Who will win, Eagles or Patriots? Predictions from ESPN, Sports Illustrated … – NJ.com
David vs. Goliath. Rocky vs. Apollo Creed. Tom Brady vs. Billy Davis.
Eagles vs. Patriots.
No, not many think the Eagles will beat the New England Patriots on Sunday, as head coach Chip Kelly’s crew started the week at 13 point-underdogs — although an injury to tight end Rob Gronkowski has shrunk that to nine.
Still, beating the Patriots on Sunday would be an upset of major proportions for the Eagles, and would go a long way in turning around a season that is on life support at 4-7.
So can they do it — and is anyone bold enough to predict it?
Here is a collection of predictions for the game from around the web:
Eliot Shorr-Parks: This game couldn’t have come at a worst time for the Eagles. After three-straight losses, the Eagles need a win, and the feeling in the locker room this past week was surprisingly encouraging — one of a team ready to fight, not cave. Against almost any other team, the Eagles might be able to pull off a win. But picking Sam Bradford and this Eagles’ defense to beat Tom Brady — in his house — is certifiably insane. Patriots 41, Eagles 17
Mark Eckel: The Eagles will play one of their better games of the season; it just won’t be enough to stop Tom Brady and the Patriots from moving to 11-1 on the season. Patriots 23, Eagles 20
Matt Lombardo: A banged up Patriots team presents the perfect opportunity for a Sam Bradford-led Eagles team to pull off the upset and would go a long way towards restoring faith in head coach Chip Kelly. However, as Kelly pointed out this week, Brady isn’t among the injured Pats and he is the ultimate difference maker. Patriots 30, Eagles 21
ESPN: Of the 13 experts polled, all 13 picked the Patriots — the first time all season every ESPN expert picked against the Eagles.
Sports Illustrated: (via Don Banks)
Catching the Patriots short-handed is fortuitous. Catching them after a loss is never a case of good timing. Even without Rob Gronkowski, New England has enough firepower to handle an Eagles team that has laid down on defense the past two weeks, giving up 45 points to both the Bucs and Lions. Philadelphia quarterback Sam Bradford sounds like he’s ready to get back in the lineup, and I’m guessing Mark Sanchez secretly wants no part of a reunion with his old AFC East rival. Patriots 34, Eagles 17.
EAGLES: Lurie still believes in Chip
CBS Sports: (via Pete Prisco)
The Patriots are really short-handed on offense, especially without Rob Gronkowski. But they have Tom Brady and the Eagles are the perfect tonic for any offense right now. Philadelphia has issues. That will show up here. Patriots win it, but Eagles get a late score to make it interesting. Patriots 31, Eagles 23
THE NO-HUDDLE SHOW, Ep. 18: Are Eagles better off winning NFC East or landing a top 5 draft pick?
Another embarrassing loss should have folks talking about 2016, but somehow the Eagles are still just one game behind in the NFC East. We talk about that, plus more discussion on — what else? — Chip Kelly’s future with the Eagles. Subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or Stitcher.
Eliot Shorr-Parks may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @EliotShorrParks. Find NJ.com Sports on Facebook.
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