Brazil. It must be a welcome break earlier than the journey picks up once more.
Smith: Cleveland has an opportunity to be top-of-the-line groups within the AFC due to a gifted protection led by Myles Garrett, a succesful offensive play-caller in Kevin Stefanski, and a powerful offensive line. Catching the Browns earlier within the season lessens the probability of the Eagles seeing Nick Chubb returned from a ugly knee damage suffered final 12 months, however Cleveland must be ok to beat anyone as long as Deshaun Watson performs at a excessive sufficient stage to buoy the offense. LOSS, 3-2
McLane: The controversial acquisition of Deshaun Watson hasn’t paid off for Cleveland, however Philly-born coach Kevin Stefanski has nonetheless managed to win. A stocked protection has helped offset the problems on offense. Former Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz returns with the Browns and is commonly at his greatest when he has a gear to grind. LOSS, 3-2
Reiner: The Browns offense, which completed within the high 10 in 2023, took a step up this offseason with the acquisition of former Denver Broncos broad receiver Jerry Jeudy. They didn’t add a lot younger expertise within the draft (their first choice was at No. 54 because of the picks conceded within the Deshaun Watson commerce), however they’ve a stable workforce on either side of the ball able to contending as long as Watson stays wholesome and constant. LOSS, 3-2
Smith: Saquon Barkley’s return to MetLife will probably be appointment viewing for each units of fan bases, however this recreation can even characteristic an intimidating Giants cross rush in opposition to the Eagles’ reworked offensive line. Can Cam Jurgens maintain up in opposition to Dexter Lawrence? Can the Giants’ new edge-rusher duo of Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux match up in opposition to Lane Johnson and Jordan Mailata? That could possibly be the deciding issue within the recreation, however the Eagles have owned the Giants through the Daniel Jones period. WIN, 4-2
McLane: New Eagles working again Saquon Barkley faces his previous workforce for the primary time. His return to MetLife Stadium will possible be probably the most talked-about story heading into the divisional matchup. By this level the Eagles ought to have a grasp on Barkley’s function in an offense that isn’t missing in firepower. WIN, 4-2
Reiner: Of their 2023 regular-season finale, the Eagles suffered a humiliating loss to the Giants at MetLife and had been dropping when playoff seeding was nonetheless on the road. The Giants added a brand new receiving weapon for Jones in No. 6 general decide Malik Nabers. However they’re nonetheless arguably the weakest workforce within the NFC East, and the Eagles ought to have the higher hand of their return to East Rutherford, N.J. WIN, 4-2
» READ MORE: The Eagles’ new partnership with TickPick will put you on the field — literally
Smith: Joe Burrow and Jalen Hurts, each younger quarterbacks who’ve led their groups to Tremendous Bowl berths early of their careers, will probably be a marquee matchup. With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, Cincinnati is among the few groups with a receiving corps gifted sufficient to rival the Eagles’ duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, organising an attention-grabbing midseason take a look at for the Eagles’ new-look secondary with rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. LOSS, 4-3
McLane: Joe Burrow is predicted to make a full restoration from surgical procedure, however Cincinnati’s fortunes could relaxation on the best wrist of the quarterback. If he has the identical arm energy and accuracy, the Bengals must be again within the championship combine. The Birds’ possibilities of slowing Burrow might rely upon how they’ve tailored to new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme and play-calling. LOSS, 4-3
Reiner: With quarterback Joe Burrow set to return this season after lacking the ultimate seven video games of 2023 as a consequence of a wrist damage, the Bengals have their sights set on a Tremendous Bowl. They’ve a stellar offense headlined by receivers Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins and a gifted protection that includes 2023 Professional Bowl edge rusher Trey Hendrickson and security Geno Stone, a free-agent acquisition who had seven interceptions for the Ravens final 12 months. LOSS, 4-3
» READ MORE: Jeremiah Trotter Jr. gets a chance to create his own legacy with the Eagles: ‘My dad shed some tears’
Smith: One other Doug Pederson reunion. Just like the Eagles, the Jaguars had a late-season collapse to complete out final 12 months. Additionally just like the Eagles, Pederson retained Press Taylor as offensive coordinator regardless of some lackluster offensive manufacturing throughout that 1-5 stretch to shut the common season. Whereas it’s value mentioning the Jaguars will probably be getting back from consecutive video games in London at this level within the season, they’ve bought sufficient expertise with worldwide video games to make that perceived benefit much less important. WIN, 5-3
McLane: Pederson has already been again to the Linc because the Eagles fired him in January 2021. The Jaguars misplaced that recreation and the early name right here is that they fall once more in Philly. The clock is ticking on quarterback Trevor Lawrence and possibly even Pederson if Jacksonville doesn’t flip it round this season. WIN, 5-3
Reiner: Pederson returns to the Linc with the Jaguars, who narrowly missed out on the playoffs final 12 months. Can they clear up the errors that hampered their season? Whereas they added receiver Brian Thomas Jr. within the draft, their offense could not have what it takes to beat the Eagles at house. WIN, 5-3
Smith: Dallas hasn’t had a convincing offseason and it’s truthful to surprise if the workforce has hit its ceiling as at present constructed. Nonetheless, the Cowboys are ok to separate with the Eagles, who haven’t received in Dallas since 2017. This will probably be an vital take a look at for Jalen Hurts’ ball safety at this level within the season, dealing with off in opposition to Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland, two of probably the most aggressive cornerbacks within the NFL in terms of making performs on the ball. LOSS, 5-4
McLane: The Eagles have misplaced six straight at Dallas relationship again to their Tremendous Bowl-winning season of 2017. There isn’t a lot of a working thread besides that the Cowboys are simply that a lot better at house. They misplaced just one recreation in Arlington, Texas within the two earlier seasons. It’s powerful to guess in opposition to these numbers. LOSS, 5-4
Reiner: The Eagles haven’t overwhelmed the Cowboys on the highway because the 2017 season. Additionally they haven’t received each of their video games in opposition to Dallas since 2011. Whereas the Cowboys had an underwhelming offseason when it comes to roster constructing, they’re nonetheless a superb workforce and so they’ll handle to separate the collection as soon as extra. LOSS, 5-4
Smith: If Jayden Daniels progresses by this level in his rookie season, this recreation could possibly be extra attention-grabbing. Nonetheless, the Commanders are within the early levels of a rebuild and don’t match up with the Eagles in a number of key areas. One which stands out? The surface cornerback spot throughout from A.J. Brown, who had a mixed 305 receiving yards within the Eagles’ two video games in opposition to Washington final 12 months. WIN, 6-4
McLane: If Washington opts to start out rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels from Day 1, he might have it no less than partially found out by mid-November. However there’ll possible be rising pains and with it setbacks for a franchise that’s rebooting once more. On one other be aware, Zach Ertz ought to lastly get a curtain name on the Linc. WIN, 6-4
Reiner: The Commanders have some promise of their future with No. 2 general decide Jayden Daniels set to imagine the beginning quarterback function. However can the rookie make a right away influence? In any other case, former Eagles backup Marcus Mariota could possibly be working the offense (it’s unlikely, however not out of the realm of risk). WIN, 6-4
» READ MORE: How Cooper DeJean’s ‘first love’ of basketball helped set him on a path to the Eagles
Smith: An Eagles-Rams recreation with out Aaron Donald lining up throughout from Jason Kelce will probably be a sobering reminder of the 2 greats’ selections to hold it up. This recreation could possibly be tougher than Los Angeles’ win complete from final 12 months (10) would recommend. From Sean McVay to Matthew Stafford and the receiving duo of Cooper Kupp and Puka Nacua, the Rams have the items to be an elite offense. Their protection is the query mark, which means this could possibly be a shootout. McVay could have spent the previous few years working towards in opposition to defensive coaches emulating Fangio’s scheme, however the Eagles realized final 12 months there’s a distinction between a Fangio-inspired protection and the actual factor. WIN, 7-4
McLane: This could possibly be a stylish loss to foretell for prognosticators. The Rams bought scorching late final season and Matthew Stafford can nonetheless sling it. Coach Sean McVay not has Aaron Donald in the course of his line of defense, although. The Eagles, after all, received’t have middle Jason Kelce to steer double-team blocks to the long run Corridor of Fame D-tackle’s aspect both. However they love enjoying in L.A. of late and this will probably be their final flight of the common season. WIN, 7-4
Reiner: For the primary time in 10 years, the Eagles received’t need to recreation plan for Aaron Donald of their Rams matchup. Nonetheless, the Rams labored to bolster their defensive entrance within the offseason, including edge rusher Jared Verse with the nineteenth general decide within the draft and his Florida State teammate Braden Fiske, a nostril sort out, with the No. 39 choice. Offensively, Stafford, Nacua, and Kupp proceed to make the Rams a formidable group. LOSS, 6-5
Smith: Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson’s first assembly as two of probably the most athletic quarterbacks within the NFL figures to be an entertaining showcase of how far the place has developed. Nonetheless, the Ravens have a protection gifted sufficient to tread water in opposition to the Eagles offense and Jackson is sweet sufficient to torch even a well-organized protection, particularly one coming off a cross-country journey. LOSS, 7-5
McLane: Can the Birds win at Baltimore? Completely. The identical might be mentioned for each recreation if we’re being sincere right here. That’s the NFL. The Eagles received on the Chiefs final season after which went on a historic free fall. Who noticed that coming? So, sure, predictions in Could are as meaningless as preseason video games. However for the sake of the enterprise, let’s go along with the chalk and John Harbaugh, Lamar Jackson and Co. successful at house. LOSS, 7-5
Reiner: The Eagles haven’t had any success on the highway in opposition to the Ravens — they’ve gone 0-2-1 in Baltimore within the common season. No, historical past doesn’t essentially imply something to the 2024 Eagles. However they’ll face the reigning NFL MVP in Lamar Jackson and an improved protection (notably within the secondary after including cornerback Nate Wiggins within the draft) that was one of the best within the league final season. LOSS, 6-6
Smith: Carolina was dreadful final 12 months and can want a big leap from Bryce Younger to reverse course this season. Even when the Panthers take a step ahead, they’re nonetheless within the early levels of a multiyear rebuild and must be one of many simpler video games on the Eagles’ schedule. WIN, 8-5
McLane: Is there a franchise with as little juice because the Panthers? They’ve the worst proprietor, a petite quarterback, and their seventh head coach — together with two interims — within the final seven years. Dave Canales is the most recent and in the event you knew his identify earlier than he was employed, we bow to your NFL data. A loss right here would recommend the Eagles won’t be pretty much as good as marketed. WIN, 8-5
Reiner: The Panthers will enter the season with a retooled offensive line because of the free-agent signings of Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt. Younger ought to have higher safety up entrance, however they’re nonetheless anticipated to be among the many bottom-feeders within the league this season. WIN, 7-6
» READ MORE: From brotherly love to Brotherly Love: How sibling competition helped drive Will Shipley to the Eagles
Smith: This Steelers workforce has appeared prepared for a rebuild for a while now, however Mike Tomlin grinding out one other successful season feels inevitable at this level. T.J. Watt is among the few edge rushers ok to problem Lane Johnson, however Pittsburgh’s potential this 12 months will probably be decided by what they get out of Russell Wilson and/or Justin Fields. If a type of two quarterbacks can regain their footing to save lots of their profession, the Steelers might make this a way more troublesome recreation. Whether or not that occurs, although, is anybody’s guess. WIN, 9-5
McLane: The Kenny Pickett revenge recreation nobody in Philly would need as a result of that might imply Jalen Hurts was both damage or benched. For all of the ink spent on Hurts’ sturdiness and the Eagles holding him protected, he missed solely 5 significant snaps final season. As for a way he’ll bounce again from 2023, the guess right here is that he’ll play at a stage someplace in between 2022 and final season. WIN, 9-5
Reiner: The Steelers spent the offseason upgrading their offense, including Russell Wilson in free company (and Justin Fields as a backup) and bettering the offensive line within the draft. The Eagles must be grateful that they’re dealing with new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith later quite than earlier within the schedule, in order that they’ll have a greater thought of what to anticipate from the Steelers’ new-look offense. WIN, 8-6
Smith: By this level of the season, the Eagles will probably be pushing for a playoff spot whereas the Commanders could possibly be eyeing draft order. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn has developed from his Cowl 3 Seattle days, nevertheless it’s straightforward to see the Eagles’ offense having a giant day in opposition to his overmatched secondary even when he deploys two excessive safeties a lot of the recreation. WIN, 10-5
McLane: The Eagles are going to win and lose no less than a couple of video games by which most anticipated the alternative outcome, proper? I’ll go along with a pre-Christmas shocker at dreadful FedEx Subject. Why? I believe new coach Dan Quinn could have the Commanders believing and I’m not but a believer in Sirianni’s sustainability. LOSS, 9-6
Reiner: Final season, the Commanders went 4-13, however they gave the Eagles suits in each video games. Brighter days could possibly be on the horizon for the Commanders underneath new normal supervisor Adam Peters, however they’re nonetheless a methods away from contending within the NFC East. WIN, 9-6
Smith: The Eagles’ ultimate stretch is noticeably favorable from a journey standpoint — their final flight for a regular-season recreation will probably be in Week 12 — which ought to assist counteract the early bye-week woes. This recreation could come right down to the Eagles’ youth-infused cross rush in opposition to a Dallas offensive entrance that would characteristic some children of its personal, particularly this late within the season. WIN, 11-5
McLane: A minimum of one Eagles-Cowboys tilt is often scheduled for Sunday evening, so this matchup has the potential for being flexed into prime time. With each Mike McCarthy and Sirianni possible on brief leashes, this could possibly be labeled the Invoice Belichick Bowl. Extra possible, this assembly might resolve the NFC East. WIN, 10-6
Reiner: Dak Prescott is coming off one of the best season of his profession, ending the runner-up in MVP voting. He and receiver CeeDee Lamb boast nice chemistry and manufacturing in consequence. However the Cowboys misplaced loads of vital gamers in free company, together with working again Tony Pollard, middle Tyler Biadasz, and defensive finish Dorance Armstrong, and didn’t substitute them one-for-one. The Eagles ought to be capable of cut up their collection in opposition to the Cowboys, and on this train, Philly wins at house. WIN, 10-6
» READ MORE: Meet the Eagles’ coordinators: Takeaways from Vic Fangio and Kellen Moore’s introductory news conferences
Smith: Much like the sport in opposition to Washington, this might very nicely be a state of affairs the place the Eagles are enjoying for playoff seeding whereas the Giants are extra preoccupied by the draft. Until the Giants make a shock playoff push or the Eagles have little at stake, this must be a winnable regular-season finale. WIN, 12-5
McLane: Latest season finales for the Eagles have had little which means. Who is aware of what peaks and valleys they’ll traverse over the earlier 16 video games and whether or not they’re heading for a fourth straight postseason? The relative energy of the roster and a better schedule, on paper, suggests they need to be again and probably competing for the Tremendous Bowl. An 11-6 document sounds about proper. WIN, 11-6
Reiner: With the addition of Brian Burns, the Giants have a reasonably stable defensive corps, which incorporates edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, cornerback Deonte Banks, defensive lineman Dexter Lawrence, and linebacker Bobby Okereke. However so long as Jones is the beginning quarterback, the Eagles ought to be capable of beat this workforce handily if playoff seeding continues to be on the road. They end the season 11-6. WIN, 11-6

source