The Eagles left the Windy City with a 27-7 loss to the Chicago Bears, who were led by third-string quarterback Case Keenum. Keenum’s 247 yards and three touchdowns — and several Eagles penalties and turnovers — helped send the Birds to their first loss of the season.
Now, the 2-1 Birds turn their attention toward their Week 4 opponents, the Los Angeles Rams, as they return home to Lincoln Financial Field.
From the Birds’ chances this weekend to updates on Super Bowl likelihood, here are some of the latest odds at two of the biggest sportsbooks:
Eagles-Rams odds
The Eagles’ first loss of the season came after barely escaping Weeks 1 and 2 with wins over the Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans.
The Rams (1-2) are coming off a 30-26 loss to the Denver Broncos after blowing a 16-0 halftime lead
The last time these teams met was in September 2025, when the Eagles defeated the Rams, 33-26, at Lincoln Financial Field. The game came down to the last second and Jordan Davis returning a blocked field goal for a touchdown.
As they prepare to compete Sunday after a short week, the Eagles are entering as underdogs.
At DraftKings, the Eagles have the fifth-best odds to win the NFC. They currently trail the San Francisco 49ers, Rams, Minnesota Vikings, and Seattle Seahawks.
At both sportsbooks, the Eagles still have the seventh-best odds to win the Super Bowl. The Rams and the Buffalo Bills top the list as early Super Bowl favorites.
On Monday, the Chicago Bears shocked the Eagles, 27-7. While the Eagles committed three turnovers, the Bears offense was near perfect behind third-string quarterback Case Keenum, who threw for 247 yards and two touchdowns. He added a rushing touchdown.
If you made the trip to the Windy City or shut the game off early, here’s what you may have missed from ESPN’s Monday Night Football broadcast:
T.J. Edwards listens in
With the Eagles trailing 20-7 late in the third quarter, Bears linebacker and former Eagle T.J. Edwards picked off quarterback Jalen Hurts on fourth-and-5. From one camera angle, it appeared that Edwards listened in on the play call:
Looks like #Bears LB T.J. Edwards listened in as Jalen Hurts gave the play call in the huddle — and then intercepted Hurts on that very play. pic.twitter.com/r2s7iCZllU
“Up listening in to Jalen Hurts, who was going through the call at the line of scrimmage,” ESPN play-by-play commentator Joe Buck said of Edwards. “And then T.J. just backs up right in front of DeVonta Smith and gets the pick.”
Added color broadcaster Troy Aikman: “Yeah, he said, ‘You’re going to do what? Well, wait till you see what I’m going to do.’”
The NFL has cameras everywhere, and one of them caught Eagles coach Nick Sirianni directing some choice words toward Bears linebacker D’Marco Jackson. In the second quarter, Jackson was assessed an unnecessary roughness penalty after a late hit on Hurts. The Eagles quarterback was taken out of the game to be assessed for a concussion.
“You’re a [expletive],” Sirianni said, seemingly pointing to Jackson.
Sirianni has long been criticized for his sideline behavior, which can include jarring with opposing players. In 2024, he yelled at Eagles fans following a win and later apologized.
Later on the drive, the cameras found Hurts looking longingly out of the blue medical tent while being evaluated. Soon after, backup quarterback Andy Dalton was picked off on third-and-goal. ESPN cut to Hurts, who appeared visibly frustrated. Hurts was cleared to return for the Eagles’ next drive.
“The doctors have to do their job,” Sirianni told ESPN’s Lisa Salters, a King of Prussia native, before halftime. “They got to protect these guys, and we have a hit on the sideline that they looked at, and that’s the way it goes. We got to be able to run the ball in from the 1, regardless of who’s in there. I’m bummed that Jalen wasn’t in for that. We got to take care of the ball with Andy.”
Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts and Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum embrace at the end of the game at Soldier Field on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, in Chicago, Ill. Chicago won 27-7.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Jonathan Greenard leave after the Chicago Bears game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Soldier Field.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts lies on the ground after getting sacked during the fourth quarter of the Chicago Bears game.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts watches the last two minutes of the game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Chicago won 27-7.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts gets up after getting sacked in the fourth quarter.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts throws long on fourth down in the fourth quarter, pass incomplete at Soldier Field on Monday, Sept. 28, 2026, in Chicago, Ill.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon makes a reception in the fourth quarter.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles fan reacts after a penalty is called in the fourth quarter.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni in the fourth quarter. Chicago won 27-7.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts throws the ball to Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon in the fourth quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Jonathan Greenard tackles Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum in the fourth quarter.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerChicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum almost loses possession of the ball in the fourth quarter.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell tackles Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum in the fourth quarter.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerChicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards after intercepting a pass in the third quarter.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts after throwing a third-quarter interception.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerChicago Bears wide receiver Kalif Raymond celebrates a touchdown during the third quarter.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerChicago Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards celebrates an interception in the third quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith is wrapped up by Chicago Bears safety Elijah Hicks in the third quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles fans in the third quarter.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell and Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Zack Baun tackle Chicago Bears tight end Colston Loveland in the third quarter.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles wide receiver Makai Lemon was tackled by Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson in the third quarter.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts throws the ball to Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Jalyx Hunt goes after Chicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum in the third quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerChicago Bears fan reacts to the last-minute “tush push” score by Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts looks up after scoring on the tush push with one second left to go.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerChicago Bears safety Dillon Thieneman celebrates an interception in the second quarter.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell stops Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift in the second quarter.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz is defended by Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson in the second quarter.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley runs by Chicago Bears safety Dillon Thieneman in the second quarter, just short of a touchdown.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles cornerback Quinyon Mitchell breaks up a pass intended for Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III in the second quarter.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerChicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift gets stopped by Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Jalen Carter (left) and Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle Moro Ojomo (right) in the second quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerIncomplete pass to Chicago Bears wide receiver Rome Odunze in the second quarter, defended by Philadelphia Eagles linebacker Nolan Smith.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerChicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III scores as the Philadelphia Eagles defense tries to stop him during the first quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerPhiladelphia Eagles linebacker Jihaad Campbell forces Chicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III out of bounds in the first quarter.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerChicago Bears wide receiver Luther Burden III celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter.Monica Herndon / Staff PhotographerChicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift runs with the ball against Philadelphia Eagles safety Marcus Epps in the first quarter.Yong Kim / Staff PhotographerChicago Bears quarterback Case Keenum hands off to Chicago Bears running back D’Andre Swift in the first quarter.Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
Kelce struggles to stay ‘unbiased’
Jason Kelce is in his third season as a studio analyst on ESPN’s Monday Night Countdown. Still, it has been difficult — at times — for the longtime Eagles center to shake his fandom while reporting. He made reference to this during a humorous exchange with Sirianni before Monday’s game.
“Jalen Hurts has been off to a really hot start,” Kelce said to Sirianni. “He’s playing awesome for us — for the Eagles. Should say that. Unbiased media member.”
Former Eagles center Jason Kelce is in his third season as an analyst on “Monday Night Countdown.”Yong Kim / Staff Photographer
At halftime, Kelce continued to refer to the Eagles as “we.” ESPN personality Pat McAfee took notice.
“We played really well offensively,” Kelce said. “We had opportunities. We shot ourselves in the foot, but we’ve moved the ball. We ran the ball well. Jalen Hurts is throwing the ball well. I think [with] them getting the ball coming out of half, I got a feeling they got a lot of momentum going in there.”
Added McAfee: “A lot of ‘we’ talk out of Jason for Philly. If we are the Chicago Bears, we are very pumped with how Case Keenum is operating this offense.”
“Sorry, Bears fans,” Kelce said.
Jason Kelce had to apologize on TV for constantly referring to the Eagles as, “We.” 😂 🦅 pic.twitter.com/pbdlbzkIGx
Last week, outside of one curious call, Drew Brees repeatedly praised Jalen Hurts while serving as the color commentator for CBS’s Eagles-Titans broadcast. On Monday Night Countdown, fellow Hall of Fame quarterbacks Kurt Warner and Troy Aikman also lauded Hurts’ play.
Warner, a Super Bowl XXXIV champion who played for the St. Louis Rams, New York Giants, and Arizona Cardinals, noted that Hurts “doesn’t get enough credit” for making the “big play in the moment.” Meanwhile, Aikman, a three-time Super Bowl champion with the Dallas Cowboys, said he was impressed with how quickly Hurts had adapted to new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion’s offense.
“I think [the offense is] really quarterback-friendly, and I’ve seen Jalen Hurts do some things that I’ve not seen from him,” Aikman said. “And a big part of that is working the middle of the field and layering the ball in the intermediate areas over linebackers, and it just opens up so much more for these wide receivers. He’s just scratching the surface.”
But Hurts did not live up to either former quarterback’s expectations on Monday. Hurts threw for 153 yards and an interception on 16-of-25 passing. He scored the Eagles’ only touchdown on a sneak as time expired in the first half.
Zach Ertz has received plenty of introductions during his NFL career. His latest came from a slightly smaller announcer.
Madden Ertz, the Ertzes’ oldest son, took center stage in a video posted by Julie Ertz, Zach’s wife, on Monday, introducing his dad ahead of his potential return to the Eagles against the Chicago Bears.
“I believe I’d like to introduce my favorite person,” he said. “My dad, Zach Ertz.”
He continued with his dad’s resumé — “Super Bowl champion” and “three-time Pro Bowler” — before turning from Ertz the football player to Ertz the father.
“Our family can’t wait to cheer the team on,” he said. “He has been working really hard. … Don’t worry, I gave him a lot of hugs. My brothers help too. They’re little, but they’re funny.”
The message carries a little more meaning after Ertz’s return to Philadelphia. Ertz said last week that his three sons, Madden and twins Kace and Kyren, helped motivate him through his recovery from the torn ACL in his right knee that ended his 2025 season with the Washington Commanders — he wanted them to see what it looked like to work through adversity.
Zach and Julie, a former U.S. women’s national team star, left Philadelphia without children when the Eagles traded Zach to Arizona in 2021. Five years later, they returned to the organization as parents of three.
Madden ended Monday’s video with one more message.
“I’m so proud of you,” he told Zach.
“What?” Zach responded.
“I’m so proud of you.”
“Thank you, boy.”
Ertz could now get the chance to complete that comeback in front of his family Monday night after being activated ahead of the Eagles’ game against the Bears (8:15 p.m., 6abc, ESPN).
The Eagles will look to start the season 3-0 when they head to Soldier Field to take on the Chicago Bears on Monday (8:15 p.m., 6abc, ESPN).
The Eagles enter Week 3 at 2-0 after two narrow wins over the Commanders and Titans. The Bears are 1-1 and could be without starting quarterback Caleb Williams after he injured his hamstring in Chicago’s loss to Minnesota. QB2 Tyson Bagent entered concussion protocol on Tuesday, which means Case Keenum could potentially get his first start and NFL action since 2023.
Although the Eagles have areas to improve, many experts believe Chicago’s quarterback situation could give the Eagles enough of an advantage to leave the Windy City with a victory. Let’s take a closer look at who the local and national media are picking:
The Inquirer’s beat reporters were worried about this game against the Bears a week ago. But with the 9-3 loss to the Vikings during Week 2 and Williams’ injury, our writers don’t believe the Bears can beat the Eagles with Bagent or Keenum at quarterback.
Jeff Neiburg predicts the Eagles will win, 24-11, but says the Birds have plenty to clean up.
When Olivia Reiner first saw the schedule, she marked this game as a loss. However, with Williams’ status uncertain for Monday night, she picked the Eagles to win, 24-17.
NFL.com: Analyst Jeremy Bergman is the only expert at NFL.com to choose the Bears to win the Monday night matchup. Dan Parr noted that the Eagles have the lowest point differential (plus-6) of any 2-0 team and struggled to close the game against the Titans. “So, while they might not be firing on all cylinders, it will take an even larger letdown than the team’s performance on Black Friday last year — when the Bears ran wild over Philly — to open the door for Keenum to pull off the upset,” Parr said.
ESPN.com: 10 of the 11 ESPN experts are backing the Birds.
The Athletic: NFL reporter Vic Tafur predicts that the Bears will pull off a win against the Eagles. He pointed out that Keenum is 3-0 against Vic Fangio defenses.
CBS Sports: The seven person panel at CBS picked the Eagles.
USA Today: USA Today heavily favored the Eagles to win, but Nate Davis expects more defensive struggles and a 24-20 Bears victory. “I know the Bears appear to be in quarterback purgatory, but let’s not discount the longtime pro Case Keenum is — nor the fact that Ben Johnson will have a full week to devise a plan tailored to his talents. Meanwhile, the Eagles are still adjusting to a new offensive playbook which must also accommodate a new-look receiving corps — which now includes tight end following Dallas Goedert’s injury — and reshuffled offensive line,” he wrote.
Sports Illustrated: All eight analysts at SI picked the Eagles to defeat the Bears.
Bleacher Report: The seven experts at B/R are split four picks for the Eagles and three for the Bears. Analyst Ian Hanford said, “With Williams playing, I’d have given the Chicago Bears a shot here. But I can’t see Keenum or Bagent scoring enough points to make up for a porous Bears defense. I think the Eagles offense has a big game on the road, and the Eagles win by at least a touchdown.”
Pro Football Talk: Mike Florio picked the Eagles for Monday’s matchup. “The Eagles catch a break, if they end up facing Case Keenum. Who last threw a regular-season pass in 2023,” he wrote.
Sporting News: Bill Bender chose the Birds to win by three against the Bears.
Video: Gameday Central: What will Zach Ertz bring to the Eagles offense?
Local media predictions
Philly Voice: Staff writers at Philly Voice are unanimously backing the Eagles.
Bleeding Green Nation: The Bleeding Green Nation writers also are picking the Eagles to win on Monday.
Delaware Online: 10 of the 11 pickers at Delaware Online believe the Eagles will be 3-0 after Monday night’s game. Tom Haines said “ … but Jalen Hurts has been putting on a clinic of his own through the air. That should be enough to pull off the road win.”
Windy City Gridiron: Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. thinks the Bears will unite around Keenum and depend on the running game to defeat the Eagles on Monday night.
Trevor Zegras has been one of the bigger personalities and characters in the NHL since he entered the league in 2021.
Whether it’s his California surfer guy resemblance to Fast Times at Ridgemont High’s Jeff Spicoli, his creative nicknames for teammates — see “Taco” for coach Rick Tocchet — or his silly intermission interviews, Zegras is always good for a chuckle.
So it was no surprise that Zegras, a day after he was penalized for tucking in his jersey in the Flyers’ preseason game against the Boston Bruins, took to social media Friday to vent his frustrations over his delay-of-game penalty for “improperly wearing his equipment.”
Trevor Zegras heads to the box for a two-minute minor for "improperly wearing equipment" as he started his shift with his jersey tucked into his pants 🫣 pic.twitter.com/WTDe9BEkXr
On his Instagram story, Zegras posted two pictures of him playing with a tucked-in jersey, first as a kid and later in his teens. This backed up his comments Thursday night that he’s always worn his jersey that way.
“I started the game with it tucked; that’s how I usually play,” Zegras said. “Must have just went back down the bench and came out and forgot.”
But after posting the two pictures with the tucked-in jersey, the New York native and proud Giants fan (yuck) couldn’t resist getting another jab in. This time, the Flyers center posted a picture of old Super Bowl rival Tom Brady and the “tuck rule” play against the Oakland Raiders that ultimately kick-started the New England Patriots’ dynasty.
Trevor Zegras posted a photo of him playing from his youth with his jersey tucked, and then a Tim Brady photo from the “Tuck Rule” game 🤣 pic.twitter.com/uuMmYJbofE
While we know Hall of Fame defensive back Charles Woodson is no fan of the NFL’s tuck rule, he has yet to weigh in on the NHL’s iteration.
Don’t be surprised if you see more tucking infractions on the ice this season either, as Tocchet told reporters Thursday that the NHL has warned teams that they will be enforcing this type of delay-of-game penalty. It’s also worth noting that Zegras received a warning from referee Jon McIsaac earlier in the game before his saunter to the penalty box.
We guess whether to tuck or not to tuck is no longer a question.
After a comeback victory over the Tennessee Titans in Week 2, the Eagles (2-0) travel to Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears (1-1). As both teams prepare for a Week 3 matchup on Monday Night Football, here’s a look at updated game odds and some interesting prop bets from two of the biggest sportsbooks:
This time around, the Week 3 matchup was looking like the Birds’ toughest challenge to date — especially following the Bears’ 59-37 win over the Carolina Panthers in Week 1. However, that changed in Week 2 after the Bears struggled in a 9-3 loss to the Minnesota Vikings and saw quarterback Caleb Williams get carted off with a hamstring injury.
Williams is not expected to play against the Eagles, forcing the Bears to rely on Tyson Bagent or Case Keenum under center. Meanwhile, the Eagles have escaped their first two games with a win.
Entering the week, the FanDuel and DraftKings sportsbooks have the Eagles as 4.5-point favorites.
As of Friday morning, with questions surrounding the Bears starting quarterback, both sportsbooks only listed the over/under odds for Hurts’ passing yards.
Over the last two weeks, Hurts has thrown for over 200 yards — 203 yards in Week 1 and 264 yards in Week 2. For Monday’s game, his over/under is set at 218 passing yards.
In the Bears’ last meeting with the Eagles, Kyle Monangai rushed for 130 yards, and D’Andre Swift rushed for 125. However, in their Week 2 loss to the Vikings, Monangai rushed for 47 yards, and Swift, a former Eagle and St. Joseph’s Prep product, rushed for 45.
Meanwhile, Tank Bigsby led the Birds in rushing with 33 rushing yards in the team’s Week 2 win over Tennessee. Barkley missed much of the Week 2 win after suffering a stinger, and his status for Monday is unclear.
Receiver DeVonta Smith led the team in receiving with 117 yards on 10 receptions vs. Tennessee. Dontayvion Wicks followed with 74 receiving yards on five receptions.
Swift led the Bears in receiving yards with 54 yards on five receptions last week.
The Eagles are headed to Chicago, and Birds fans are expected to follow.
If you are flying into Midway (or O’Hare if you’re unlucky) for the game, here’s everything you need to know about the Windy City:
Where do I find fellow Birds fans?
You are bound to bump into some fellow Eagles fans this weekend by coincidence.
However, you also can plan to see them at one of the many events held by Eagles fan groups. The Green Legion, which hosted events last weekend in Nashville, is now coming to the Windy City. On Sunday, the group is holding a pep rally at Hopsmith Tavern from 7-10 p.m. The pep rally will feature an open bar and light food. Before kickoff on Monday, the group is hosting a tailgate at Fatpour McCormick: Ultimate Chicago Sports Bar at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are limited for both events and can be found on the Green Legion’s website.
Philly Sports Trips is also hosting two meetups. From 4-7 p.m. on Sunday, Birds fans can enjoy an open bar and a live DJ at Rebel & Rye restaurant. Former Eagles Hollis Thomas, Todd Herremans, Tra Thomas, and Clay Harbor are slated to attend. On Monday, the group is holding a tailgate at 1914 S. Wabash Ave. — a short walk from Soldier Field. Tickets can be purchased on Philly Sports Trips’ website.
There are several Philly-themed bars and restaurants in Chicago. A fan-favorite of the Inquirer staff is Philly’s Best — a cheesesteak spot which one sports editor frequented after graduating from college. Philly’s Best is open until 1 a.m. on Monday, so you can get a cheesesteak to celebrate the Birds’ win (or to indulge in your sorrows).
If you are looking for a bar, The Reveler in Roscoe Village is a popular gathering spot for Birds fans living in Chicago. The bar hosts Eagles watch parties every weekend and even plays the team’s fight song after each score. Of course, they also have a cheesesteak on the menu.
Where can I see the whole city?
If you’re scared of heights, skip this part.
Consider checking out CloudBar — Chicago’s highest bar. CloudBar is located on the 94th floor of the 360 Chicago Observation Deck. The building, which was previously named the John Hancock Center, is located in Chicago’s Magnificent Mile district.
Unlike Philadelphia’s swanky SkyHigh bar on the 60th floor of the Four Seasons Hotel, CloudBar is not high end. The bar has no dress code, so feel free to wear that old Zach Ertz jersey you dug out of the closet. Tickets for CloudBar can be purchased on their website.
If you want to venture into enemy territory before or after the game, consider The Staley.
The bar is owned and operated by former Bears defensive end Israel Idonije and is within walking distance of Soldier Field. Like it does every week, the bar is hosting a watch party before and during Monday night’s game.
Another member of The Inquirer’s staff suggests to have a pint at Black Barrel Tavern located in the West Loop neighborhood. At either spot, just be prepared for some comments on your choice of kelly Green attire. Also, get ready to hear lots about “Da Bears.”
What are the classic tourist spots?
Everyone loves the idea of not being a tourist. Sometimes, it’s OK to be one. Here are the top tourist spots in Chicago:
It wouldn’t be a visit to Chicago if you did not visit Millennium Park and take a selfie with “The Bean.” The statue, which actually is called Cloud Gate, was finished in 2006 and quickly became one of the landmarks synonymous with the city.
If you have some spare time hopping from bar to bar with fellow Birds fans, take a scenic stroll down the Chicago Riverwalk. The path spans multiple neighborhoods and even offers kayak rentals. The architecture boat tours are really cool, too.
Like Ferris Bueller, have an afternoon at The Art Institute of Chicago. The museum currently has an exhibition on the art of Mary Cassatt. The painter, who lived from 1844 to 1926, actually received her formal training in Philadelphia. Maybe she’d be a Birds fan, too.
Unfortunately, the Cubs are in Boston this weekend, but still check out Wrigleyville. The neighborhood surrounding the famed ballpark boasts famous bars and restaurants like Murphy’s Bleachers, Sluggers, and The Cubby Bear.
Whatever plans you have this weekend, cancel them. There are more important things going on.
Starting this weekend, all five major pro sports in Philly will have major things going on that carry into the week ahead.
From sitting on the brink of another Red October to welcoming Philly’s newest superstar, here is what all five Philly teams have on the horizon:
Phillies
There is no phrase more indicative of the Phillies’ season than “the ebbs and flows of baseball.” This season, which started with a 9-19 record for the club’s worst 28-game start with Rob Thomson at the helm, has evolved into an 87-71 season under interim manager Don Mattingly.
Just like when Thomson took over for Girardi in 2022 and led the Phillies to the postseason for the first time in 11 years, Mattingly is on the cusp of leading the Phillies to the postseason after taking over for Thomson, who was fired on April 28.
With a magic number of two going into Thursday’s games, the most direct path to a postseason berth is a Phillies win and Diamondbacks or Padres loss. Sitting in the third and final NL wild card spot at the beginning of the day Thursday, the Phillies can lock in their fifth consecutive postseason.
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Eagles
After starting the season 2-0 with two- and four-point wins over the Washington Commanders and Tennessee Titans, respectively, the Eagles are gearing up for Monday Night Football in Week 3.
As the Birds head to Chicago to take on the Bears (8:15 p.m., 6abc, ESPN), many questions surround the game, including the status of Bears quarterback Caleb Williams, who is listed as doubtful with a hamstring injury.
While Williams is week to week for the Bears (1-1), Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert is expected to be out for multiple weeks with an MCL injury. Enter Zach Ertz, who played eight-plus seasons with the Eagles and was signed to the practice squad on Monday.
Ertz, 35, was a free agent recovering from a torn ACL, LCL, and hamstring suffered in December 2025. Now back in green, Ertz is just 11 catches from breaking Harold Carmichael’s franchise career catch record.
76ers
No king is official without a coronation, and LeBron James is getting his Monday when he’s expected to speak for the first time as a 76er.
After a long-awaited decision, “King James” signed a two-year, $8 million contract with the Sixers on July 24, but he hasn’t had any public appearances with the team yet. However, the team will have its media day Monday, marking James’ anticipated first appearance and first time speaking as a part of the Sixers organization.
Video: Jaylen Brown on Philly fans: ‘The fan base here is incredible’
Flyers
Last season, what many expected to be another year of rebuilding for the Flyers ended in the second round of the playoffs after being swept by the eventual Stanley Cup champions, the Carolina Hurricanes.
Now, the hype around the Orange and Black has been established and is carrying into the team’s season opener Wednesday at Xfinity Mobile Arena when they take on the cross-state rival Pittsburgh Penguins after eliminating them in first round of last season’s playoffs, four games to two.
Eyes are on goalie Dan Vladař, who played a big role in the Flyers’ success last season but left Tuesday’s preseason 5-1 loss to the Bruins with an upper-body injury. Porter Martone, the 19-year-old right winger who played nine regular-season games and all 10 playoff games, also brings his own level of fanfare to the team.
This summer was big for soccer in Philadelphia as it hosted six World Cup games. But even after the tourists retreated and Philadelphia Stadium became Lincoln Financial Field again, soccer has remained relevant in the city.
Sullivan, Pierre, and Westfield could make their USMNT debuts Saturday vs. Peru in Orlando (4:30 p.m., TNT). Meanwhile, the Union will look to improve to an unbeaten streak of 12 when they host Orlando City at Subaru Park on Saturday.
Union star Cavan Sullivan (front) is in his first camp with the senior U.S. men’s national team.Jonathan Tannenwald
South Jersey native Carmen “Big Carm” Conti has been tailgating Eagles games for 10 years. And every year, the 38-year-old has set up in the exact same spot in F Lot. Just this past season opener, Conti’s tailgate welcomed about 75 to 100 people with a wing competition and a rotating DJ set — but that may have been the tailgate’s big send-off.
Last Monday, Conti took to social media to express concerns about the tradition’s future. In a post that read “Save Philadelphia Tailgating,” Conti explained the changes that could be coming to the South Philadelphia sports complex.
“Increased restrictions in the parking lots threaten the larger tailgates that have become part of the Eagles game-day experience,” Conti wrote on Facebook. “We are being told that tailgating should be limited to the space directly in front of or behind a vehicle. But larger, organized tailgates often require four to six parking spaces for tents, tables, grills, food preparation, entertainment, equipment, and most importantly, room for people to safely gather.
“And now there is another major concern: hand parking. Under this system, parking attendants would direct vehicles into specific spaces instead of allowing fans to park in the locations they have used for years. That might sound like a small change to someone who simply arrives, parks, and walks into the stadium. For established tailgates, it is anything but small.”
“They try to do this like every three years,” Conti said. “They try to implement something where it cracks down on the tailgate. It’s a Philly tradition, you know, it’s something my family has been doing since before I was born. Tailgating brings people together. It doesn’t matter what team you’re on. … It’s our way of standing behind our team and bringing everybody together.”
Video: Sights and sounds from the tailgate scene at the Eagles season opener
The new rules would crack down on the bigger tailgates, adding new restrictions on oversized vehicles.
Sports Complex Parking Venture made an announcement on new guidelines, sent via email, that would be enforced “in an effort to provide a smoother, more convenient parking experience for guests.”
Here’s what it said:
The designated parking for oversized vehicles will be in Lot D in the Xfinity Mobile Arena and the upper section of Lot N. Parking locations will be assigned and cannot be saved by guests. All equipment and vehicles must stay within the purchased space, and companion standard-sized cars and trucks will not be permitted to park in the areas designated for oversized vehicles.
“I don’t think it’s terribly surprising, although it does stink for the bigger tailgates that rely on being grouped together,” said Dylan Marck, a self-taught chef who has been serving high-end cuisines at tailgates since 2022. “But getting in and out has always been a mess, even with permits, so it’s not really surprising that they’re trying to change it up and maximize that space.”
Changes will be enforced for the next home game scheduled for Oct. 4 vs. the Los Angeles Rams — leaving some tailgaters worried about the communities that have been built in the parking lots of the South Philadelphia sports complex.
“I do think it could effectively end a lot of the bigger tailgates and little micro communities that developed,” Marck said. “Personally, not looking forward to potentially being whisked to a random spot and then having to figure it out from there, but we will adapt. We always do.”
Dylan Marck hands out slices of a T-bone steak he just prepared while tailgating in Lot M before an Eagles game in 2024.Elizabeth Robertson / Staff Photographer
‘Ready to fight’
On Wednesday, Conti and other tailgaters affected by the change held a news conference at South Philly Boxing Gym in South Philadelphia.
“Where are we at? A boxing gym,” said Louis Jordan, a member of Hungry Dawgs tailgate. “We’re ready to fight for what we believe in and what we love.”
Conti emphasized that the tailgaters wanted a “seat at the table” to discuss the upcoming changes. To do so, the tailgaters moved to organize.
“We are starting a committee so we can actually sit down on the board,” Conti said. “That’s going to be chosen right after here, after we get done. It’s going to be called the Philadelphia Tailgaters Association for Tailgate. We have to do something. We have to stand together.”
Eagles fans gather at the South Philly Boxing Gym for a “Save Eagles Tailgating” news conference.Conor Smith
Affordability was a major topic of the news conference. Multiple tailgaters emphasized that tailgating offers a low-cost alternative for families who cannot afford to attend an Eagles game. One noted he regularly gets “heartfelt messages” of gratitude from mothers who take their children to tailgates to get a game day experience.
“Yeah, there’s a lot of kids that come to the tailgates and the parents bring them just because they know it’s safe,” Kellie Berrios, a tailgate DJ, said. ”They can walk around. There’s food everywhere. Everyone’s having good time. It makes you feel welcome.”
Multiple tailgaters present also pointed out that FIFA bent its rules to allow tailgates outside of Lincoln Financial Field for the World Cup this summer. At the time, a spokesperson for Philadelphia’s local organizing committee told The Inquirer that it was “committed to delivering a World Cup that is authentically Philadelphia.”
“We told FIFA we wouldn’t change our tailgate culture for them,” Jeremy Smith, a tailgate chef, said. “So why are you actually changing it for us? We don’t understand. We like have a seat at the table.”
Standing out front of Faheem’s Hand of Precision, located on South 20th Street, Sixers guard Tyrese Maxey recalled sitting on his front steps “like a bad kid.” During his second year in Philly, the two-time All-Star would walk across the street to get hot chips, watch a young kid from the neighborhood ride his dirt bike back and forth, and see kids on the bus passing by banging on their windows to get his attention.
Fast forward five years and Maxey was back on his old stomping grounds on Wednesday to promote the upcoming release of his signature New Balance sneaker, the Maxey v1s.
“I went and got a haircut and sat on those steps and talked to people that walked by,” Maxey said. “I came through here during the times of 5, 6 p.m. where the whole block, everybody is here. … This is a place of comfort. This is a place of family. It means a lot.”
Faheem Alexander, Maxey’s barber, has owned the shop for 26 years. Inside, the walls are decorated with photos of Alexander with celebrities like Tiffany Haddish and Tracy Morgan.
However, there’s still no photo of Maxey and Alexander hanging up — yet.
“I have a spot cleared out for him,” Alexander said. “That’s my foundation pic. I want everybody to come in and see the picture. It’s been amazing to see him grow, from a fresh-faced 18-, 19-year-old kid, to now, he’s a father [at] 25 years old. … It’s just easy. He’s a beautiful person.”
Tyrese Maxey sits on the front step of his barbershop, Faheem’s Hands of Precision, while promoting his new signature sneakers.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
Maxey getting his own signature shoe is another example of the young guard’s rising star power. He signed a shoe deal with New Balance in 2023, joining players like Kawhi Leonard, Jamal Murray, and Zach LaVine. Since then, he’s starred in the brand’s “We Got Now” ad, and released the Tyrese Maxey Hero Pack — which is a collection inspired by Maxey’s love of comic books that included a basketball shoe, the New Balance Hesi Low v2, and a lifestyle shoe, the New Balance 1906R.
“I’m just feeling blessed, and thankful for the opportunity,” Maxey said. “And then the biggest thing, I just hope the people are as positive and happy about it as I am. I hope when they put them on, they get to have fun with them. I hope the shoe brings them joy, as much as it brings me. That’s the biggest thing I wish and hope for. And I’m glad to see it come to fruition now.”
Video: Tyrese Maxey takes a tour of his old Philly stomping grounds to promote new signature shoe
Maxey debuted his New Balance signature shoes in April during the Sixers’ 109-97 play-in game victory over the Orlando Magic that clinched the No. 7 seed in the Eastern Conference. Ahead of the sneaker’s release, Maxey visited three local Philly spots as a way to surprise fans.
His first stop was at Foot Locker, located on Chestnut Street, where he met with the workers and posed for photos with fans who spotted him through the window.
Tyrese Maxey stopped at Foot Locker on Chestnut Street to promote his new signature sneakers, the Maxey V1s.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
“I basically grew up here,” Maxey said. “I’ve been through all these places, these streets, everywhere. And that’s just me trying to be a good person and a good role model to the kids and the people in the city — making them smile. Philadelphia has really raised me and it’s really helped me become the person I am today and I’m very thankful.”
The second stop was at the cheesesteak spot Ishkabibble’s, located on South Street, where Maxey took pictures with the staff.
“Ishkabibble’s is important to me because it’s the first place I had a cheesesteak,” Maxey said. “Cheesesteaks are huge here. And now whenever I’m close to Ishkabibble’s, I always go stop in. I’ve taken everybody there that I know, pretty much, that come to town.”
As Maxey was leaving the shop, Carlos Deloatch, 54, and his wife Valencia Whitfield, 69, stopped him to chat about the upcoming season.
“Don’t let LeBron [James] come to our city and steal your shine,” Deloatch said.
Tyrese Maxey (center) talks with Carlos Deloatch (left) and Valencia Whitfield (right) while visiting Ishkabibble’s on Wednesday.Monica Herndon / Staff Photographer
“He came here to help,” Maxey responded with a smile.
“The biggest thing was trying to keep it a secret,” Maxey said. “There’s been a lot of times where people have asked me on the spot in interviews in live situations like ‘Hey, you think New Balance will give you a shoe?’ and I know the shoe is coming, but I can’t say anything. … That was one of the most entertaining parts.”
