The Eagles will kick off the 2024 season with high expectations which means if you drafted one of the playmakers out of Philly then your expectations are pretty high as well. Offensively, the team is filled with nothing but talent from the wideout position to their newest weapon at running back, Saquon Barkley. They’ll start the season in São Paulo, Brazil against the Packers for the NFL’s first ever Friday Night game.
Here are five Eagles that you should absolutely start in week 1:
Jalen Hurts
In 2023 Hurts averaged 21.9 ppg which was 2nd most for a QB, behind Josh Allen. He is a must-start most weeks, and this week, versus the Packers.
The Green Bay Packers have a new DC in 2024 and some tendencies are yet to be known, but there are areas in the passing game that the Eagles can exploit. Starting cornerback Eric Stokes should be challenged early in the game. Last season, in limited play, he allowed a 134.5 passer rating when targeted. The Eagles have 3 capable wideouts who should be able to win this matchup, even if the Packers use 2 safeties over the top for help.
I expect Hurts to debut in 2024 with a big showing!
Projected fantasy points: 21.22.
Saquon Barkley
Saquon averaged 15.9 points per game, which ranked 9th amongst RBs. He managed to do that with an inferior offensive line and team. Neither of which will hinder him this year. D’Andre Swift averaged 3.0 yards before contact per attempt last year. This should be a welcome change for Barkley.
Saquon was the 5th overall RB involved in receiving targets with a 15.3% share of the Giants passing plays while running 255 routes. That should rise this season, and on Friday night.
The Packers allowed 4.4 yards per carry in 2023 and Saquon should have no problem eclipsing that in his first game as a Philadelphia Eagle.
I expect this game to be the Saquon Barkley show, live from Sao Paulo!
Projected fantasy points: 16.80
AJ Brown
A.J. averaged 17 ppg, good for 8th most amongst WRs despite only managing one 100-yard game and 2 TDs over the last 8 weeks of the season.
He is a high-volume receiver who has averaged over 150 targets per season since joining the Eagles and should see plenty on Friday night.
Despite likely matching up against one of the best corners in the game, Jaire Alexander, Brown should be able to win enough routes to make an impact with a touchdown and over 75 receiving yards.
Projected fantasy points: 13.90
Dallas Goedert
Dallas was nursing an oblique injury to end training camp but has practiced the last few days and looks to be ready to start in Brazil.
New Eagles OC Kellen Moore loves to get his Tight Ends involved early and often and since they are facing the 19th-ranked defense from 2023 in allowing yards to TEs, expect that opportunity to be too much to resist.
Projected fantasy points: 11.20
Jake Elliott
Elliott averaged 9.2 ppg, 6th for all kickers, and totaled 156 points in 2023. He also made a career-best 93.8% of his field goal attempts.
The long journey to South America may lead to a slow start.
Jake should be able to nail down some early field goal opportunities and be an asset to your fantasy squad.
Projected fantasy points: 8.80
As always, Thank you for reading!
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Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
