The Eagles begin their campaign for a third-straight NFC East title on Sunday afternoon, when they host the Washington Commanders in their season opener (4:25 p.m., Fox29).
The Eagles are coming off an 11-6 season and a busy offseason. The spotlight will be on the new offense led by first-year coordinator Sean Mannion.
Washington is looking to start strong after going 5-12 last season. Quarterback Jayden Daniels returns healthy after appearing in just seven games last season because of a left knee sprain, a right hamstring strain, and a dislocated left elbow.
What are the experts thinking about the season opener? Here’s a look at what local and national pundits are saying:
Inquirer predictions
It’s a clean sweep for the Eagles. All three Inquirer beat reporters — Ryan Novozinsky, Jeff Neiburg, and Olivia Reiner — agree that the Eagles will win.
Novozinsky wrote that the Mannion era will begin “with a bang.” Here’s more:
“Sure, the Commanders have a new, lauded defensive coordinator in Daronte Jones. But they didn’t exactly make any splashy moves on that side of the ball, which means they’re largely returning a unit that ranked No. 32 in total defense last season.
“Their passing defense ranked fourth-worst in the league. Their run defense was even worse, ranking 30th. Mannion’s wide-zone scheme should feast against a unit like this, especially if the run game gets going early, which would set up a play-action attack through the air.”
National media predictions
The national media is just as high on the Eagles entering Sunday’s opener, with few experts picking the Commanders. Here’s a look at how the biggest outlets are predicting the outcome:
NFL.com: All five NFL.com editors selected Philadelphia to win. Gennaro Filice says Washington’s offensive line concerns, especially the loss of Laremy Tunsil, could create a lopsided matchup against defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s unit.
ESPN.com: ESPN experts also are unanimously backing the Birds.
The Athletic: NFL reporter Vic Tafur is confident the Eagles will win their sixth straight season opener, writing: “Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts is skipping around because they finally got rid of Brown and have a competent play caller.”
CBS Sports: The seven-person panel at CBS unanimously picked the Eagles to start the season 1-0.
USA Today: In the season-opening battle against NFC East opponents, USA Today analysts believe the winning team will be the Birds.
Sports Illustrated: Unlike many national outlets, there is a difference in predictions at Sports Illustrated. Out of the eight experts, Albert Breer and Conor Orr went with the Commanders in Week 1.
Bleacher Report: Five of the seven analysts picked the Commanders this weekend. Moe Moton said to “expect both teams to be inefficient in a game of missed opportunities, while both defenses capitalize on miscues with takeaways.”
Pro Football Talk: Mike Florio went with the Eagles for this weekend’s matchup, saying the Commanders are visiting “one of the best teams in the league to start the season.”
Sporting News: Bill Bender chose the Birds to win by eight against the Commanders.
Local media predictions
Philly Voice: Staff writers at Philly Voice are backing the Eagles.
Bleeding Green Nation: The entire staff at the popular blog like the Eagles winning against the Commanders.
Delaware Online: Martin Frank predicts the Eagles will win “in the trenches” and come away victorious, 27-16.
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