How are you feeling about this matchup?
I feel dangerously good about the Philadelphia Eagles beating the Pittsburgh Steelers today.
“Dangerous” because this confidence could be misplaced given the potential pitfalls:
- The Eagles never being able to beat Russell Wilson.
- Mike Tomlin almost always finding a way to muck a game up and make it closer than expected, hence his NFL-best record straight up and against the spread as underdogs since he was hired.
- The Eagles have hardly been dominant at home this season.
- The Eagles’ vibes weren’t exactly immaculate leaving Week 14.
However, on that last point, I actually think the way the week played out worked in the Eagles’ favor. I think it’s possible that they channeled frustrations in a positive way and are extra motivated to go out and put a beat-down on the Steelers. They could make a statement that leaves last week’s ugly win feel very far in the past.
All eyes will obviously be on the Eagles’ offense and — more specifically — the passing attack. Jalen Hurts holding onto the ball for a long time doesn’t feel like a great recipe against Pittsburgh’s potent pass rush. His ball security will be seriously tested.
But I’d think the Eagles will be especially keen to this matchup. And I’d say the Eagles’ offensive line deserves benefit of the doubt when it comes to being able to win their battles up front. Hurts has the ability to play better than he did in Week 14. He’ll take advantage of the time he’s given to find A.J. Brown again and again and again in a squeaky wheel gets the grease performance.
The Steelers’ offense figures to struggle to score with George Pickens out. Pittsburgh likes to pretend that Najee Harris is much better than he is and will waste touches on him. Those carries will be gifts to Vic Fangio’s defense. The challenge will be containing Wilson, who can still extend plays and air it out downfield with his signature moon balls. The Eagles are typically good are limiting explosives; we’ll see if they keep it up here.
In what could be a low-scoring game, special teams might be the difference. Chris Boswell is one of the best kickers in the NFL this season. Jake Elliott has been struggling and it seems like Nick Sirianni doesn’t totally trust him at the moment. The feeling here is that Elliott could be due for some redemption, though.
All told, I think the Eagles beat the Steelers. It’s hard to predict them to do it comfortably but I do think they get it done.
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Suggested format:
Score prediction:
Bold prediction:
My predictions:
Score prediction: 23 to 20, Eagles win.
Bold prediction: Jake Elliott makes his first field goal from 50+ this season as time expires.
Your predictions:
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