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Eagles vs. Steelers predictions: Rounding up experts’ picks for Week 15

Opinions are divided among national media as the Eagles head into Sunday’s game

Saquon Barkley and the Eagles will try to win their 10th straight on Sunday against the Steelers.
Saquon Barkley and the Eagles will try to win their 10th straight on Sunday against the Steelers.Read moreMonica Herndon / Staff Photographer

After securing a spot in the playoffs with a win over the Carolina Panthers last Sunday, the Eagles (11-2) turn their attention to the Pittsburgh Steelers as they aim to extend their nine-game win streak in an intrastate battle.

The Birds are five-point favorites over the Steelers (10-3), who are coming off a 27-14 win over the Cleveland Browns, placing them two games above the Baltimore Ravens atop the AFC North. The Steelers are expected to be without their No. 1 receiver George Pickens, reportedly dealing with a hamstring strain after missing last week’s game with the Browns.

» READ MORE: Steelers coach Mike Tomlin calls Eagles RB Saquon Barkley the ‘most significant acquisition in the NFL′

Meanwhile, the Eagles scraped out a win over the three-win Panthers behind an impressive Saquon Barkley performance. The Steelers will no doubt focus on a way to stop the MVP candidate. Will the Steelers be able to limit Barkley and pull out a win in Philadelphia? Or will the Eagles continue their streak? Here’s what experts in the local and national media are saying …

Inquirer beat writers

We start with our own Eagles beat writers. Here’s an excerpt from Jeff McLane’s prediction, which isn’t what Philly fans want to see …

They need to build up Hurts’ confidence again, but this may not be the week. Pittsburgh’s defense is that dangerous. Its offense, though, isn’t that scary, especially without George Pickens. The Eagles have more talent on paper, but I think they’re due a loss and it might not be the worst thing with the NFC No. 1 seed unlikely. I guess it all depends on how it looks, and how they respond.
Prediction: Steelers 20, Eagles 17
Jeff McLane

To read more of McLane’s take, plus how our other beat writers are predicting this one, check out our full predictions here.

» READ MORE: Football and Pennsylvania are inseparable. The Eagles-Steelers clash puts them both on full display.

National media predictions

Now, here’s what those around the country think about the Eagles’ chances this week …

  1. ESPN: Nine of eleven experts are picking the Birds.

  2. NFL.com: Four of five panelists for NFL.com picked the Eagles.

  3. Bleacher Report: Two of eight experts for Bleacher Report picked the Eagles.

  4. CBS Sports: Six of eight panelists for CBS Sports are backing the Eagles.

  5. Pro Football Talk: Mike Florio and Chris Simms picked the Eagles, saying the Steelers haven’t won in Philly since 1965.

  6. Sports Illustrated: Five of eight experts from Sports Illustrated picked the Eagles.

  7. Sporting News: Their expert also picked the Eagles.

Local media predictions

Here’s what other media in Philadelphia think will happen on Sunday …

  1. Philly Voice: Two of the four experts are picking the Eagles.

  2. Delaware Online: Seven of 13 panelists are backing the Eagles.

» READ MORE: The Steelers and Eagles were once the same team. Here’s the history of the short-lived Steagles.

The Eagles play in Week 15 against the Pittsburgh Steelers. Join Eagles beat reporters Olivia Reiner and EJ Smith as they dissect the hottest storylines surrounding the team on Gameday Central, live from Lincoln Financial Field.