Eagles game-by-game predictions for 2023

How many games will the Eagles win this year — and more importantly, which games will they win? Here’s how The Inquirer’s Eagles beat writers see the team’s 2023 season playing out on a week-to-week basis.

Sunday, 4:25 p.m.

For a team with middling prospects, the Patriots getting the Eagles in the opener may play to their advantage. They don’t have comparable talent, especially on offense, but could benefit if new Eagles defensive coordinator Sean Desai needs time implementing his scheme. The Eagles should ultimately prevail. WIN | Record: 1-0

Unfortunately for New England, future Hall of Fame quarterback Tom Brady won’t be suiting up as the Patriots are expected to honor Brady in a pregame ceremony. The AFC East is a toss-up — mainly due to the Bills, Jets, and Dolphins. Meanwhile, the Patriots are expected to be on the outside looking in as they continue to navigate a transitional phase. There are obvious questions about the Eagles’ defense, but the offense should benefit from continuity and Hurts leading the way to a decisive victory to begin the season. WIN | 1-0

The Eagles’ lenient approach to training camp may have contributed to a sluggish start against the Detroit Lions last season and the same could be the case in Foxborough. Bill Belichick’s group will likely be sharper early and plucky late, but the Eagles are so much better than the Pats and should be able to grab a win in the season opener. WIN | 1-0

The Patriots will welcome Brady back to Foxborough for their 2023 home opener, this time as a fan. But if everything goes according to the Eagles’ plan, they’re going to spoil the party. The Eagles boast a more talented offense with Hurts at the helm compared to the Mac Jones-led Patriots. Additionally, the Patriots will be without their starting right tackle Riley Reiff, who is on injured reserve. That’s music to Reddick’s ears. WIN | 1-0

Thursday, Sept. 14, 8:15 p.m.

The Vikings come to town for a second consecutive Week 2 tangle. Kirk Cousins can’t possibly be as bad as he was in Philly last September, but the Vikings are probably still more the team that was one-and-done in the playoffs than the one that went 13-4 in the regular season. WIN | 2-0

It’s a mighty quick turnaround, but the Eagles land Prime Time Cousins in the home opener. WIN | 2-0

As weird as a short week must feel so quickly into the season, at least the Eagles get their Thursday Night obligations out of the way good and early. Minnesota went 11-0 in one-score games last regular season and seem ripe for regression as a result. Their pass defense was suspect last year and Cousins has well-documented struggles when his leaky offensive line doesn’t protect him. The Eagles should be able to capitalize on both en route to a win. WIN | 2-0

» READ MORE: Jalen Hurts embraces his ‘triple-threat’ uniqueness. Will the Eagles QB have to transform his game?

Last season, the Vikings exceeded expectations with a 13-4 record, winning seven games by six or fewer points. In the offseason, they sought to revamp their defense by hiring one of the top coordinators on the market, Brian Flores, and refreshing their cornerback room. Still, the Eagles offense, which is largely unchanged from last season, will be a tall task for the Vikings to handle in the home opener at the Linc on a short week. WIN | 2-0

Monday, Sept. 25, 7:15 p.m.

The Eagles will be coming off an 11-day break in between games, which can go either way, but the Tom Brady-less Bucs could be one of the lesser squads in the NFC. Baker Mayfield doesn’t inspire much confidence. WIN | 3-0

The Eagles will look to benefit from an early “mini bye,” when they travel down the East Coast the following Monday for a date with the Mayfield-led Buccaneers. WIN | 3-0

Tampa’s offense still has a Brady-sized hole under center. There are some key holdovers from the 2020 Super Bowl team, but the Eagles will have talent advantages to exploit in numerous areas. Not to mention the added motivation Hurts and Co. will draw from returning to the site of their 2021 wildcard-round loss. WIN | 3-0

Goodbye, Brady. Hello, Mayfield. The Buccaneers are candidates for a drop-off in their first season of the post-Brady era. WIN | 3-0

Sunday, Oct. 1, 1 p.m.

There’s always an unforeseen upset on the schedule and Washington’s defensive front could have enough to give Jalen Hurts problems for a second straight time at the Linc. But the Eagles are as good up front and that could spell doom for a young quarterback like Sam Howell. WIN | 4-0

The first loss of the Eagles’ memorable 2022 season occurred against the Commanders in a night contest at Lincoln Financial Field. The defeat served as a harsh reminder to never overlook the opposition, no matter how inferior. The Eagles will look to maximize a soft opening schedule before the expected gauntlet arrives midseason. WIN | 4-0

Washington has enough offensive talent and quality along the defensive front to give the Eagles a game, but there’s so much uncertainty around Howell at this point. If Howell gets off to a hot start, this could be a tough matchup, but the Eagles’ pass rush will be a difficult test for the young quarterback. WIN | 4-0

The Commanders are on the cusp of another transitional season with second-year quarterback Howell leading the offense. WIN | 4-0

» READ MORE: Bill Belichick, Mike Tomlin. . . Nick Sirianni? Eagles head coach will soon rank among the greats | David Murphy

Sunday, Oct. 8, 4:05 p.m.

Are the Rams over their Super Bowl hangover? Will Cooper Kupp’s hamstring injury plague him all season? Has mortgaging the future caught up to Sean McVay? Or will Matt Stafford and company rebound? Answers no, yes, yes, and no all point to an Eagles victory. WIN | 5-0

The Rams still have a handful of their stars, but they’ve regressed mightily since winning Super Bowl LVI. Barring any lingering jet lag from the cross-country flight, the Eagles could be looking at five consecutive victories. WIN | 5-0

Like Tampa Bay, the Rams are a recent champion now paying the price for an aggressive title pursuit. Facing Aaron Donald after consecutive matchups against Vita Vea and Jonathan Allen is quite a draw for the Eagles’ interior offensive line and Kupp is a handful, but the Eagles have enough talent to match up and leave L.A. winners of five straight. WIN | 5-0

These are not the same Rams that won Super Bowl LVI. They finished with a 5-12 record last season. In the midst of an underwhelming offseason, Rams COO Kevin Demoff sent a letter to season ticket holders explaining why the team wasn’t being as aggressive in signing free agents and trading for big names. The team is undergoing a “remodel,” according to general manager Les Snead, which bodes well for the Eagles when they make the trip to SoFi Stadium. WIN | 5-0

Sunday, Oct. 15, 4:25 p.m.

Aaron Rodgers should upgrade an offense that was downright limp in the second half of last season. He’s got a budding star in Garrett Wilson to throw to, plus other talented skill position players. It’s tough to believe in the Jets, but Joe Douglas seems to have finally built a winner. LOSS | 5-1

Rodgers turns 40 in December, but he’s just one year removed from back-to-back NFL MVP seasons. The Jets boast a dynamic defense — a unit that kept them in many of their games last season. Safety Reed Blankenship picked off Rodgers during his first meaningful snaps in 2022. Will Desai be able to adjust on the fly against one of the NFL’s most accomplished passers? LOSS | 5-1

Even though the hype surrounding the Jets centers around Rodgers, it’s their defense that should make them one of the stingiest teams on the Eagles’ schedule. The group is well-run and has young, top-end talent and depth at premium positions. Even if Rodgers looks like he’s lost a step like he did last year in Green Bay, he’s enough of an upgrade to make the Jets a tough out each week. LOSS | 5-1

Aaron Rodgers is still a tremendous talent, and by teaming up with 2022 offensive rookie of the year receiver Wilson and running back Breece Hall, this offense could be the greatest test of the season to this point in the schedule for Desai. LOSS | 5-1

Sunday, Oct. 22, 8:20 p.m.

The Eagles lost in kelly green the last time they went retro. Anecdotal evidence aside, the Dolphins are not a team to overlook with Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle running routes. Tua Tagovailoa’s availability at this point could dictate the outcome, though. WIN | 6-1

The return of the kelly greens arrive in a prime-time slot. Hurts and Tagovailoa always will draw a crowd given the quarterback duo’s history together at Alabama. WIN | 6-1

This game has all the makings of a shootout. Hill and Waddle are the type of receivers who can neutralize even quality cornerbacks because of their speed and Tagovailoa took important strides last year. The Eagles won’t have to face Jalen Ramsey as he recovers from a meniscus repair. Miami has a solid defense even without Ramsey, but this one should come down to Hurts and his former Alabama positionmate. Advantage Hurts, so advantage Eagles. WIN | 6-1

The Dolphins made a bold move in the offseason when they traded for Ramsey from the Rams. They boast a talented receiving duo in Hill and Waddle. But the big question surrounds Tagovailoa and his health coming off of multiple concussions last season. WIN | 6-1

» READ MORE: The NFC East will be better and tougher on the Eagles. Good. It’s been lousy for too long. | Mike Sielski

Sunday, Oct. 29, 1 p.m.

The Eagles of late haven’t allowed the worst road trip and stadium in the NFL to affect their fortunes in Landover, Md. The Commanders have some optimism with new ownership, but the end result should be the same. WIN | 7-1

The Eagles have rallied off consecutive victories at Washington. Last year, it was DeVonta Smith who emerged as the star playmaker. WIN | 7-1

Washington snapped the Eagles’ eight-game winning streak last season by controlling the ball with constant runs and getting after Hurts with blitzes. Maybe they can pull another rabbit out of the hat, but I think this year’s team will be better prepared for a mid-season duel with the Commanders. WIN | 7-1

The Eagles should complete their sweep of the Commanders in their second of just three 1 p.m. starts this season. Two of those three games are against the Commanders, if that’s any indication of how they’re expected to perform this year. WIN | 7-1

Sunday, Nov. 5, 4:25 p.m.

The Cowboys are an easy punching bag, but they have as much talent as the Eagles. The Birds have an edge in coaching, though, and the addition of run-first Brian Schottenheimer as offensive coordinator in Dallas could result in regression. I still see a split in the series. LOSS | 7-2

Coincidentally, the Eagles also hosted the Cowboys right before their bye week last season. Dak Prescott and Mike McCarthy are on the hot seat this year. A split between the division rivals seems likely. WIN | 8-1

Similar to the Jets early on, the Cowboys have a dangerous defense that takes a back seat in terms of air-time to a big-name quarterback. Dallas’ offense may take a step back this year, but the other side of the ball boasts game-wrecker Micah Parsons and a revamped secondary for defensive coordinator Dan Quinn. It’s been over a decade since the Eagles swept the season series against Dallas and I don’t see that changing this year. LOSS | 7-2

The Cowboys have always been competitive with Prescott leading the offense, and this season shouldn’t be much different. The Eagles could split their two games against the Cowboys this season, and in this exercise, they’ll go into the bye week on a high note. WIN | 8-1

Monday, Nov. 20, 8:15 p.m.

The Super Bowl rematch has both teams coming off a bye, and no coach is better with an extra week to prepare than Andy Reid. The Eagles should have enough to win in a tough environment, but the start of a difficult stretch ends with a … LOSS | 7-3

Coming off the bye, the Eagles face six consecutive teams which were 2022 playoff participants, beginning with a Super Bowl LVII rematch at Arrowhead Stadium. LOSS | 8-2

The Eagles’ daunting post-bye stretch begins with a much-awaited Super Bowl LVII rematch. I’d expect this game to resemble the one these two teams played last February with plenty of offensive fireworks for the prime-time matchup between Hurts and Patrick Mahomes. Both teams are coming off their bye weeks and Reid’s elite record in such games is hard to ignore here. LOSS | 7-3

Mark your calendars for the Super Bowl LVII rematch. As long as the Chiefs have Mahomes and Reid, it’s difficult to pick against them. Even though the Chiefs have yet to resolve defensive tackle Chris Jones’ contract situation, their defense could be poised to take a step forward with promising second-year players including cornerbacks Trent McDuffie and Jaylen Watson and defensive end George Karlaftis. LOSS | 8-2

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Sunday, Nov. 26, 4:25 p.m.

The Bills seem to be a popular choice as a team on the slide. Maybe Sean McDermott missed the window, but Josh Allen should give Buffalo a chance every year. The Eagles could have a lot to prove here, though, if they lose in Kansas City. WIN | 8-3

The Bills are expected to compete for a conference title. Containing Allen will be the biggest key. Expect the Eagles to bounce back if they lose at Kansas City. WIN | 9-2

This has all the makings of a trap game. It’s sandwiched between two much-anticipated postseason rematches and is against a legitimate Super Bowl contender. If the Eagles dwell on the Chiefs game or peek ahead to the 49ers, Buffalo could make this a lopsided encounter. Even if both teams are at full strength and unaffected by the human nature of looking ahead, this will be a tight game against Allen’s Bills. LOSS | 7-4

The Bills are one of the most complete teams in the league in all three phases and have been contenders for three years now. Can they get over the hump this season? Allen, who is regularly in the MVP conversation, will pose yet another daunting task for Desai and the Eagles defense coming off of the previous week against Mahomes. LOSS | 8-3

Sunday, Dec. 3, 4:25 p.m.

The 49ers have done a lot of griping since the NFC championship game. What some of their fans fail to realize is that having their two quarterbacks knocked out wasn’t bad luck, but a show of the Eagles’ superiority. The Niners could still be the closest competitors in the conference, but they also don’t appear to have a trustworthy quarterback. WIN | 9-3

Trash talk following the NFC championship game has lingered throughout the offseason. Finally, these two teams will meet again in an early-December showdown. Will quarterback Brock Purdy be able to continue the success he enjoyed as a rookie? Haason Reddick, Josh Sweat, and Co. await. WIN | 10-2

For as motivated as the Eagles will be to play the Chiefs, the 49ers may be even more anxious to get another chance to travel to the Linc. The 49ers have done plenty of talking — or complaining, depending on how you look at it — since the NFC championship loss defined by Reddick sacking and injuring Purdy. Purdy and the shaky line in front of him are the reasons it’s hard to pick the Niners here, even though Kyle Shanahan will be salivating at the chance to isolate the Eagles’ unproven crop of linebackers. WIN | 8-4

Besides the Eagles’ rematch with the Chiefs, this game against the 49ers is the second most highly-anticipated game on the Eagles’ schedule thanks to the lingering trash talk following last year’s NFC Championship game. How will Purdy fare this season coming off of his elbow injury sustained against the Eagles? The 49ers boast talented skill players on offense in Christian McCaffrey and George Kittle and a formidable defense including Nick Bosa (who is currently holding out for a contract extension), former Eagle Javon Hargrave, Fred Warner, and Dre Greenlaw, but the Eagles can rise to the occasion. WIN | 9-3

» READ MORE: A.J. Brown is the NFL star that almost wasn't. His family — and a small Mississippi town — changed that.

Sunday, Dec. 10, 8:20 p.m.

I tipped my hand earlier, and it’s not exactly bold to pick a road win, but I can see the Eagles proving their mettle here. The truth is, the season will likely unfold in ways few have forecasted in September. A win in Dallas is as probable as a loss in any week. WIN | 10-3

The Eagles haven’t won at Dallas since 2017. Even when they surge to a flying start, the horrors of AT&T Stadium always seem to take over. See: Josiah Scott’s infamous mishap on third-and-30 from last winter. LOSS | 10-3

As good as the Cowboys could be this year, recent history doesn’t suggest they will deliver when things tighten and the games truly start to matter. These teams could be jockeying for the division lead at this point in the season. I trust Hurts and Co. in big games more than Prescott and McCarthy. WIN | 9-4

The Eagles have not won both of their games against the Cowboys since the 2011 season. The Cowboys emerge victorious on their home turf to split the series. LOSS | 9-4

Sunday, Dec. 17, 4:25 p.m.

Mark a defeat here as one that comes at the end of a brutal span of games and following back-to-back flights. The Eagles won’t overlook the Seahawks, of course, but winning vs. the 12th Man is always a chore. LOSS | 10-4

I have the Seahawks edging the 49ers in the NFC West. Geno Smith will look to prove last year wasn’t a fluke and Jaxon Smith-Njigba hopes to join DeVonta Smith as one of the league’s rising stud receivers. LOSS | 10-4

The Seahawks have enough talent to prove that last year’s surprising season wasn’t a fluke. They improved their defense from last year and drafted intriguing rookie receiver Smith-Njigba, which could pay early dividends. This is where the Eagles’ stellar injury luck from last season could truly play a factor. If one of their veteran cornerbacks in particular is banged up for this game, the trio of D.K. Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Smith-Njigba could present serious problems for the jet-lagged Eagles. LOSS | 9-5

The Seahawks had a stellar offseason. On defense, they signed defensive linemen Dre’Mont Jones and Jarran Reed, safety Julian Love, and linebacker Bobby Wagner. They also brought in a strong draft class, headlined by fifth-overall pick Devon Witherspoon, a cornerback, and Smith-Njigba (No. 20 overall). Additionally, the Seahawks re-signed Smith, who had a career year at quarterback last season at 32 years old. All of those factors plus a cross-country trip could spell a loss for the Eagles in Desai’s return to Seattle. LOSS | 9-5

» READ MORE: Jeffrey Lurie and Howie Roseman have built an Eagles team that should win for a long time | Marcus Hayes

Monday, Dec. 25, 4:30 p.m.

The Giants seem to be the trendy “Hey, they may be better than you think” pick. I can see that with improvements at the sorely-needed receiver and tight end positions. But even with a better supporting cast, is Daniel Jones next-level good? I don’t think so. WIN | 11-4

Darren Waller will make his presence felt, but he is the Giants’ most proven pass-catcher to this point. The Eagles’ defense harassed Jones in the NFC playoffs. Expect Jones to be chased out of the pocket again at Lincoln Financial Field. WIN | 11-4

This matchup may be a gift for the Eagles (pun intended). The Giants feel like a team that will regress in Brian Daboll’s second year. They doubled down on the Jones-Saquon Barkley pairing and, while Daboll has proven he’s a good coach, the upside of that duo is somewhat limited. WIN | 10-5

The Giants took some strides last season under Daboll, who won AP coach of the year accolades. Jones is coming off of the best season of his career and the Giants offense added another receiving option for him in Waller. While the Giants are likely to be in playoff contention yet again this season, they’re still unlikely to stack up well against the Eagles. WIN | 10-5

Sunday, Dec. 31, 1 p.m.

I’m not sure if he’ll deserve it, but Jonathan Gannon is likely to receive a welcome reserved for the Eagles’ most bitter rivals upon his return to the Linc. It may be the complete opposite reaction the beloved Zach Ertz gets when he takes the field. Nevertheless, the Cardinals may be on Caleb Williams watch at this point. WIN | 12-4

The Gannon-led Cardinals are widely projected to finish as one of the worst teams in the NFL. The Eagles could probably win this late-season contest with their reserves. WIN | 12-4

Jokes aside, this is truly the gift of the schedule: A matchup against the lowly Cardinals who will almost certainly be angling for a shot at the No. 1 overall pick at this point. There will probably be equal parts cheers for Ertz and boos for Gannon. Perhaps this will be Ertz’s last game at the Linc. WIN | 11-5

The Cardinals have been in turmoil since Week 14 last season when quarterback Kyler Murray tore his ACL. Now, they’ve tasked former Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon to reset the culture by hiring him as their head coach. The Eagles aren’t going to show him, Zach Ertz, and the suspected bottom-feeding Cardinals any mercy. WIN | 11-5

Sunday, Jan. 7, TBD

I have this down as a meaningless finale with the No. 1 seed wrapped up via a win over San Fran and a better divisional record than the Cowboys. Twelve wins may not be enough, but the conference is weak overall and, on paper, the Eagles have the toughest schedule in the NFC. LOSS | 12-5

This particular matchup could have playoff-seeding implications. It also could be a meaningless regular-season finale. If Week 18 ends up being the latter, then the Eagles would likely rest Hurts and the starters ahead of the playoffs. LOSS | 12-5

Recent history suggests 12-13 wins is the benchmark to claiming the No. 1 seed in the NFC, so this may not be a chance for the Eagles to rest their starters. If they play them with the top seed on the line, it’s hard to imagine the Giants playing spoiler. WIN | 12-5

The Eagles may be coming into this game playing for seeding in the playoffs, making it an important matchup that will require the starters to suit up. If that’s the case, then the Eagles will cap off the regular season by sweeping the Giants. WIN | 12-5

» READ MORE: Our 2023 Eagles season preview

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If early returns are any indication, the rookie cornerback tandem of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean could be primed to have a big impact on the franchise’s fortunes. What’s clicked for the youngsters, both separately and collectively, that’s allowed them to earn starting roles this early in their careers? How does their relationship contrast on and off the field? The Inquirer's Jeff McLane profiles the Birds’ budding defensive backfield duo — plus, he goes inside the weight room to highlight an area where second-stringer Kenny Gainwell has Saquon Barkley beat. Listen here.

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