With training camp underway and the preseason fast approaching, Last Word on Pro Football is analyzing the schedules of all 32 NFL teams. Each team’s 16-game slate will be split into its most difficult (1-8) and easiest games (9-16). For this article, the Philadelphia Eagles easiest games of their 2019 schedule are the focus.
The toughest games on the 2019 Eagles schedule.
Philadelphia Eagles Easiest Games in 2019
9. Week Six: at Minnesota Vikings
This becomes a crucial stretch for the Eagles as they begin the first of three straight road games against prolific offenses. We know Minnesota is looking to become a much better team than they were in 2018. Not to mention, despite different quarterbacks, this is still a rematch the Vikings are looking forward to since their NFCCG loss. Time has passed but being denied a trip to the Super Bowl still looms large on this franchise. Wentz versus Kirk Cousins should provide plenty of offense as both teams feature playmakers at nearly every position. Plus, who knows? Maybe the two will meet again in the postseason.
10. Week 17: at New York Giants
Ever since the NFL went to the scheduled format of the final week usually featuring a divisional game, the storyline has become one of two things: win and you’re in or meaningless game. It’s hard to pinpoint how important this game will be when we actually reach it. However, the Eagles did need a Week 17 win last season to qualify for the playoffs that saw them win at Chicago the following week. So, you never know what the storyline is going to be. Hopefully, the two teams will be playing for something, if not, then you can expect many starters resting in this one.
11. Week 13: at Miami Dolphins
One of the trends the Eagles will face in 2019 is facing off against young quarterbacks throughout their 16-game schedule. Josh Rosen is now with the Miami Dolphins looking to put his very brief Arizona Cardinals career behind him. While Miami can be a tough out at home, the Eagles do excel at a number of positions when matched up to the Dolphins. A late-season road win could prove beneficial when it comes to tiebreaking procedures at the end of the season. However, this has the making of a trap game for the Eagles looking ahead to the final stretch of the season.
12. Week 15: at Washington Redskins
The Week 15-second matchup between the two teams will prove pivotal if either is in contention for the division crown or a Wild Card berth. Week 15 really becomes the week where teams contending make the next step and teams fading, well, fade. Is it possible that Dwayne Haskins has evolved into a franchise quarterback at this point? Has Philadelphia put a stranglehold on the NFC East at this point? The possibilities are endless at this point of the season. However, one concerning question could be the health of Wentz this late in the season. Or if he is ailing, do you sit him against the lowly Redskins? Philadelphia has won the last four meetings with two coming at FedEx Field.
13. Week 3: vs Detroit Lions
The NFL schedule-makers have given the Eagles an early opportunity to head into the first quarter of the season at a 4-0 or 3-1 record. Head coach Matt Patricia looks to excel in year two with the Lions, but since leaving Bill Belichick‘s coaching staff, the success hasn’t quite come yet. Playing at Lincoln Financial Field has proven as an additional weapon for the Eagles in recent memory and looking to early success, the Eagles should be fired up against an under .500 team in 2018. Lesser teams haven’t played well against the Eagles at home and could be an opportunity to jumpstart a winning season.
14. Week 5: vs New York Jets
With the addition of Le’Veon Bell and an improved defense on the rise under new head coach Adam Gase and the Jets could surprise a lot of people. They weren’t a bad team per se in 2018 but like most rebuilding teams, they suffered from inconsistent play from Sam Darnold and company. However, a new direction could give the Eagles trouble in the very early going of the season before teams find their footing. The cliche for beating the teams you’re supposed to beat has been beaten to death, but it still reigns true for an Eagles team looking to get off to a hot start in 2019.
15. Week 14: vs New York Giants
The New York Giants enter a similar fold as their NFC East counterpart Washington Redskins other than at quarterback. A plethora of injuries to New York’s receiving corps has unseemingly put a ton of pressure on rookie sensation Saquon Barkley. The loss of Pro Bowler Landon Collins also put a huge dent in Big Blue’s defense. Philadelphia has had New York’s number the past few seasons and it’s a trend that looks to continue in 2019. Their first meeting doesn’t come until Week 14, however, so, we should have a strong indication of how both teams are fairing by then. But with playoff implications looming large at that point, it’s a game the Eagles will take serious, nonetheless.
16. Week One: vs Washington Redskins
The Eagles open up their 2019 schedule at home versus the Washington Redskins looking for a divisional win. Washington comes into the 2019 season with a ton of uncertainty at a number of positions — most notably at the quarterback. Alex Smith won’t suit up in 2019 giving way to Case Keenum or Dwayne Haskins. Whoever is under center, Philadelphia should get off to a good start against a vulnerable defense easing Wentz towards a big game — proving he’s on his way to another healthy season.
