After beginning the 2024 season with an even 2-2 record, it was reasonable to wonder if the All-Star team Howie Roseman handpicked was only going to look better on paper. But, something magical happened during the bye week. The Philadelphia Eagles worked out a few kinks and have become a better football team week by week.
Now 6-0 since the bye, Philly has the potential to take not only the NFC East division but the entire NFC Conference if they turn things on come playoff time. It won't be easy. On their road to victory (see what we did there?), the Birds will have to surpass the 8-1 Detroit Lions but make no mistake. They can do it.
The Eagles have an equal shot as the Detroit Lions to become NFC Champions thanks in part to a phenomenal roster.
Giants fans won't want to hear this, but the first name that comes to mind when many think about Philadelphia's offense is none other than the great Saquon Barkley, and for good reason.
He earned his fourth 1000+ rushing yard season in Week 11 against the Commanders, Barkley could surpass the 2000 mark. With another NFC Offensive Player of the Year title possibly looming, Barkley is still just one piece to the Eagles' offensive puzzle.
And, that gives the Lions a lot to think about.
Philly has more to offer at WR.
Saquon doesn't have to do it alone. A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith, and the often underrated (and sometimes underutilized) Dallas Goedert give Jalen Hurts options in the passing game.
Grant Calcaterra, Jahan Dotson, and Kenneth Gainwell have also been active this season. They have done some good things when called upon.
Too much of a good thing could be bad, but not in this case. The number of weapons opposing defenses have to cover is uncanny. There is an arsenal at Jalen Hurts' disposal. Each player can take over a game, and that keeps opposing defensive coordinators up at night.
The Eagles are among the NFL's top-ranked defense.
The Eagles' defense has been the star of the show for weeks on end. Their performance on Thursday night Football was awe-inspiring.
Zach Baun has reached new levels. Reed Blankenship leads the defense in interceptions. Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean are both valid Rookie of the Year candidates playing in a secondary that has played well.
After Philadelphia's win vs. the Washington Commanders. The Eagles' defense sits No. 1 in total defense. Now, every other team needs to play their games this week. That can't be debied, but that's impressive regardless of how you slice it.
Philly allows an average of 273.1 yards per contest. They have only surrendered 18 touchdowns through 10 games. That, again, gives the Lions and everyone else tons to think about.
How about some veteran experience?
There's something to be said about a player who's been with their team for years on end, but reaching 15 seasons in the NFL is nothing to sneeze at. Brandon Graham is Philadelphia's longest-tenured player and at 36 years old, he still hangs with the best of them.
B.G. has been with the Eagles since Andy Reid's coaching era, providing veteran experience along with Lane Johnson, Darius Slay, Josh Sweat, Avonte Maddox, and Dallas Goedert.
Despite the retirement of Jason Kelce, the greatest center of all time, he is often seen at practices. This team is loaded with veteran leadership everywhere.
Eagles odds to reach the Super Bowl have improved
Two gritty teams from blue-collar cities have emerged as the top teams in the National Football Conference. It's truly anyone's game. The Lions may have stability, but the Eagles are climbing the ladder, and they still haven't reached their ceiling.
DraftKings gives the Eagles odds of +750 to reach the Super Bowl with seven games remaining as of 8 am EST on November 17th. They trail only the Chiefs (+400), Lions (+450), and Ravens (+600). Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Fans have seen the story of the underdog play out once before, and it's possible that we could be reading a sequel.