The NFL regular season is just under two months away and there’s a lot of excitement around the Eagles. The Eagles 2024 Schedule is packed with many exciting games and matchups as they look to once again be Super Bowl contenders. What are the most fascinating games on their schedule though? Which matchups pose the most intrigue?
Three Games Fans Can’t Miss on the Eagles 2024 Schedule
Week One in Brazil
On September 6, The Eagles make NFL history. They’re facing the Green Bay Packers in the first-ever game to be hosted in Brazil. Besides just the fact that this will be a milestone for the league, the matchup is also intriguing.
These two teams have plenty of history over the decades. They’ve faced each other 46 times with Packers leading all-time 28-18. In that time there have also been several historic matchups. The Eagles’ last championship win before their Super Bowl LII victory came against Green Bay in the 1960 NFL Championship game. The Packers on the flipside have also found championship success after beating the Eagles. Their victory over the Birds in the 2010 NFL Wildcard was their first to capture their only Super Bowl Championship in the Aaron Rodgers Era. Of course, the two teams facing each other in this matchup are vastly different from those matchups.
The Eagles, after having a productive offseason, look to get back on the contention track after suffering a second-half skid last season. The Packers, on the other hand, left last season with optimism. Their new quarterback Jordan Love blossomed in the second half of the season. Love led the Packers to a blowout upset win over the Dallas Cowboys in the Wild Card Round, and potentially a drive away from upsetting the 49ers in the Divisional Round.
The Packers will be looking to capitalize off their late-season success. It’ll be interesting to see which team gets off on the right foot to start the year.
Division Rival Homecoming
From the moment Saquon Barkley signed with the division rival Eagles, most had his return to MetLife Stadium etched on their schedules as a must-see affair. While this has been a rivalry in name only over the last decade, the story of this matchup still speaks for itself.
The Giants drafted Barkley with the second overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and he became the most explosive and recognizable playmaker the team has had since Odell Beckham Jr. He won Offensive Rookie of the Year totaling 2,028 yards from scrimmage and 15 touchdowns. Even injury-riddled, his tenure with the Giants was remarkable.
He was a two-time Pro Bowler, one-time All-Pro, and ranks fourth all-time in Giants Franchise rushing history. For the team to lose a player of that caliber is one thing, but to go to a hated rival on top of it makes Barkley public enemy number one in East Rutherford.
Expect the boos to be loud and Barkley to get a lot of touches in that week seven matchup. It will be interesting to see how the Giants’ revamped defensive line, with newly acquired Brian Burns, fairs against the Eagles’ newest weapon in the backfield.
A Competitive Test In Week 14
The Eagles’ regular season schedule is a bit lighter this season. While there is no noticeable “gauntlet” like the team faced last season, one key matchup to test their metal comes against Baltimore in week 14.
These teams are very similar in nature. Both have dual-threat quarterbacks who like to enhance their offense through the run game. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts was arguably a sore soldier away from being league MVP in 2022. Lamar Jackson is a two-time MVP winning his most recent last season.
The Eagles signed Barkley to bolster their run game, The Ravens signed Derrick Henry to bolster theirs. The Ravens were sixth in passing defense last season and 14th in rushing defense. The Eagles made significant acquisitions to bolster their defense this offseason like Bryce Huff, C.J. Gardner Johnson, and Derrick White.
Both teams look to be championship contenders next season and this game is a test on the Eagles 2024 Schedule. It will show if the team is capable of keeping up with top competition in the playoffs.
Main Photo: [Bill Streicher] – USA Today Sports
