On May 12th, the NFL released the 2022 NFL schedule. This is a year that will include Christmas Eve games, Christmas Day games, and New Years Day games. The Birds are actually featured in five primetime games this year. The fact that the NFL did this is either A.) They think the Eagles are actually talented enough to compete. B.) The NFC is so weak that the Eagles are going to pull in a crowd. C.) As Kelce says, ”no one likes us and National TV loves to watch the Eagles lose.”
I do know that as the season begins the Eagles do currently own one of the easiest schedules. This however is subjective due to the fact that every year teams that were supposed to be great fall short (Browns), and teams on paper that look awful rise to the occasion (Bengals). Another thing in the Eagles favor is that they play a ton of the easier teams earlier in the year which could help build on confidence as the year goes on.
Another thing in the Eagles favor is that they play nine home games this year. Since the NFC East was the worst division last year they do benefit from an easier schedule. If I am looking at this schedule with Eagles Eyes, I would love to say 11-12 wins. However, we know that factors may come in place to stunt that from happening. I would say to bet the over on the 8.5+ win total most sports books have the Eagles listed at.
The Eagles play the NFC North, AFC South and for some reason the Steelers. Let’s get ready to break down and see where we land.
Week 1 at Detroit (1-0)
Say what you want about this team, they have heart. They show up and they play for their coach and play with a swagger to them. They have some play makers at the receiver position in St.Brown, Chark, and Reynolds. They also have Swift who is a modern day Sproles who can run through you. Their Line is sloppy, QB is average at best, and their defense is old.
Week 2 vs. Minnesota MNF (2-0)
I do have the Eagles with a win here. It is due to the fact that it’s a primetime game, in Philadelphia, and they are against a rookie coach. Vikings are also switching from a 4-3 defense into a 3-4 defense. This takes time to adjust. Kevin O’Connel will get this team to a respectable record, however I think the Eagles have the edge since it is the beginning of the year. If this game was somewhere towards the end of the schedule, I think I’m leaning Vikings. Their playmakers are just too good.
Week 3 at Washington (2-1)
In Washington, and coming off of a short week I do believe this is a loss. Wentz showed times last year in Indy where he could be really good. Partner that with the fact that he has Dodson, McLaurin, and Logan Thomas. They could be deadly down the field. Not to mention the front four that they have. Ron Rivera has always garnished my respect. And I respect him enough to find a way to beat the Birds at Fed-Ex field.
Week 4 vs Jax (3-1)
It’s the return of Doug P to Philadelphia. I think Doug will receive a huge applause and it will be an emotional game for him. Let’s just recall that Doug left on his own terms due to the fact that he did not want Howie and Lurie to have as much authority than they did. Jag’s will finish the year with 5-7 wins. They will hang in there in some games, however, I just don’t see the roster there yet.
Week 5 at Arizona (3-2)
As much as I want to say win here, I just can not see it. Flying out to Arizona, and not hitting a streak either home or away could hurt the Birds. I also could say that losing Kirk hurts them as well as D-Hop suspended. But I just think Arizona finds a way to get it done. They can still stretch the field with Hollywood Brown, and sure hands Ertz will be there in the middle for blanket throws. Plus Kyler is an athlete that can break the pocket and make something happen. This is a 50/50 game for me, however I do think not being at the Linc hurts them here.
Week 6 vs Dallas SNF (4-2)
4th Quarter win here. It’s going to be a tight high scoring game. However, Dak will not be able to get it done in Philly. With the win here it put the Birds as the favorites to win the east. The only struggle I see here is that the Cowboys are smart enough to go into a 5 man set if they play this way the entire game. It would be a long night for the Eagles. One thing that I always see with Dallas is that Zeke always seems to find his legs. If the Eagles control time of possession, they win.
Week 7 BYE (4-2)
I like the bye week here. It is almost at the halfway mark, and they had played two divisional opponents by this point. Also, any truly far traveling at this point would be over. This gives them time to reevaluate and see if they need to make a move or not for the team.
Week 8 vs Pittsburgh (5-2)
The Birds just beat Pittsburgh at home. For some reason they can not get them in Pittsburgh but at home they win. Obviously Pittsburgh drafted their QB of the future in Kenny Pickett, but I think he will sit out for a year or two. They’re extremely deep at WR and I love the George Pickett draft pick. Harris is going to be a star in the league, however this Eagles front 4 (5 Reddick) are going to man handle the O-Line. Pitt also needs a ton of help on defense. Expect a big day from AJ Brown here due to the fact that he is just too physical for this team’s corners.
Week 9 at Houston TNF (6-2)
Can someone please tell me why this just screams trap game to me? I do think this is a win, but I also think Lovie Smith will play it tight. I just do not know what or who they are thinking at QB. Their receiving crew is not great and they play a rotational RB. The Eagles will be tired coming off of Pittsburgh. (I do think that will be a grueling game). I think they rise to the occasion on National TV to take care of business.
Week 10 vs Washington MNF (7-2)
“It’s the return of the Oh wait, No way, You’re Kidding” Carson Wentz. The Chosen One makes his return to Philadelphia. Man oh man did I think Doug P is going to get love. This man is going to be booed and probably still try to keep that smile on his face. The pressure comes on Wentz and he chokes. He will not be able to win in Philly as I don’t think the Birds D will allow him to win. They will be playing with their hair on fire for this game and best believe Wentz will Wentz. I’d imagine this to be his worst game of the season.
Week 11 at Indy (7-3)
I don’t care who is at QB, however it just so happens to be a possible future HOFer. This team is going to run, and when you stop the run, they are going to continue to run. Johnathon Taylor (Wisconsin Alum) is a star in our eyes. (Off topic 2016, I watched Penn State beat Wisconsin at Indy and all they did was run). The Colts also have a top tier defense, and we will be able to see our old friend Rodney McLeod. The Colts will control the clock, Reich will be able to create misdirection, and Nelson gets the running lanes paves for Taylor to do what he does.
Week 12 vs Green Bay SNF (7-4)
Man oh man, how nice would it be to beat that arrogant smuck Rodgers. (I actually love the guy and usually draft him super high in fantasy). They lost DeVante Adams so who is their number one target? It doesn’t matter, Rodgers will dissect a defense and make throws on the move with pinpoint precision. The line is older, however if you give this guy time he will win. Not only will he win, he will pour it on. Go birds, I just think LeFluer and Rodgers together are too dangerous.
Week 13 vs Titans (7-5) or *(8-4)
A week before they have to stop one of the greatest in Rodgers, this week they have to stop Derek Henry. Their game plan will be to just give the man the damn ball, wear you down and get the ball to AJ Brown… oh wait, he isn’t there any more. The reason why I can’t predict this game correctly is because who is actually going to step up? Tennessee was the one seed last year without Henry. Just a really, really hard decision here. I’m going to be pessimistic (I am from philly) and for this article’s sake go with a loss.
Week 14 vs NY (NJ) Giants (8-5)
I hate to be that guy, but the birds will sweep NY this year (depends on if they clinch). They had a great draft, they made smart offseason moves, and they have a monster at RB (WE ARE). But the boat picture will still haunt them. Daniel Jones is not a winner, he is a serviceable backup in the NFL. He to me is a poor man’s Mitch Tribitsky. This will break the Eagles 3 games losing streak, and get the buy-in right back to the head coach and D-Coordinator.
Week 15 at Chicago (9-5)
The Bears have a new Head Coach with Eberflus and he comes from the Colts defense that was stout. And their new OC Getsy comes from the Green Bay packers. With that being said they just are a bad team. Cohen is out for the season with a torn achilles, and their WR stink. I’m biased to believe that Fields stinks (multiple reasons, inbox me if you want to know). I don’t see them being able to keep up with the Bird’s attack.
Week 16 at Cowboys Christmas Eve (9-6)
Goodness gracious the NFL Schedule creators did a great job with this one. I’m just worried about church attendance that day. I am not mad about this one as a loss in the least. It’s just great to see this happen in general. Dallas in Dallas will be able to pull this one out. It is a ton to ask these guys to play on Christmas Eve away from home, but personally I have this one circled. My brother is a Cowboys fan so this is a game that will change our normal tradition, but one that I’m glad to see.
Week 17 vs Saints NY Day (10-6)
The Saints are back to the Aints stage again. Brees is even mulling a comeback at this point. Not only is this a win, it’s a double win because we have their pick. Kamara is a huge playmaker, but Jameis stinks. The Birds can attack them up the middle due to the fact that their guards stink and Jameis is also one to crash under pressure.
Week 18 vs Giants (11-6)
I don’t care if they sit their starters. I just believe that the Eagles are that much better than this team. Minshew Mania might be out there throwing TD passes to Quez Watkins and JJAW. But ultimately, I believe they can complete the sweep here. This puts them in the driver’s seat for the playoffs.
11-6 isn’t too shabby for a team that was the 7th seed last year. I have them winning the NFC East with this record, and landing at the 4 seed to where we are able to see a home playoff game. The Birds will have the momentum coming off the season where they can make some noise in the playoffs.
The Eagles in my opinion, right now, are the fourth best team in the NFC. In front of them, we have Rams, Tampa Bay, and Green Bay exactly in that order. I’m so pumped for the season to start. I’m the nerd that follows mini-camp and takes everything that is coming out of minicamp super serious. I’m going to do another one of these right before the season starts.
As always GO BIRDS!
