Eagles game-by-game predictions for 2022

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 2022 season playing out on a week-to-week basis...

Week 1: Eagles at Lions | Sunday, 1 p.m.

The trip to Detroit last October arrived at the right time for the then-2-5 Eagles. A 44-6 pummeling 11 months later may be a reach considering some of the Lions’ offseason improvements. But an opening-day loss to the fighting Dan Campbells would come as a surprise — and would send all of Philadelphia into a panic. WIN

Week 2: Vikings at Eagles | Monday, Sept. 19, 8:30 p.m.

There will be expected wins that become losses and vice versa. The home opener also doesn’t automatically guarantee victory (see: the Eagles’ 3-5 record at the Linc last season). More tangible reasons for an upset would be Justin Jefferson or Dalvin Cook going off on Jonathan Gannon’s defense. LOSS

Week 3: Eagles at Commanders | Sunday, Sept. 25, 1 p.m.

Carson Wentz’s first meeting against his original team won’t carry the same weight had it been at the Linc, but there will be plenty of Eagles fans in attendance. FedEx Field was, in some way, the setting for the start of his decline two years ago. The early reports on Wentz 3.0 haven’t been promising. WIN

» READ MORE: The Jaguars could be the perfect remedy for Philly-scarred Doug Pederson

Week 4: Jaguars at Eagles | Sunday, Oct. 2, 1 p.m.

Jacksonville normally qualifies as an automatic W, but with so many new faces, starting with coach Doug Pederson, there is no guarantee. Still, the Eagles should have advantages on both sides of the ball. The one certainty is that the faithful will give the man who said, “Yeah, let’s do it,” to “Philly, Philly” a rousing ovation. WIN

Week 5: Eagles at Cardinals | Sunday, Oct. 9, 4:25 p.m.

For the third straight week, the Eagles are slated to face one of the key contributors — Zach Ertz — from the 2017 Super Bowl-winning season. His quarterback, Kyler Murray, got the best of the Birds two years ago in Arizona and in Jalen Hurts’ third career start. It’s certainly possible he can do it again. LOSS

Week 6: Cowboys at Eagles | Sunday, Oct. 16, 8:20 p.m.

The Cowboys have, on paper, a tougher start than the Eagles. They face the Super Bowl champion Rams, the runner-up Bengals, and the Tom Brady-led Buccaneers in three of their first five games. It’s still early, but the Birds could make a divisional statement in this prime-time bout. WIN

Week 7: Bye

Week 8: Steelers at Eagles | Sunday, Oct. 30, 1 p.m.

Pittsburgh will have a new quarterback with Ben Roethlisberger retired. Coach Mike Tomlin announced Mitch Trubisky will be the starter, and we’ll see if rookie Kenny Pickett could replace him at some point. Either way, the Eagles’ primary focus may be on slowing T.J. Watt. WIN

Week 9: Eagles at Texans | Thursday, Nov. 3, 8:15 p.m.

A short road turnaround is always difficult, but coach Nick Sirianni couldn’t have asked for a more accommodating opponent. At least that’s the preseason outlook with the Texans, post-Deshaun Watson, still seemingly on the ground floor of a rebuilding job. WIN

» READ MORE: Traitors return: Ben Simmons, Carson Wentz return to Philadelphia 8 days apart to face 76ers, Eagles

Week 10: Commanders at Eagles | Monday, Nov. 14, 8:15 p.m.

Assuming both teams are healthy, which they won’t likely be, Washington has more than enough to beat the Eagles on any given Sunday. Or Monday, too. A strong D-line seems a more likely reason for the upset than Wentz, though. LOSS

Week 11: Eagles at Colts | Sunday, Nov. 20, 1 p.m.

Nick Sirianni returns to meet his mentor, Frank Reich. Matt Ryan will be the Colts coach’s fifth starting quarterback in five years in Indianapolis. The Eagles have much to fear heading to the Midwest, but if Matt Pryor is still at left tackle, Josh Sweat could be a terror for Ryan. WIN

» READ MORE: Eagles 2022 schedule: An easy start, Carson Wentz and Doug Pederson reunions, and then it gets difficult

Week 12: Packers at Eagles | Sunday, Nov. 27, 8:20 p.m.

Aaron Rodgers is beatable away from home — and in the playoffs — but the odds won’t likely be in the Eagles’ favor here. He’s easily the best quarterback the Eagles will face, even without receiver Davante Adams. The matchup could be a litmus test for Gannon, who struggled against top passers a year ago. LOSS

Week 13: Titans at Eagles | Sunday, Dec. 4, 1 p.m.

It’s hard to see A.J. Brown not playing with extra motivation after the way his exit from Tennessee went down. The Titans’ Derrick Henry is still a force, though, and a test for how much of an impact Jordan Davis has had in the middle of the Eagles line. LOSS

Week 14: Eagles at Giants | Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m.

The Giants are starting over — again. They’re on their fourth coach — Brian Daboll — since the Tom Coughlin era ended in 2015. Daniel Jones regressed under previous coach Joe Judge, and he’s playing behind a young O-line — again. WIN

Week 15: Eagles at Bears | Sunday, Dec. 18, 1 p.m.

The trap game cliché isn’t really a thing at the pro level. But the Bears, especially if quarterback Justin Fields continues to progress, could be an underdog to be wary of. The Eagles’ late-season health could influence their December chances. They enter the season with few injuries. WIN

Week 16: Eagles at Cowboys | Saturday, Dec. 24, 4:25 p.m.

The Cowboys wouldn’t rule Tyron Smith out for the season after last month’s knee injury, but it could be a stretch to expect him to return. The loss may hinder divisional title hopes, but Dallas still has enough elite talent with Dak Prescott, Micah Parsons, et al. to beat any squad. LOSS

Week 17: Saints at Eagles | Sunday, Jan. 1, 1 p.m.

Ten head coaching changes were made in the offseason and the Eagles will see six of the new coaches. New Orleans’ Dennis Allen will be No. 5. Howie Roseman’s favorite front office has added talent around Jameis Winston, but the veteran quarterback doesn’t exactly inspire confidence. WIN

Week 18: Giants at Eagles | Sunday, Jan. 8, TBD

The Eagles rested their starters last January ahead of the playoffs. If they have double-digit wins heading into the finale, they may have the same luxury again. Whatever the approach, a season sweep over the Giants could be in the cards. Win

Final Record: 11-6

Week 1: Eagles at Lions | Sunday, Sept. 11, 1 p.m.

Hard Knocks has done an admirable job in hyping the Lions. But the talent level between the two rosters isn’t that comparable. The Eagles begin the season with a blowout victory in Detroit. Wide receiver A.J. Brown makes his presence felt and finishes the game with multiple touchdowns. WIN

Week 2: Vikings at Eagles | Monday, Sept. 19, 8:30 p.m.

This matchup just got a whole lot spicier. Jalen Reagor’s first game back at Lincoln Financial Field happens to be the Eagles’ home opener. The crowd will be raucous as it welcomes back Reagor, along with All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson. Expect Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins to throw 30-plus passes, but defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon’s unit stands firm. WIN

Week 3: Eagles at Commanders | Sunday, Sept. 25, 1 p.m.

Carson Wentz. WIN

Week 4: Jaguars at Eagles | Sunday, Oct. 2, 1 p.m.

The Jaguars should be more competitive under Doug Pederson compared to last season’s wreck under Urban Meyer. But the Jaguars are still considered inexperienced. Barring drastic surprises or injuries, the Eagles should be ready to spoil Pederson’s return to Philly. WIN

Week 5: Eagles at Cardinals | Sunday, Oct. 9, 4:25 p.m.

The Jalen Hurts and Kyler Murray showdown in the desert is destined to be memorable. Hurts takes another step in proving he belongs not only in this league — but as the long-term franchise quarterback. With DeAndre Hopkins suspended for the first six games, expect the Eagles and Hurts to take advantage. WIN

Week 6: Cowboys at Eagles | Sunday, Oct. 16, 8:20 p.m.

Could the Eagles really enter the bye week with a perfect record? The odds are in their favor with the schedule being extremely favorable over the first two months. However, the Eagles have struggled recently against the Cowboys, and their hot streak finally comes to an end. LOSS

Week 7: Bye

Week 8: Steelers at Eagles | Sunday, Oct. 30, 1 p.m.

The Eagles’ pass rush has enjoyed success against inexperienced quarterbacks, and it received a massive boost with the addition of Haason Reddick. WIN

Week 9: Eagles at Texans | Thursday, Nov. 3, 8:15 p.m.

The Texans are another team still in rebuilding mode under coach Lovie Smith. If the Eagles rely on their offensive line, the running game should help combat the quick turnaround for the Thursday night game. However, there are trap games every season across the league, and this could be one for the Eagles. The bet here is they take care of business on a short week. WIN

Week 10: Commanders at Eagles | Monday, Nov. 14, 8:15 p.m.

Wentz has sustained multiple injuries throughout his career, so it’s fair to say it won’t be a guarantee he’ll be healthy for this matchup. If he does play, he’ll battle what’s expected to be an extremely hostile crowd and environment. The Eagles arguably possess the best roster in the NFC East, and that shines through in prime time. WIN

Week 11: Eagles at Colts | Sunday, Nov. 20, 1 p.m.

Emotions will be running high for Nick Sirianni, who makes his return to Indianapolis. The Colts figure to be better this year with Matt Ryan under center. The Eagles enjoyed success on the road last season (6-3), but they drop this one in Indianapolis. LOSS

Week 12: Packers at Eagles | Sunday, Nov. 27, 8:20 p.m.

Aaron Rodgers will be celebrating his 39th birthday this week. Despite being roughly one year away from 40, Rodgers is still one of the best quarterbacks in the league. The Eagles secondary has received massive upgrades with the additions of James Bradberry and Chauncey Gardner-Johnson, but the reigning MVP should have no problem dicing through whatever scheme Jonathan Gannon tries to deploy. LOSS

Week 13: Titans at Eagles | Sunday, Dec. 4, 1 p.m.

The losses finally pile up, and the Eagles face adversity before hitting the road for three straight games. Derrick Henry will be too tough to contain, and A.J. Brown loses this matchup against his former team. LOSS

Week 14: Eagles at Giants | Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m.

The last time these two teams met, Reagor infamously had two drops of a potential game-winning touchdown pass. With Reagor gone, those mistakes shouldn’t happen again with Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert serving as the top options in the passing game. WIN

Week 15: Eagles at Bears | Sunday, Dec. 18, 1 p.m.

The Bears might finish with the worst record in the NFC North. While this contest in cold conditions might have trap game written all over it, the Eagles leave the Windy City victorious. WIN

Week 16: Eagles at Cowboys | Saturday, Dec. 24, 4:25 p.m.

The Eagles have lost seven of their last nine games vs. the Cowboys, including a Dallas sweep last season. In this instance, they split the regular-season series with their division rival on Christmas Eve. WIN

Week 17: 1: Saints at Eagles | Sunday, Jan. 1, 1 p.m.

The Saints could sneakily finish as one of the best teams in the NFC. They possess a talented and underrated roster, and quarterback Jameis Winston could be a legitimate comeback player of the year award candidate. LOSS

Week 18: Giants at Eagles | Sunday, Jan. 8, TBD

Depending on potential playoff seeding, the regular-season finale might be meaningless, similar to how it was last year against Dallas. The Eagles benefit here from finishing the season at home. WIN

Final record: 12-5

Week 1: Eagles at Lions | Sunday, 1 p.m.

The Lions are better than they were last year when the Eagles pummeled them and turned their season around, but just how much better? Even if the Eagles come out lethargic in Detroit, they have a decided talent advantage that should keep them from sending Eagles fans into a frenzy. WIN

Week 2: Vikings at Eagles | Monday, Sept. 19, 8:30 p.m.

An early prime-time test for the Eagles defense, which matches up pretty well against the Vikings offense. Justin Jefferson is a nightmare for just about every cornerback, but he’s the type of route-running technician that Darius Slay has a history of slowing down at least a bit. Minnesota’s offensive line is questionable, which could be a pivot point. Kirk Cousins is right on the cusp of elite quarterbacks that gave defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon fits last season, but if the Vikings can’t protect him, I don’t see him slicing and dicing the Eagles’ new-look secondary. WIN

Week 3: Eagles at Commanders | Sunday, Sept. 25, 1 p.m.

This could be a sneakily tough game. Division games are always prone to weirdness, as is Carson Wentz to a certain degree. Most teams would lose some sleep planning for Washington’s defensive front, but the Eagles have the talent to hold up. Unless Wentz goes nuclear in his first game against his old team, it’s hard to see a path forward for Washington here. WIN

Week 4: Jaguars at Eagles | Sunday, Oct. 2, 1 p.m.

Is there any residual inside intel that Doug Pederson can use to his advantage? Jacksonville should be better this year; Trevor Lawrence is a budding star and Pederson is a massive upgrade at head coach. If this game were at the end of the season, it would be a bit more difficult to call, but a young team with plenty to figure out? Give me the Eagles. WIN

Week 5: Eagles at Cardinals | Sunday, Oct. 9, 4:25 p.m.

After winning four straight, some Eagles fans will be convinced this will only be the first trip to Arizona this season, but don’t buy those Super Bowl tickets just yet. Even though the Cardinals have some bad juju going into the season, a road game against such a talented team will be a legitimate challenge. LOSS

Week 6: Cowboys at Eagles | Sunday, Oct. 16, 8:20 p.m.

Dallas was the No. 1 team in defensive-adjusted value over average last season and have had the Eagles’ numbers in recent years. I don’t expect that to change this season, even if the Eagles have made significant improvements and the Cowboys have seemingly taken a small step back. The Eagles’ defensive front gives them a chance, but Dak Prescott is the type of quarterback who can win without ideal circumstances. LOSS

Week 7: Bye

Week 8: Steelers at Eagles | Sunday, Oct. 30, 1 p.m.

Mitch Trubisky? Kenny Pickett? Neither one is particularly scary. Pittsburgh has legit talent at wide receiver and T.J. Watt is an absolute game-wrecker, but I think the Eagles right the ship after two losses here. WIN

Week 9: Eagles at Texans | Thursday, Nov. 3, 8:15 p.m.

The Texans figure to be terrible this season as they have been the last few. Even if this is on a short-week, which sometimes prompts unlikely upsets, this should be a win against a rebuilding team. WIN

Week 10: Commanders at Eagles | Monday, Nov. 14, 8:15 p.m.

The smart money would be on the Eagles dropping at least one game they should be favored in at some point, it’s just a matter of picking the right one. Chase Young could be back by this point in the season and, as I mentioned earlier, weird things happen with division games. Maybe it’s Wentz dealing the loss, maybe it’s Taylor Heinicke or Sam Howell. Either way, the Commanders’ pass rush spoils the day. LOSS

Week 11: Eagles at Colts | Sunday, Nov. 20, 1 p.m.

Once again, the Colts have some legitimate talent on both sides of the ball. Matt Ryan is capable enough to showcase that talent and to show whether the trend of above-average quarterbacks decimating Gannon’s defense is going strong in 2022 . By this point in the season, we’ll have a better sense of whether Jalen Hurts has taken major strides. If he has, this game could look different than I expect, but right now, I’ll take the Colts. LOSS

Week 12: Packers at Eagles | Sunday, Nov. 27, 8:20 p.m.

Speaking of Gannon’s struggles against good quarterbacks, the Eagles secondary’s performance against Aaron Rodgers will give that question as close to a definitive answer as you can get from a single game. He may not have one of the game’s best receivers anymore, but Rodgers should still be good enough to terrorize the Eagles defense on Sunday Night Football. LOSS

Week 13: Titans at Eagles | Sunday, Dec. 4, 1 p.m.

All eyes will be on A.J. Brown during his first chance to show the Titans what they’re missing. Derrick Henry running against the Eagles defensive front on a cold Philadelphia afternoon will also be entertaining to watch. The Titans aren’t likely to nose-dive under head coach Mike Vrabel, but it’s hard to see them maintain the pace they’ve been on the last few years with Ryan Tannehill. WIN

Week 14: Eagles at Giants | Sunday, Dec. 11, 1 p.m.

Brian Daboll is a good play-caller, better than Joe Judge. Daniel Jones and the Giants offense just don’t offer much to be optimistic about. Had the Giants kept defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, this game would have given me more pause. With Graham in Las Vegas, Jalen Hurts can sleep easier before this one. WIN

Week 15: Eagles at Bears | Sunday, Dec. 18, 1 p.m.

Justin Fields has quite the ceiling, rookie struggles aside, but the circumstances around him are dubious. Especially in the last few games of the season, there’s a good chance the Eagles are playing a checked-out Chicago team. WIN

Week 16: Eagles at Cowboys | Saturday, Dec. 24, 4:25 p.m.

This is another game that could easily hinge on Hurts’ progress. The Eagles are talented enough to split with the Cowboys, but the quarterback disparity is hard to ignore. Without knowing if Hurts has closed the gap between him and Prescott, I’ll take Dallas. LOSS

Week 17: Saints at Eagles | Sunday, Jan. 1, 1 p.m.

The Saints’ offseason would suggest they intend on contending. From the outside, they look like a team prone to a regression. Either way, the Eagles will be squarely in the playoff race here and in need of a win either for the division or wild-card positioning. WIN

Week 18: Giants at Eagles | Sunday, Jan. 8, TBD

To close out the season, the Eagles get their 11th win against a Giants team that has nothing to play for except draft positioning. In doing so, they’ll either be division champs or one of the top wild-card teams in a wide-open NFC. If Hurts takes a leap, they could certainly squeeze out another win or two in the regular season and be better positioned to make noise in the playoffs. If he mostly resembles the player he was last year, double-digit wins should still be in play, although playoff success could be the bigger question. WIN

Final record: 11-6