The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Houston Texans on Thursday night, even though it was a closer game than many expected. Philadelphia moved to 8-0 and remain the only undefeated team in the NFL. The Eagles are firing on all cylinders, Jalen Hurts is in the MVP conversation, and Philadelphia’s offense and defense are among the league’s best.
Still, going undefeated is incredibly difficult, and the NFL’s recent move to a 17-game season makes it all the more challenging. Do the Eagles have a chance to run the table? Or will Mercury Morris and the 1972 Miami Dolphins be popping champagne later this year?
Can Anyone Beat the Philadelphia Eagles?
Not only are the Eagles especially talented, but they’ll face weak competition over the rest of the season. According to Football Outsiders, Philadelphia will close the year by playing the NFL’s easiest schedule.
Let’s run through the rest of the Eagles’ games and identify which opponents could present significant obstacles to an undefeated season.
Week 10 vs. Washington Commanders
The Eagles’ next game will be their second consecutive prime-time contest and feature a rematch with a divisional opponent. Philadelphia dominated the Commanders 24-8 in Week 3, holding Washington scoreless until late in the fourth quarter.
The Birds took down Carson Wentz nine times in their first matchup, the most sacks by any team this season. Washington will have at least two new offensive linemen starting this time around, so there’s a chance they post a better performance against the Eagles’ pass-rush rotation.
Washington’s defense can stop the run, which is why Jalen Hurts posted his second-most pass attempts of the season in Week 3. I’d expect A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith to see time in the slot against Rachad Wildgoose, who’s been the weak link of the Commanders’ secondary.
Week 11 at Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are perhaps the worst team the Eagles will face over the rest of the season, and that’s saying something given the state of Philadelphia’s schedule.
This will be a road game for the Eagles, but I don’t think that will affect the final score. I can’t imagine Sam Ehlinger succeeding against Philadelphia’s defense, especially if the Eagles’ front overruns Indy’s offensive line.
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A Colts victory would likely rely on a gargantuan effort from Jonathan Taylor. Philadelphia gave up 168 rushing yards to the Texans, a sign that they could struggle without rookie defensive tackle Jordan Davis. But we don’t even know if Taylor will be available for Week 11, as he’s already on the wrong side of questionable for Week 9 after re-aggravating an ankle injury.
Week 12 vs. Green Bay Packers
After playing the Colts, the Eagles will get another home against a team that’s performed well under expectations in 2022.
We’re so used to watching Aaron Rodgers simply make things happen that it’s continually surprising when he doesn’t. The Packers haven’t scored more than 22 points since Week 4, and they haven’t topped 27 all season.
Green Bay didn’t acquire a wide receiver at the deadline. So unless they sign Odell Beckham Jr. between now and Week 12, we know what receiving options Rodgers will have at his disposal.
Meanwhile, the Packers’ defense cannot stop the run. They’ve given up at least 150 yards in four of their last five games, so Hurts and Miles Sanders could have field days on the ground.
Week 13 vs. Tennessee Titans
The Titans are currently on a five-game win streak and sit atop the AFC South at 5-2. Mike Vrabel’s team continues to do what it needs to in order to win, but they’ve faced the NFL’s easiest schedule thus far, per FO.
When Tennessee faced a truly elite team, they were destroyed by the Bills in Week 2. After scoring their only points midway through the first quarter, the Titans entered Buffalo territory just once more — and that drive ended with a Malik Willis fumble.
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We’ll get a better idea of whether the Titans can compete with the NFL’s crown jewels on Sunday when they face the Chiefs. If a hold-the-ball, run-the-clock game plan works against Kansas City, Tennessee could use the same strategy against Philadelphia.
Week 14 at New York Giants
The Eagles won’t face the division-rival Giants until Week 14, and their first matchup will come on the road. New York is a little like Tennessee in that they find unexpected ways to win — and they’ve gotten some luck on their side, too.
Philadelphia has only faced one rushing quarterback: Kyler Murray, whom they held to 42 yards on four attempts. Daniel Jones is a different type of running QB. He’s a battering ram who will be used heavily around the goal line, and the Eagles will need to account for his rushing ability.
New York’s defense has played better than expected. Still, the Giants don’t have the cornerbacks to match up with Brown and Smith over a full game. The only true alpha WR1 New York has faced all season was DK Metcalf in Week 8, but he was limited by injury.
Week 15 at Chicago Bears
The Bears appeared to have turned a corner in Justin Fields’ development, in that they’ve finally realized that he’s a weapon on the ground.
The second-year quarterback has posted at least 60 rushing yards in three consecutive games, and Chicago as a team rushed for at least 230 yards in each of those contests. The Bears have subsequently totaled their two highest point totals of the season over the last two weeks.
If the Eagles continue to give up rushing yards, you could squint and see the Bears having a chance at home. But Davis will likely have returned from injury in Week 15, so he’ll be around to clog up rushing lanes.
Plus, Hurts and Philadelphia’s offense should have no problems with Chicago’s defense. The Bears blitz less than any team in the NFL, so Hurts should have plenty of time to hit Brown and Smith over the middle, even if he avoids standout Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson.
Week 16 at Dallas Cowboys
The Cowboys outgained the Eagles 315-268 when these teams met in Week 6, but Philadelphia walked away with the 26-17 victory because they intercepted Cooper Rush three times.
Barring any unforeseen developments, Dak Prescott — who returned from injury in Week 7 — will be under center when the Cowboys face the Eagles in Week 16. After working out the kinks against the Lions, Prescott was electric against the Bears, finishing with a 93.8 QBR.
Dallas should be Philadelphia’s most significant test. Among the offenses remaining on the Eagles’ schedule, the Cowboys’ unit is the only one that could be expected to match Hurts and Co. Their offensive line should keep Prescott clean, especially if left tackle Tyron Smith is back for this game.
But it’s Dallas’ defense that should really worry the Eagles. They generate more pressure than any team in the league, Micah Parsons is a constant threat, and the Cowboys have talent at every level.
Add in that this will be a home game for the Cowboys, and there’s a chance Dallas could actually be favored in this contest.
Week 17 vs. New Orleans Saints
At their best, the Saints boast a defense capable of stopping anyone. New Orleans showed just that last week when they shut out the Raiders and held them to only 183 yards of offense.
However, that effort represented the Saints’ best performance in weeks. They’d given up at least 28 points in their four previous games, three of which were losses. It would likely take a lights-out showing from New Orleans to contain the Eagles’ offense.
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On the other side of the ball, it’s odd to think an Andy Dalton-led offense could keep up with Philadelphia, but he’s been posting excellent results. Since taking over for Jameis Winston in Week 4, Dalton is eighth among quarterbacks in expected points added per play.
There is some combination of production from Dalton, Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and the Saints’ defense that could beat the Eagles, but New Orleans would need each of those elements to hit at the same time.
Week 18 vs. New York Giants
The Eagles will close the regular season with a rematch against the Giants. Not much will have changed from their first game four weeks earlier, except this will be a home game for the Birds.
If Philadelphia is 16-0 at this point, they’ll be facing immense pressure to remain undefeated. Those expectations might weigh more heavily than anything New York can throw at them.
The Eagles’ Chances To Go 17-0
It’s fair to wonder if the Eagles even want to go undefeated. Yes, they’d go down in the history books, but it won’t feel as momentous unless they cap their season with a Super Bowl victory.
They’d never admit it, but Philadelphia’s coaches might actually want the club to experience a loss at some point this year. A defeat would allow the Eagles to tackle adversity while simultaneously removing the albatross of a potential 17-0 record.
But Philadelphia does have a chance — however slight — of remaining undefeated through the regular season. It’s probably below 10%, but their schedule affords them the possibility.
The Cowboys are, by far, the most difficult opponent the Eagles will face over the rest of the year. If you told me Philadelphia would end the season with one loss, I’d guess it would come in Dallas.