Another holiday passes. It's almost time to flip the calendar to 2025. Much has happened over the past 12 months, hasn't it? 2024 didn't begin on high notes for the Philadelphia Eagles. At this same juncture last December, we were all trying to navigate the Birds' collapse.
This time around, New Year's Day will be a tad more festive. We hope to be celebrating an NFC East title and the second postseason seed in the NFC Playoffs at minimum.
Philly will be home favorites vs. the Dallas Cowboys even without Jalen Hurts in the lineup. It's important to remember that CeeDee Lamb won't be playing either. Here are a handful of bold predictions for Sunday.
Buckle up.
Kenny Pickett rushes for 50 yards.
We enjoyed a mixed bag from Kenny Pickett in Week 16 vs. the Commanders. That's to be expected. No one thought that he would be playing.
He's taken the first-team reps, and while we have all stated the offense will have to be revamped without Jalen Hurts, that may not be true. Some seem to have forgotten Kenny has some wheels too.
We keep discussing how the Eagles must change their offense with Kenny Pickett in the lineup. That may not be totally true.
— Inside The Iggles (@InsideIggles) December 27, 2024
While Kenny isn't the scrambler that Jalen is (few QBs are), let's not forget that he can run if necessary too. pic.twitter.com/69YAldunmG
Expect a couple of designed runs and maybe a few more birthed out of necessity. When the smoke clears and the dust settles, we're thinking K.P. will have 50 yards rushing on the stat sheet.
Saquon Barkley stacks another 150 yards rushing and a rushing TD.
Saquon Barkley got off to a scorching start vs. the Commanders but cooled as they dedicated their resources to stopping him. Still, he's in striking distance of the single-season NFL rushing record.
We're calling for another 150 big ones in this one which will make the conversations about whether they should rest him or play him in Week 18 a huge discussion point next week. We can't wait for that to occur.
A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith both haul in TD receptions.
Kenny did what any backup should do playing in relief of an injured starter. He got the ball in A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith's hands as often as possible.
Expect another healthy dose of the dynamic duo in Week 17. Both will score TDs as receivers.
Vic Fangio's defense limits the Dallas Cowboys to 200 yards of offense (or less).
After a rough showing vs. the Commanders, Vic Fangio's unit will want to prove last week was the exception, not the rule. We know how talented they are and how impressive they can be when they get on a roll.
Four sacks... Six more pressures or so... Quinyon Mitchell's first career interception. All of that and a couple of long Philly clock-devouring drives will result in fewer than 200 yards of total offense by the Dallas Cowboys' offense.
Philadelphia wins comfortably. We're thinking by ten points or more.
In short, Philly keeps their heads above water without Jalen Hurts. The Cowboys have trouble wading without so many of their best players.
The Eagles win this one to complete a season sweep of the Cowboys, and they make it look easy. Ten points? How does that sound? We could use a little stress-free viewing before the New Year.