The 2021 NFL Schedule dropped last night which means we now know which order the Philadelphia Eagles will play their opponents. But how will they fare in Nick Sirianni’s first season as Head Coach? Let’s look into the crystal ball!
Week 1: @ Atlanta Falcons
As annoying as this is to say, this game could very easily go either way. The Falcons should be in a good position to rebound from their own 4-win season and have some dangerous playmakers to help them do exactly that along with a newly rebuilt secondary. The Eagles will be tested here and the last time they played Atlanta in a home opener on the road, it ended in tears.
Ultimately, I think the Eagles will fall just short to a veteran QB playing on his home turf, but show enough positives to prove that they can be competitive this season.
Result: Loss (0-1)
Week 2: San Francisco 49ers
Contrasting week one’s fixture, Jalen Hurts now plays host to a rookie QB very early on and that should give the Eagles some momentum. There will be a lot of defensive stress tests through the opening few weeks and it’s not like San Fran’s defense shouldn’t be feared. If Jonathan Gannon can help his defense find a way to create some pressure for Trey Lance, then what should be a run-first offense may be able to control the tempo and win this by playing conservatively.
Result: Win (1-1)
Week 3: @ Dallas Cowboys
Travelling to Jerry World isn’t the vacation it once was and that offense is full of receiving weapons that will punish a secondary that still doesn’t have a solid CB2 option. Until that changes, it’s hard to imagine the Eagles winning a shootout.
Result: Loss (1-2)
Week 4: Kansas City Chiefs
As if facing the trio of CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper, and Michael Gallup wasn’t enough, dealing with Patrick Mahomes, Clyde Edwards-Helaire, and Tyreek Hill just adds fuel to the fire. The Eagles are at Home and may try to play ‘keepaway’ but the Chiefs have realized the error of their ways after falling just short of a second straight Super Bowl and have bolstered the trenches.
The Eagles won’t have much of a fighting chance here but I expect them to take some swings anyway and show that again, they aren’t going away.
Result: Loss (1-3)
Week 5: @ Carolina Panthers
Sam Darnold will be captaining an explosive offense in Carolina and this will be another big test for the Eagles defense. Historically, these encounters have usually ended within a touchdown and considering that the Birds will be coming off of back-to-back losses, there will be an element of desperation kicking in here.
A big outing from Jalen Hurts lifts the Eagles to an unlikely win to keep the dream alive.
Result: Win (2-3)
Week 6: Vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The reigning Super Bowl champs travel to Philadelphia but by this point, the Eagles live rent free. They might have lost when they clashed for the first time since Super Bowl 52, but Brady was on the record saying that he’s still not over it. We all remember what happened when Brady came to Philadelphia in 2015 and faced the mighty Sam Bradford. I’m expecting a similar level of shock-win here.
Result: Win (3-3)
Week 7: @ Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders will be a dangerous team in 2021…providing Derek Carr doesn’t overthrow a pass into the night club that the team are building in the back of the end zone, and end up taking out a fan. With that said, I think travelling across the country after a clash with the Bucs will be a tall order for Sirianni’s soldiers.
Result: Loss (3-4)
Week 8: @ Detroit Lions
The Lions + Jared Goff might just = disaster…but it’s a back-to-back road trip and for every victory in a game that the Eagles shouldn’t win, there’s a loss in one they should. This, unfortunately, is going to be the first trap game of the year.
Result: Loss (3-5)
Week 9: Los Angeles Chargers
Last season’s rookie of the year makes his way to Philadelphia for what promises to be one of the most exciting matchups of the season. The Chargers had trouble closing games out last year, but I don’t think that’s the case this time around. The Eagles lose a nail biter.
Result: Loss (3-6)
Week 10: @ Denver Broncos
Playing at Mile High is never easy, but the Broncos have a tendency of starting out pretty strong and very quickly falling behind the 8 ball. If Teddy Bridgewater is indeed the starting QB, then the Eagles have a chance to hold that offense to a minimal output. Teddy B is a serviceable starter and a great game manager, but the Eagles should be able to raise the stakes offensively and if Slay can contain Jeudy, this becomes a winnable matchup.
Result: Win (4-6)
Week 11: New Orleans Saints
Hurts was able to best the Saints as a rookie, but that was against Taysom Hill. With an actual QB at the helm, the Saints will boast a more complete roster and an offense that isn’t lethargic.
Result: Loss (4-7)
Week 12: @ New York Giants
Travelling to New York has resulted in a slop-fest in recent times and the Eagles should have easily gotten past them last season, but that didn’t happen. Things will be tougher this time around, but I’ll take the better quarterback.
Result: Win (5-7)
Week 13: @ New York Jets
The Jets are still the Jets and the Eagles are 11-0-0 against them all-time. That streak doesn’t end here.
Result: Win (6-7)
Week 14: BYE
Thank. Heavens.
Week 15: Washington Football Team
Hosting Washington straight off of a Bye isn’t ideal. Their defense is tenacious and that offense is scary…for the most part. The final four games will likely decide the team’s playoff fate, but it’s hard to envision getting them past Washington this season.
Result: Loss (6-8)
Week 16: New York Giants
Daniel Jones trips into Philadelphia and the Eagles should be able to rebound nicely in their second consecutive home game.
Result: Win (7-8)
Week 17: @ Washington Football Team
Sorry.
Result: Loss (7-9)
Week 18: Vs Dallas Cowboys
Could it be that a potential playoff berth comes down to the mysterious new final game of the season? Potentially, at least for a wildcard spot. The Eagles are able to see off the Cowboys at home and end their season on a high.
Result: Win (8-9)
Will that be enough to make the playoffs? Only time will tell…but that’s definitely a better schedule than I was expecting. I mean, apart from the whole week 14 bye thing.
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
