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 most difficult games of 2019 are under the microscope.
The easiest games on the 2019 Eagles schedule.
Philadelphia Eagles Most Difficult Games in 2019
1. Week Seven: at Dallas Cowboys
The last time these two met in Big D, it was a shootout for the ages that came at the expense of a heartbreaking loss for the Eagles in overtime. Dak Prescott got the ball first and hit Amari Cooper for the game-winner off a deflected pass by the Eagles defense. That loss late in the season nearly cost them the playoffs entirely in 2018. However, Wentz and company played extremely well in the shootout but came up just short. These are the games both teams need to win if they’re going to dictate who wins the NFC East in 2019. Whether it’s a shootout or a defensive battle, look for this to be one of those most-watched divisional battles in 2019. The winner will take a huge step towards a divisional crown while the loser can only wonder what-if?
2. Week Nine: vs Chicago Bears
The final home game on this list of hardest games features one of the most fearsome defenses in the entire NFL. Khalil Mack and company have not forgotten their loss against the Eagles in last season’s Wild Card game. This is a defense that can win games with their own hands. They’re that dominant. Fortunately, this games takes place in Philadelphia and not Chicago, which might be just enough of an edge for the Eagles to beat the Bears two times in a row. It’s a tough matchup no matter which way you slice it for Philly. While the defense will keep Chicago in it, if their offense also comes to play for head coach Matt Nagy in year two, then the Eagles will have an even tougher task of beating a young and upcoming team.
3. Week 11: vs New England Patriots
Well, well, well. We meet again. A Super Bowl may not be on the line and Foles won’t be there to upset Tom Brady but this will be one of the most anticipated games between the two conferences. Bill Belichick and Brady are perhaps the greatest at preparing for their opponents and it’ll show no matter if they’re at home or on the road. An overzealous Eagles team might fall into the hands of Belichick in terms of matchups and Wentz will be forced to adapt to change. The two have experience against one another, but not Wentz. How will he fare against a duo of GOATs?
4. Week Four: at Green Bay Packers
Thursday Night Football. Primetime. Lambeau Field. The setting and game get no better for the Eagles who will be playing in a hostile environment for a Packers team looking to put injury-riddled teams as far behind them as humanly possible. The two have only met once before and with the world watching a premier matchup, this game should be a huge rating draw for the NFL. Still, if the Eagles aren’t at their best on the road against Aaron Rodgers and company, it could be a long night as opposing teams tend to get blown out in these situations.
5. Week 16: vs Dallas Cowboys
As with all division formats, you’ll see your rivals two times a year. But that doesn’t mean that either game — at home or away — will phase either team vying for NFC East supremacy. Dak Prescott vs. Carson Wentz is easily a quarterback duel that’s going to get better as both careers pan out over the years. With the NFC East being mostly a two-team race in recent memory, these games become more and more crucial to win. The two teams match up pretty well on paper and have had some pretty epic games as of late — with the latter usually coming down to who has the ball last. A win puts you in the driver’s seat and a loss can be a mega setback.
6. Week Two: at Atlanta Falcons
The Eagles’ first road test comes in Week Two when they travel to Atlanta to face Matt Ryan and the Falcons. While a game of NFC birds does come early in the season, it still could have possible playoff implications down the road in terms of seeding. The last time the two met was two seasons ago in the NFC Divisional Round which saw the Eagles win en route to their Super Bowl victory. Both teams are evenly matched on offense and feature stingy defenses that can get to the quarterback. Expect a back-and-forth affair that could be decided by who has the ball last. However, a loss by either side shouldn’t damper their hopes this early on despite the primetime appearance.
7. Week 12: vs Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks are one of the hardest teams to defeat because of their stingy defense — even if it’s not the Legion of Boom anymore — and the man under-center in Russell Wilson. Wilson’s accuracy, mobility, deep throws, and escapability make him a full-fledged quarterback that can be borderline unstoppable. However, with this being a home game for the Eagles, this should boast one of the most exciting matchups across the entire NFL when these two meet in Week 12. Seattle got the best of Wentz and the Eagles last time they met, and with an early collision of two NFC powerhouses, this also has the makings of a statement game.
8. Week Eight: at Buffalo Bills
The finale of the three-straight road games ends against the Buffalo Bills. The AFC East — outside of the New England Patriots — are hoping to be much improved in 2019. Quarterback Josh Allen looks poised to have a breakout season in year two — hopefully giving Bills fans something to cheer about with a signature win against the Eagles around the middle of the season. Or, perhaps. the Eagles can stomp on an upcoming team on the road. The NFL will give you plenty of superlatives around the midpoint of the season. What will be theirs after a battle of two young quarterbacks? Still, playing on the road is never easy and looking past Buffalo would be a huge mistake.
