Having already pinpointed the Eagles five toughest matchups of the 2016 season, it’s time to scan the rest of the schedule to see which games they're most likely to emerge victorious from. Philadelphia’s schedule becomes progressively tougher throughout the season, making a quick start imperative to long term success in 2016.
Here’s a look at the Eagles five most winnable matchups.
Week 7: vs. Vikings
With starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater placed on injured reserve, the Vikings will turn to 36-year-old journeyman Shaun Hill to lead a Super Bowl caliber roster into the 2016 season. Despite being outgained by 23 yards-per-game last season, Minnesota outscored opponents by an average of four points-per-game on their way to their first NFC North title since 2009. The Vikings are led by a trio of ferocious defenders, linebacker Anthony Barr, safety Harrison Smith and defensive tackle Linval Joseph are leaders of an elite defensive unit which ranked 5th in 2015 allowing just under 19 points per game. The devastating knee injury which ended Bridgewater’s season will be arduous for head coach Mike Zimmer’s team to overcome, as evidenced by their Super Bowl odds ballooning from 20:1 to 30:1 following news of the severe injury.
Matchup to watch: Adrian Peterson vs. Eagles LBs
Prediction: Vikings win 20-10
Week 10: vs. Falcons
Superstar wide receiver Julio Jones posted 1,871 yards on an astounding 136 receptions in 2015, but the Falcons didn’t live up to expectations in former Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn’s first season as head coach. The Falcons suffocated the Eagles offense in the first half of the 2015 season opener, then held off a second half surge set up by a Walter Thurmond interception in the 3rd quarter. Jones hauled in 9 catches for 141 yards and two touchdowns as the Philadelphia secondary had no answer for his rare combination of size and speed. Sam Bradford finished with 336 passing yards on 52 attempts but threw two interceptions, including one which should’ve been caught by Jordan Matthews on the Eagles final possession. Despite the crucial mishap, Matthews had 102 yards on 10 catches as Philadelphia fell just a field goal short of what would’ve been a spectacular comeback win.
Matchup to watch: Julio Jones vs. Leodis McKelvin
Prediction: Falcons win 24-13
Week 2: @ Chicago
The Eagles will visit Soldier Field for a primetime showdown in their first road game of 2016. Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery and linebacker Pernell McPhee are both considered amongst the best players in the league at their respective positions. Much like Julio Jones, Jeffrey is a physical specimen who uses his imposing frame and deceptive speed to succeed against single coverage and double-teams alike. Jay Cutler is prone to interceptions under pressure, and if Philadelphia’s preseason is any indication, they’ll have ample opportunities to pick off the veteran from Vanderbilt.
Matchup to watch: Pernell McPhee vs. Jason Peters
Prediction: Eagles win 24-23
Week 5: @ Detroit
The Eagles will look to avenge a 45-14 Thanksgiving rout last season when they traveled to Detroit in early October. The Lions expect explosive second-year running back Ameer Abdullah to ease the pain of Calvin Johnson’s sudden retirement in the offseason. Johnson was magnificent in the nationally-televised matchup last November, catching nine balls for 93 yards and three touchdowns. Matt Stafford tied a career high with five touchdown passes and notched 337 yards while former Eagles quarterback Mark Sanchez failed to reach 200 yards.
Matchup to watch: Golden Tate vs. Leodis McKelvin
Prediction: Eagles win 34-17
Week 1: vs. Cleveland
The Eagles will start the 2016 season playing host to a rebuilding Browns team that struggled mightily last fall. Receiver Josh Gordon will return to the Cleveland lineup after multiple suspensions for failed drug tests, while former Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III looks to rejuvenate his career after steady regression in the nation’s capital ultimately led to Kirk Cousins winning the starting job. Former Ohio State quarterback-turned-receiver Terrelle Pryor will line up opposite Gordon for the Browns offense which ranked 30th in the NFL with just over 17 points per game last season. Browns rookie wideout Corey Coleman led the nation with 20 touchdown grabs for the Baylor Bears last fall, completes a talent-loaded wide receiver unit which will be a formidable test for the veteran Eagles secondary which looks to improve upon a lackluster 2015.
Matchup to watch: Jordan Matthews vs. Joe Haden
Prediction: Eagles win 20-16
Patrick Del Gaone is a staff writer for Sports Talk Philly. Follow him on Twitter @Del_Gaone.
