2014 NFL Schedule Released: Predicting The Eagles’ Season
Eagles OLB Connor Barwin (98) and NT Bennie Logan (96) tackle Redskins RB Alfred Morris (46) during the game at Lincoln Financial Field. Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
The 2014 NFL schedule was released yesterday and the Philadelphia Eagles were handed a strange one. The Birds will play four of their six divisional games in the last five weeks of the regular season. This means that the division will most likely be decided in Week 16 or Week 17.
In the strength of schedule board, the Eagles’ schedule is ranked the 13th easiest (or 20th hardest, if you like it that way) with an Opponent Win Percentage of .479. The truth is, though, that it is not an easy schedule by any means. Philadelphia will have to play the NFC West this season, which has become the NFL’s powerhouse division. Among their other opponents are the Green Bay Packers and the Houston Texans, both of who are expected to be better in 2014 than last year.
Another team that should be better this season is the Washington Redskins. The presence of DeSean Jackson do not only makes their offense more explosive, but also adds an extra spice to their games against the Eagles. The two teams will face each other in Weeks 3 and 16.
I’ll try to predict the outcome of each Eagles’ game. At the same time, you can bookmark this link to have quick acces to the complete Eagles’ 2014 NFL schedule at any time.
WEEK 1: Jacksonville Jaguars @ Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday 9/7
I don’t like “easy” season-openers. These games can easily go either way, because no team has a momentum going and most are still trying to figure out where they stand. The Eagles are a much better team than the Jaguars and I think they will win, but I wouldn’t bet on that.
WIN
WEEK 2: Philadelpia Eagles @ Indianapolis Colts, Monday 9/15
I like the Eagles’ odds in this one. The Colts are a balanced team, but their defense does not match up well with the Eagles’ offense. This could be LeSean McCoy’s first huge game of the season.
WIN
WEEK 3: Washington Redskins @ Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday 9/21
Here it is, DeSean Jackson’s big return to Philadelphia. Probably the first tough game for Chip Kelly and his squad, all eyes will be watching this one. I’d have to guess a close game, like most divisional rivalries, with the Eagles winning this one because they have continuity in their coaching staff.
WIN
WEEK 4: Philadelphia Eagles @ San Francisco 49ers, Sunday 9/28
Playing at the brand new 49ers stadium for the first time won’t be a great experience for the Eagles. The 49ers are a tough team and in 2014, they will be playing to prove that they are the best team of the league.
LOSS
WEEK 5: St. Louis Rams @ Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday 10/5
I don’t have a very good feeling about this one, either. The Rams will be much improved in 2014 and the fact they are playing in the NFC West does not allow them to lose many games outside of the division, if they want to be in the playoff hunt. St. Louis pulls an upset in the Linc.
LOSS
WEEK 6: New York Giants @ Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday 10/12
Second home game in a row and the Eagles have to return to winning ways. With a bye next week, the Bird want to close this first phase of the season with a win. The Giants are not the team they used to be and despite some flashy free-agent signings, I don’t think they will be much better in 2014.
WIN
WEEK 7: BYE
This is the worst week of the season and you know why.
Turn to the next page for the remaining regular season games.