Who will win, Eagles or Jets? Prediction roundup from ESPN, Sports Illustrated … – NJ.com

Last week’s game against the Dallas Cowboys was considered a “must win” by plenty of Eagles‘ fans. 

Well, after a loss, the team faces yet an even bigger game.

The Eagles head to MetLife Stadium at 0-2 for their matchup with the New York Jets, staring 0-3 right in the face if they don’t start playing better in nearly every phase of the game. 

The quarterback, the offensive line, the receivers, the secondary — all have been issues through the first two games.

The bad news is that a game once looked at as an easy win on the schedule now looks a lot tougher, as the Jets have started 2-0 and have one of the best defenses in the NFL.

So will the Eagles win, and avoid falling to 0-3?

Here is a roundup of predictions:  

NJ.com:

Eliot Shorr-Parks: Last week, I ignored the many issues facing the Eagles and picked them to beat the Cowboys. Clearly, that was a mistake. The Eagles very well could win this game, as it’s hard to see Chip Kelly falling to 0-3. But you know what isn’t hard to see? Quarterback Sam Bradford falling to 0-3, as his play is a big reason the team is in this mess. The Eagles’ season isn’t over with a loss, but until they show they can win a big game, it’s hard to pick them to do so. Jets 24, Eagles 13

Mark Eckel: You look at the matches on both sides of the ball and there’s no reason the 0-2 Eagles should beat the 2-0 Jets, which is exactly why they will. This season hasn’t had much rhyme or reason so far, why start now? Eagles 20, Jets 17

Matt Lombardo: Let’s see. The Eagles offensive line has been out of sync when run blocking and line up against the Jets’ elite defensive line on Sunday. Sam Bradford leads the NFC in interceptions, admitted to feeling rusty last week against the Cowboys and now must figure it out against an aggressive Jets defense that has already forced 10 turnovers. Even Pope Francis’ presence in Philadelphia won’t help this team at the Meadowlands. Jets win 17-10

ESPN:

Of the 13 experts polled, 12 picked the Jets. In the Eagles’ first two games, at least 10 of the 13 experts picked the Eagles to win both games. 

Sports Illustrated: (via Don Banks)

In Philadelphia this week, they’re blaming Chip Kelly for everything but the Sonny Jurgensen trade to Washington, and Eagles fans would probably start Norm Snead at quarterback over the reeling Sam Bradford about now. The Eagles are desperately searching for their identity on offense and don’t know what it is they do well. That means the Jets are not a good matchup for Philly, because New York’s defensive front is very good indeed and could overwhelm an Eagles offensive line that was dreadful last week against Dallas. Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick has the full-time starters gig now and he accomplished a quirky little feat against the Colts on Monday night, becoming the first quarterback to start against the same opponent for a different team four years in a row (Buffalo in 2012, Tennessee in ’13, Houston in ’14 and Indianapolis in ’15). If Fitzpatrick and the Jets keep winning, IK Enemkpali is going to get some votes for New York’s team MVP.

CBS Sports: 

Of the eight experts polled, five picked the Jets. 

Here is a detailed look at why Will Brinson is picking the Eagles: 

Sometimes you find yourself sitting on an Eagles Super Bowl pick and realizing the only thing to do with an 0-2 start is a full-blown double-down move. That’s exactly what this is. Also, the Jets could be missing Eric Decker, Darrelle Revis and Chris Ivory. Those are three really big pieces for them on both sides of the ball. Eagles bounce back and get right in Week 3.

THE NO-HUDDLE SHOW, Ep. 8: Yes, the Eagles are embarrassing right now, but things will be OK

The Eagles’ 20-10 loss to Dallas was the most pathetic game of the Chip Kelly era. We discuss how and why it happened, and where the Birds go from here. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher.

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