Eagles upcoming three-game road trip will test Philadelphia’s mettle

Through 13 weeks of the 2022-2023 NFL regular season, the Philadelphia Eagles have aced just about every test that they have faced. They can pass the ball, run the ball, score points, and play solid defense. They’ve proven that they can protect leads, rally from deficits, and win offensive shootouts. They’ve won at home, in cold weather, and on the road. Still, after all of the adversity, their biggest test starts this week as they begin a three-game road test. Their first game is a tussle with the Giants.

Two of the three games are tough battles versus NFC East competition. That includes a Christmas Eve clash with the Cowboys. Much is at stake. Philadelphia hopes to win its division and remain the number-one seed in the NFL. Here’s a deep dive into what might be their biggest test of the season.

Everything begins with the Eagles’ Week 14 clash with the Giants.

The New York Giants have been one of the surprise teams in the NFL. They are currently 7-4-1, and two of their losses were to the Dallas Cowboys. Their winning record in what was supposed to be a rebuilding year is a credit to their new coach Brian Daboll.

The first-time head coach has found a way for the Giants to effectively use quarterback Daniel Jones, reinvigorate the running game, and play strong defense. New York is growing into a team that everyone should be wary of for years to come.

This is a nice test for the Eagles. Philadelphia already beat a seven-win Tennessee Titans team in Week 13. This is their fourth divisional game. The Birds and G-Men split the season series last year, with the home team winning in each instance.

Kevin Brzostek’s Prediction: Eagles 24 Giants 21

The Eagles need to keep winning to stay ahead of Minnesota and Dallas, but the Giants won’t go down easy.

Week 15 takes the Eagles to Soldier Field to meet the Bears.

Week 15’s game versus the Chicago Bears figures to be the most winnable game of this three-game road test, but no road game in the NFL is ‘easy’. Remember how Philadelphia narrowly escaped Indianapolis in their last road game, 17-16?

The Bears are having a down year, with only three wins in 13 games. They’ve been overmatched in many of their games, but they managed to keep things close against the Miami Dolphins, Washington Commanders, and Minnesota Vikings.

Brzostek’s Prediction: Eagles 27 Bears 17

The Eagles will likely be heavily favored and should leave Chicago with a win.

Week 16 is headlined by an Eagles and Cowboys clash on Christmas Eve.

The Christmas Eve matchup in Dallas will be a must-see game for any NFL fan regardless of affiliation. Entering Week 14, Philadelphia is currently holding on to a two-game lead in the NFC East, but Dallas has only lost twice since Week 1.

Both teams are playing their best football, so this game could very well decide the division and who winds up with the coveted first-round bye during the postseason.

The Eagles won the first matchup by a 26-17 margin at Lincoln Financial Field. Philly benefited from not having to face Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, who historically has owned the NFC East. In this matchup, the Eagles must find a way to silence some of Dallas’ biggest stars on both sides of the ball, including Ezekiel Elliott, CeeDee Lamb, and Micah Parsons.

Brzostek’s Prediction: Eagles 31 Cowboys 30

The Eagles have not swept the Cowboys since 2011, but this year’s team is special. Philadelphia will come away with a win.

In Conclusion

Eagles doubters have been ready to put the Eagles away for a while now, but this team keeps winning games. These next three matchups will be the Eagles’ biggest test. They have what it takes to be an elite team though, so let’s see what Philly can do as they try to close in on securing the number one seed in the NFC.