The 2023 Eagles schedule is out!
After winning the NFC East, the Eagles will be playing the first-place teams in the other NFC divisions as well as the AFC East and West. This includes games at Tampa Bay and a Super Bowl rematch with Kansas City, while the Buffalo Bills and Minnesota Vikings will be coming to Lincoln Financial Field.
The cross-division games for Philadelphia in 2023 will be against the NFC West and the AFC East.
Here is a breakdown of the Eagles' 17 regular-season games, featuring the league's toughest strength of schedule (.566 win percentage) based on last year's standings.
Week 1 at New England Patriots
Sunday, September 10
4:25 PM on CBS
The Philadelphia Eagles are 8-7 all time against the New England Patriots and are 4-5 against the Patriots on the road. The Eagles are also 1-1 against the Patriots in the Super Bowl.
Key Additions: TE Mike Gesicki, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
Key Losses: WR Nelson Agholor, RB Damien Harris, WR Jakobi Meyers, TE Jonnu Smith
Key Stat: 347
Known for his defensive prowess, Bill Belichick and the Patriots' defense ranked 11th in the NFL in 2022 allowing 347 points on the season. After drafting defense with its first three picks, New England will look to regain its place in the top 10 defensively and once again return to the playoffs.
2023 Draft Top 3 Picks: CB Christian Gonzalez, Edge Keion White, S Marte Mapu
Player to Watch: WR JuJu Smith-Schuster
Smith-Schuster will be called upon to replace the production vacated when Jakobi Meyers signed with the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason.
Quarterback Mac Jones regressed a bit following a Pro Bowl rookie campaign and was only able to throw for 14 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 14 games last season. Smith-Schuster and new Offensive Coordinator Bill O'Brien will look to get the offense back on track in 2023.
2022 Review: 8-9, 3rd in the AFC East
Points Scored: 364 (17)
Points Allowed: 347 (11)
Team Preview
Mac Jones will look to return to form for the Patriots in 2023.
With JuJu Smith-Schuster in the fold and Offensive Coordinator Bill O'Brien returning to the team, the continuity will be restored. Jones had a chance to work with O'Brien at Alabama and he is comfortable and familiar with this offense. The defense for New England has been replenished through the draft as well.
Cornerback J.C. Jackson has been replaced by Christian Gonzalez and edge rusher Keion White landed to a wonderful situation where he can make an instant impact on the defensive line.
Bill Belichick is one of the greatest coaches of all time. He has reloaded this offseason and good things should be in store for the Patriots in 2023 despite the difficult division.
Week 2 vs. Minnesota Vikings
Thursday, September 14
8:15 PM on Prime Video
The Philadelphia Eagles are 15-15 all time against the Minnesota Vikings. This includes a record of 11-7 at home.
Key Additions: Edge Marcus Davenport
Key Losses: CB Patrick Peterson, TE Irv Smith Jr., DT Dalvin Tomlinson
Key Stat: 70
With the departure of wide receiver Adam Thielen to Carolina, the Minnesota Vikings will be tasked with replacing their WR2 and his 70 receptions from 2022.
While wide receiver Justin Jefferson is the main target for quarterback Kirk Cousins, no one player can do it alone. Finding a replacement for the 70 receptions will be needed as the Vikings look to win the NFC North for the second straight season.
2023 Draft Top 3 Picks: WR Jordan Addison, CB Mekhi Blackmon, S Jay Ward
Player to Watch: RB Alexander Mattison
Since being drafted in the third round in 2019, Mattison has been the primary backup for Dalvin Cook in Minnesota. After re-signing this offseason, it might finally be his time to shine.
2022 Review: 13-4, 1st in the NFC North, Lost to New York Giants in Wild Card Game
Points Scored: 424 (7)
Points Allowed: 427 (t-28)
Team Preview
In one of the strangest seasons in the NFL, the Minnesota Vikings scored 424 points while allowing 427. While this is not strange, the fact the Vikings went 13-4 with this discrepancy is truly remarkable.
Minnesota had more one-score victories (11) than any other team in NFL history.
Justin Jefferson is a star. His connection with Kirk Cousins is undeniable. With the addition of Jordan Addison to replace Adam Thielen in the offense, the production of Jefferson and the Vikings' offense should not miss a beat. The key will be the improvement needed on defense.
If Minnesota can improve the defense which allowed 427 points in 2022, 13 wins would be well in store once again. If the Vikings are unable to get needed impact from additions like rookies Jay Ward at safety and cornerback Mekhi Blackmon, they might be forced once again to find a way to win most of their games close once again.
Week 3 at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Monday, September 25
7:15 PM on ABC
The Philadelphia Eagles have a 10-11 record all time against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Eagles are 4-5 against the Buccaneers in Tampa Bay.
Key Additions: QB Baker Mayfield
Key Losses: QB Tom Brady, RB Leonard Fournette, CB Sean Murphy-Bunting
Key Stat: 12
No longer is Tom Brady the QB of the Buccaneers. With the retirement of Brady, Todd Bowles and the Bucs will be forced to look elsewhere for the next franchise QB. With the addition of Baker Mayfield along with Kyle Trask vying for position, it will be an interesting battle to see who wins out.
2023 Draft Top 3 Picks: DL Calijah Kancey, OL Cody Mauch, Edge YaYa Diaby
Player to Watch: QB Baker Mayfield
On his fourth team in 2 years, Baker Mayfield looks to be coming into the 2023 as the replacement for Tom Brady.
Chris Godwin and Mike Evans provide a great 1-2 punch at wide receiver and if Mayfield can use his time in Los Angeles with Sean McVay as a learning experience, he could be the answer to the Buccaneers' question at quarterback.
2022 Review: 8-9, 1st in the NFC South, Lost to Dallas Cowboys in Wild Card Game
Points Scored: 313 (25)
Points Allowed: 358 (13)
Team Preview
After two seasons of stellar play and a Super Bowl victory, Tom Brady and the Buccaneers took a step back in 2022.
Brady has now retired, and the Buccaneers must find a suitable replacement. To do so, the team will turn to backup Kyle Trask to battle things out with free agent Baker Mayfield in camp.
The winner of this fight will have talented options in the pass game as both Mike Evans and Chris Godwin will be healthy for the Buccaneers in 2023 after being limited in 2022.
While the offense will need to find its way through the season, defensive-minded head coach Todd Bowles will lean on that side of the ball to keep games close. With a strong secondary, including Antoine Winfield, Jr. and newly re-signed corner Jamel Dean, Tampa Bay will look to return to a top five defense in the NFL. Something which could be needed if the team wants to remain a contender in the new NFC South.
Week 4 vs. Washington Commanders
Sunday, October 1
1 PM on FOX
The Philadelphia Eagles have an all-time record of 42-44-3 against the Washington Commanders at home in Philadelphia.
Key Additions: QB Jacoby Brissett
Key Losses: QB Taylor Heinicke, QB Carson Wentz
Key Stat: 9
With just nine interceptions in 2022, Washington struggled in getting the ball away from its opponents. With the addition of first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes in the secondary, Washington will look to enhance its turnover production. Although slight in stature at 6-foot-1 and just 166 pounds, Forbes was a ballhawk in college. The Commanders will look to him to provide the same ability in the NFL.
2023 Draft Top 3 Picks: CB Emmanuel Forbes, S Jartavius (Quan) Martin, G Ricky Stromberg
Player to Watch: CB Emmanuel Forbes
Washington needed help in the secondary. To address this need, they took CB Emmanuel Forbes from Mississippi State at No. 16 in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Forbes has a knack for finding football with six pick-sixes on 12 career college interceptions. If his ability to find the ball in the SEC can translate to the NFL, the Commanders' secondary could get much better.
2022 Review: 8-8-1, 4th in the NFC East
Points Scored: 321 (24)
Points Allowed: 343 (7)
Team Preview
With Carson Wentz and Taylor Heinicke off the roster, the Commanders will turn to second-year signal-caller Sam Howell to lead the offense.
The Commanders have also brought in Jacoby Brissett and his experience to mentor and back up Howell as he prepares to take over the job.
Running back Brian Robinson and wide receiver Terry McLaurin will be counted on to also help the young QB develop behind an offensive line anchored by Charles Leno Jr., who at left tackle will be counted on to protect the blind side of Howell.
The defense for Washington will also look to take a step forward as Chase Young returns healthy and determined after not getting his fifth-year option picked up. Rookies Emmanuel Forbes and Quan Martin will look to come in and provide a stabilizing force to the secondary.
With Chase Young and Daron Payne on the line, the Commanders can be one of the most dominant defenses in the NFL.
Week 5 at Los Angeles Rams
Sunday, October 8
4:05 PM on FOX
The Philadelphia Eagles are 7-11-1 all time against the Los Angeles Rams on the road.
Key Additions: None
Key Losses: CB Jalen Ramsey, S Taylor Rapp
Key Stat: 5
In 11 games in 2022, Aaron Donald was only able to get to the QB five times. In a lost season for the Rams, Donald sat much of the second half of the season. This affected the way the Rams could get to the passer and led to a 5-12 record for the defending Super Bowl Champions. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp are both returning healthy but with Jalen Ramsey now in Miami, Donald will be the most important piece of the defensive puzzle.
2023 Draft Top 3 Picks: G Steve Avila, LB Byron Young, DL Kobie Turner
Player to Watch: QB Matthew Stafford
Matthew Stafford has said he is now healthy and with Kupp also set to return healthy, the connection they found in 2021 will need to be rekindled if the Rams want to return to a place amongst the top tier of the NFC.
2022 Review: 5-12, 3rd in the NFC West
Points Scored: 307 (27)
Points Allowed: 384 (t-21)
Team Preview
After losing Cooper Kupp for most of the 2022 season, Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams offense struggled to find its footing.
With Kupp back, Stafford will also look to return to his 2021 form after a back injury limited him in the absence of Kupp.
The Rams improved the protection for Stafford with the selection of guard Steve Avila in the second round.
Running back Cam Akers and newly drafted running back Zach Evans will be counted on to balance the offense to alleviate more pressure from Stafford. Making sure he remains healthy in 2023 will determine if the offense can improve over its 27th-place finish from 2022.
The defense will still have Aaron Donald on the line but will be forced to replace Jalen Ramsey in the secondary. With the All-Pro now in Miami, it will be up to others to step up in his place. Donald is still a game-wrecker. But it will be the secondary which will determine the ability of the Rams to stop opponents.
Week 6 at New York Jets
Sunday, October 15
4:25 PM on FOX
The Philadelphia Eagles are a perfect 12-0 all-time against the New York Jets with six of those victories coming on the road.
Key Addition: QB Aaron Rogers, WR Mecole Hardman, WR Allen Lazard
Key Losses: None
Key Stat: 12
The Jets are one of at the very least 12 teams that will have a new starting quarterback in 2022.
2023 Draft Top 3 Picks: Edge Will McDonald IV, C Joe Tippman, T Carter Warren
Player to Watch: QB Aaron Rodgers
A trade that was a long time in the making, former MVP Aaron Rodgers was sent to the Big Apple just before the 2023 NFL Draft.
With a solid offensive line and the wide receiver duo of Garrett Wilson and Allen Lazard, Rodgers has a good chance to get back to the playoffs after a one-year absence.
One thing we have learned about Rodgers over the years is to not give him motivation. After the Green Bay Packers drafted Jordan Love, Rodgers went out and won two consecutive MVP awards. Heading to a new team with even more motivation, it will be exciting to see what his next chapter holds. The Jets are hoping it involves a trip to the Super Bowl.
2022 Review: 7-10, 4th in the AFC East
Points Scored: 296 (29)
Points Allowed: 316 (4)
Team Preview
The Jets made one of the biggest moves of the offseason by trading for Aaron Rodgers from Green Bay. While Rodgers came to New York, he did not come alone, bringing trusted target Allen Lazard along with him.
With Lazard in town, along with 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson, the receiving group for the Jets will give Rodgers the opportunity to thrive once again. Adding a healthy Breece Hall, another contender for last season's Offensive Rookie of the Year award, in the backfield will give Rodgers a set of skill position players comparable to anything he had with Green Bay.
The defense for the Jets, with outstanding tackle Quinnen Williams and rookie Will McDonald IV, will look to get to the opposing QB with the pass rush while, Defensive Rookie of the Year Sauce Gardner won't back down from the best receiver on any team New York faces.
General Manager Joe Douglas has been building up to this season with the moves he has made. With the right QB in Aaron Rodgers and the right coach in Robert Saleh, the Jets are a dangerous contender in the AFC East.
Week 7 vs. Miami Dolphins
Sunday, October 22
8:20 PM on NBC
The Philadelphia Eagles are 4-3 all-time against the Miami Dolphins at home.
Key Additions: CB Jalen Ramsey
Key Losses: TE Mike Gesicki, WR Trent Sherfield
Key Stat: 7
Tyreek Hill came over from Kansas City before last season and made an immediate impact on the Dolphins. With 119 receptions for 1,710 yards, Head Coach Mike McDaniel could not have been much happier with the trade. The only thing which Hill and the Dolphins will look to improve on in 2023 is the number of touchdowns Hill was able to score. Hill was a yardage machine, but it did not turn into scores on enough occasions.
2023 Draft Top 3 Picks: CB Cam Smith, RB Devon Achane, TE Elijah Higgins
Player to Watch: QB Tua Tagovailoa
After a season marred by concussions and an offseason of uncertainty, Tagovailoa returns as the starting QB for Miami this season.
With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle returning, the weapons are there for Tagovailoa to continue the improvement we saw from him before his rash of concussions. The Dolphins were able to make the playoffs in his absence. With his return, the ceiling is much higher.
2022 Review: 9-8, 2nd in the AFC East, Lost to the Buffalo Bills in Wild Card game
Points Scored: 397 (11)
Points Allowed: 399 (24)
Team Preview
Tua Tagovailoa returning healthy will provide a much-needed reprise from having to continue to patch together a string of backup quarterbacks for the Miami Dolphins.
With receivers Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill and rookie running back Devin Achane, Miami will have the fastest set of skill players in the NFL. Add to this Raheem Mostert and the incredible speed will test any defense the Dolphins match up against.
The defense in Miami, with rookie cornerback Cam Smith set to replace Byron Jones, will look to get the ball back for the speedy offense. Xavien Howard will provide needed coverage for the secondary as Smith gets acclimated to the NFL. If Smith can thrive quickly, Miami can build upon its playoff appearance.
Week 8 at Washington Commanders
Sunday, October 29
1 PM on FOX
The Philadelphia Eagles are 41-45-3 all time against the Washington Commanders on the road.
Key Stat: 43
The Washington Commanders combined for a total of 43 sacks (good for 12th in the league) during the 2022 season. With the return of Chase Young to full health, the Commanders are hopeful they can raise this number significantly in 2023.
Player to Watch: DE Chase Young
The Washington Commanders did not pick up the fifth-year option on their No. 2 overall draft pick. This makes 2023 a make-or-break season for Young.
After winning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2020, he has battled multiple injuries leading to this decision by the Commanders. If he can return to his rookie form in 2023, he could be in store for a hot free agent market come the offseason.
Week 9 vs. Dallas Cowboys
Sunday, November 5
4:25 PM on FOX
The Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys are tied 31-31 all-time when playing games in Philadelphia.
Key Additions: WR Brandin Cooks, CB Stephon Gilmore
Key Losses: RB Ezekiel Elliott, TE Dalton Schultz
Key Stat: 231
This is the number of rushes Ezekiel Elliott had for the Cowboys in 2022. While Elliott was down a bit, producing just 876 yards on those carries, he was still able to score 12 touchdowns for Dallas. The team will look to replace Elliott with Tony Pollard and rookie Deuce Vaughn. Their ability to take the role left by Elliott will be key to Dallas' success in 2023.
2023 Draft Top 3 Picks: DL Mazi Smith, TE Luke Schoonmaker, LB DeMarvion Overshown
Player to Watch: RB Tony Pollard
After 1,007 yards and nine touchdowns on 193 rushes in 2022, Tony Pollard will be called on to be the main back for the Dallas Cowboys after the release of Ezekiel Elliott.
After suffering a broken leg against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Divisional Round game, the Cowboys are hoping he can be ready for the start of the season. His health will go a long way in determining the success Dallas will have in the run game.
2022 Review: 12-5, 2nd in the NFC East, lost to San Francisco 49ers in Divisional Round
Points Scored: 467 (3)
Points Allowed: 342 (6)
Team Preview
In 12 games last season, Dak Prescott had a record of 8-4 while throwing for 2,860 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions.
With Ezekiel Elliott released and Tony Pollard coming back from a broken leg suffered against the 49ers in the NFC Divisional Round, Prescott will be counted on to find CeeDee Lamb and new addition Brandin Cooks.
Tight end has always been a security blanket for Prescott. In recent years, Dalton Schultz has filled this spot. With Schultz now in Houston, Prescott must find a new receiver in which he feels comfortable dumping passes to in order to move the chains. This could be Tony Pollard after his return. But until he does return, this could be rookie spark plug. Deuce Vaughn.
The 5-foot-6, 175-pound rookie from Kansas State was drafted in the sixth round and the Cowboys will look to him to bring immediate ability to the return game and short pass game for Dallas.
The defense of Dallas, buoyed by the addition of Stephon Gilmore will continue to run through Micah Parsons. After having a monster rookie season with 13 sacks, Parsons returned in 2022 and increased his sack total to 13.5 for the Cowboys. In doing so, Parsons led the Cowboys' defense to a sixth-place finish, allowing just 342 points in 17 games. With his continued production and elite ability to change how an offense can play, Parsons is on pace to become one of the most disruptive forces in the NFL.
Week 11 at Kansas City Chiefs
Monday, November 20
8:15 PM on ESPN/ABC
The Philadelphia Eagles are 4-5 all time against the Kansas City Chiefs. This includes a 3-2 record in Kansas City at Arrowhead Stadium.
Key Additions: None
Key Losses: LT Orlando Brown Jr., DE Frank Clark, WR Mecole Hardman, WR JuJu Smith-Schuster, S Juan Thornhill
Key Stat: 5
Patrick Mahomes has been in the NFL for five years as a starter. In those five seasons, Mahomes has taken the Chiefs to five AFC Championship Games, three Super Bowls, two Super Bowl titles, and has won two MVP awards in that time span. As the best player on the Chiefs, it will be interesting to see what Mahomes and Head Coach Andy Reid have in store for Year 6.
2023 Draft Top 3 Picks: Edge Felix Anudike-Uzomah, WR Rashee White, OT Wanya Morris
Player to Watch: DE George Karlaftis
With the release of Frank Clark for salary cap reasons, it will be paramount for second-year defensive lineman George Karlaftis to supplement the pass rush for the Chiefs.
After six sacks as a rookie, Karlaftis must be able to take on a larger role in the defense while also stopping the run; it's something that will be important as teams will look to run a lot against the Chiefs in hopes of keeping Patrick Mahomes and the offense on the sideline. While the Chiefs drafted Felix Anudike-Uzomah to help, this will be a defense led by Karlaftis and All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones when it comes to rushing the quarterback.
2022 Review: 14-3, 1st in the AFC West, Won Super Bowl LVII
Points Scored: 496 (1)
Points Allowed: 369 (16)
Team Preview
After winning Super Bowl LVII, the Kansas City Chiefs, once again, come into the 2023 season as a strong contender for the Lombardi Trophy. They have won seven straight division titles, the longest current streak in the NFL – impressive considering that no team has won the NFC East in back-to-back seasons since 2004.
While Andy Reid, Patrick Mahomes, and tight end Travis Kelce stabilize the offense, the surrounding cast will look much different in 2023. The Chiefs replaced both starting offensive tackles and Kansas City must face three teams that were in the top 10 in sacks last season, including the No. 1 Eagles.
The defense, one that ranked 16th in scoring last season, will battle against 10 of the top 14 scoring offenses from last season – Eagles were No. 3.
But working in the Chiefs' favor is that despite winning it all, nine of the team's games are against non-playoff teams and only six games are against teams that won 10+ games.
Week 12 vs. Buffalo Bills
Sunday, November 26
4:25 PM on CBS
The Philadelphia Eagles are 8-6 all-time against the Buffalo Bills. The Eagles are 4-2 against the Bills at home.
Key Additions: RB Damien Harris, S Taylor Rapp
Key Losses: RB Devin Singletary, LB Tremaine Edmunds
Key Stat: 4
The Buffalo Bills have made it to the playoffs in four straight seasons heading into 2023. With an elite offense and an elite defense, the Bills will once again be atop the contenders for a trip to Super Bowl LVIII in Las Vegas.
2023 Draft Top 3 Picks: TE Dalton Kinkaid, OG O'Cyrus Torrence, LB Dorian Williams
Player to Watch: S Damar Hamlin
After suffering cardiac arrest on the field during a game against Cincinnati in 2022, Hamlin has made a remarkable recovery to be able to come back and play football again. Safety is an area of need for the Bills and anything Hamlin can provide is great. But even greater is just seeing him get back on the field healthy.
2022 Review: 13-3, 1st in the AFC East, Lost to Cincinnati Bengals in Divisional Round
Points Scored: 455 (4)
Points Allowed: 286 (2)
Team Preview
Buffalo was one of the best teams in the NFL in 2022 – fourth in the league in points scored and second in scoring defense allowing just 286.
This was made even more impressive by the fact that quarterback Josh Allen was dealing with an injured elbow for a large portion of the season, which hindered the gun slinger and limited his ability to find wide receiver Stefon Diggs and others down the stretch and in the playoffs. The fact that Allen will be healthy means good things could be in store for the Bills.
Devin Singletary has moved on after four solid seasons in Buffalo, but James Cook is back and adds Damien Harris was through free agency to provide a complement to Cook. The depth at running back will take the pressure off Allen to run and will allow him to remain healthier moving forward. The addition of pass-catching tight end Dalton Kincaid in the draft adds another weapon for Allen to utilize in the offense.
The defense will once again be a strong point for Buffalo. Head Coach Sean McDermott has made this an important part of the team-building aspect since taking over. By bringing back safety Jordan Poyer and adding linebacker Dorian Williams in the draft, Buffalo has reloaded on defense to challenge the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC.
Week 13 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Sunday, December 3
4:25 PM on FOX
The Eagles have an all-time record of 6-11-1 against the San Francisco 49ers at home. The last matchup between these two teams wasn't long ago – and it was a memorable one. The Eagles overtook the 49ers 31-7 in the 2022 NFC Championship Game, sending Philadelphia to the Super Bowl.
Key Additions: QB Sam Darnold, DT Javon Hargrave
Key Losses: QB Jimmy Garoppolo, T Mike McGlinchey, S Jimmie Ward
Key Stat: 1
The San Francisco 49ers defense ranked No. 1 in the NFL in yards and points allowed in 2022. With DeMeco Ryans now coaching the Houston Texans, it will be vital for new Defensive Coordinator Steve Wilks to keep the train moving forward with an elite defense.
2023 Draft Top 3 Picks: CB Ji'Ayir Brown, K Jake Moody, TE Cameron Latu
Player to Watch: DE Nick Bosa
In 16 games for the 49ers in 2022, Bosa had 18.5 sacks. This led to an All-Pro selection and Defensive Player of the Year honors, just three years after he was named Rookie Defensive Player of the Year in 2019.
A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Bosa has become one of the top rushers in the NFL, and Wilks will know how to use him to get to the quarterback. His ability to lead the defense will be a key to San Francisco's ability to maintain its recent success, especially with the uncertainty at quarterback heading into the season with Trey Lance and Brock Purdy both coming off serious injury, plus Sam Darnold coming in to learn the offense as a free agent.
2022 Review: 13-4, first in NFC West, Lost to Philadelphia Eagles in NFC Championship Game
Points Scored: 450 (6)
Points Allowed: 277 (1)
Team Preview
After the loss of Robert Saleh to the New York Jets, critics were not certain if DeMeco Ryans could continue the elite nature of the 49ers' defense. After leading San Francisco to the No. 1 ranked defense in the NFL, Ryans is now in Houston and Head Coach Kyle Shanahan had to replace another defensive coordinator, bringing in Steve Wilks from Carolina.
The defense likely will once again be buoyed by Nick Bosa, who after leading the NFL in sacks in 2022 will once again look to be the Defensive Player of the Year in 2023.
After losing Jimmy Garoppolo to the Las Vegas Raiders, the 49ers will turn to either the No. 3 pick from the 2021 draft in Trey Lance, or 2022 rookie sensation Brock Purdy to lead the team into the future.
With an elbow injury possibly limiting Purdy, San Francisco brought in Sam Darnold on a free agent contract in hopes of bringing stability to the quarterback room. The skill-position trio of Brandon Aiyuk, Christian McCaffery, and Deebo Samuel will provide a challenge for any team it faces in 2023.
Week 14 at Dallas Cowboys
Sunday, December 10
8:20 PM on NBC
The Philadelphia Eagles are 24-42 all-time against the Dallas Cowboys on the road.
Key Stat: 5
Dak Prescott missed five games in 2022. During this time, Cooper Rush was able to perform admirably and keep the Cowboys in contention for the NFC East. In fact, Prescott and Jalen Hurts did not face off last season.
Player to Watch: CB Stephon Gilmore
Entering his age-32 season, Gilmore is still a good cover corner and a piece the Dallas Cowboys desperately needed on the defense.
Coordinator Dan Quinn has transformed the defense over the past two seasons and a veteran like Gilmore in the secondary will only contribute to the ascension of the entire unit. With 29 career interceptions, the 2019 Defensive Player of the Year will look to add to his total.
Week 15 at Seattle Seahawks
Sunday, December 17
4:25 PM on FOX
The Eagles are 5-5 all time in Seattle.
Key Additions: LB Devin Bush, LB Bobby Wagner
Key Losses: RB Rashaad Penny
2023 Draft Top 3 Picks: CB Devon Witherspoon, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Edge Derick Hall
Player to Watch: LB Bobby Wagner
Entering his age-34 season, Bobby Wagner is still a disruptive force at LB.
A one-year stint in Los Angeles, with six sacks and 81 solo tackles, led Wagner back home to Seattle where he has spent much of his career. Pete Carroll will love having the six-time All-Pro in the lineup and able to help coach up the young crop of defenders. This includes two of the top three draft picks for Seattle in 2023 in cornerback Devon Witherspoon and edge rusher Derick Hall. Wagner will be the leader of the defense as the Seahawks look to return to the playoffs after a surprise trip in 2022.
2022 Review: 9-8, 2nd in NFC West, Lost to San Francisco 49ers in Wild Card game
Points Scored: 407 (9)
Points Allowed: 401 (25)
Team Preview
In 2022, quarterback Geno Smith had a major comeback with 4,282 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and just 11 interceptions while his 69.8 completion percentage was a full seven percentage points higher than his career average. These stats not only got him NFL Comeback Player of the Year honors, but it also got the Seattle Seahawks into the playoffs.
D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett have been one of the best WR duos in the NFL since Metcalf was drafted out of Ole Miss in 2019. With the addition of Jaxon Smith-Njigba at No. 20 overall, he will add an additional weapon to the offense. An offense which, although wanting to run the ball, is more than capable of beating you through the pass game.
With rookie first-round pick Devon Witherspoon coming in as a physical, no-nonsense player, Seattle is looking to get back to its Legion of Boom heyday. Witherspoon brings the same mentality and should give Pete Carroll just what he is looking for out of the secondary.
Bring on the 2023 season! Preview what's to come for the Eagles by taking a look back at past matchups against upcoming opponents.
Week 16 vs. New York Giants
Monday, December 25
4:30 PM on FOX
The Philadelphia Eagles are 52-38-1 all time against the New York Giants at home.
Key Additions: WR Parris Campbell, WR Jamison Crowder, LB Bobby Okareke, TE Darren Waller
Key Losses: S Julian Love
Key Stat: 6
The Giants were one of six teams to make the playoffs in 2022 after missing out the previous season. New York went from 4-13 to 9-7-1 under first-year Head Coach Brian Daboll.
2023 Draft Top 3 Picks: CB Deonte Banks, C John Michael Schmitz, WR Jalin Hyatt
Player to Watch: LT Anthony Thomas
After struggling as a rookie, Anthony Thomas came into his own in 2022, elevating his game and becoming a second-team All-Pro selection. In turn, the New York Giants were able to protect Daniel Jones behind center and this success led to a playoff berth and Wild Card victory over the Minnesota Vikings. How Thomas can perform in 2023 will go far to see if the Giants can continue the momentum they found last season.
2022 Review: 9-7-1, 3rd in the NFC East, Lost to Philadelphia Eagles in Divisional Round
Points Scored: 365 (T-15)
Points Allowed: 371 (T-17)
Team Preview
The New York Giants ranked 16th on offense and 17th on defense during the 2022 season. While this is not extraordinary, it was a major improvement over recent seasons.
Head Coach Brian Daboll has rejuvenated not just the team, but quarterback Daniel Jones. Adding receivers Parris Campbell and Jamison Crowder while re-signing Darius Slayton and Sterling Shepard, the Giants have provided Jones with the best skill players he has had since being drafted. With the addition of Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller from Las Vegas, Jones will also have a reliable safety blanket to throw to down the field. With the team drafting speedy receiver Jalin Hyatt from Tennessee, Jones will also have a vertical threat to help spread out defenses. Once the Saquon Barkley contract situation is resolved, the Giants' offense will be whole and potentially lethal.
Dexter Lawrence and Leonard Williams provide a rock-solid interior on defense for New York. Rookie first-round draft pick Deonte Banks from Maryland will be a major factor in showing whether the Giants are able to improve in the secondary.
Week 17 vs. Arizona Cardinals
Sunday, December 31
1 PM on FOX
The Philadelphia Eagles are 29-28-3 all time against the Arizona Cardinals at home.
Key Additions: HC Jonathan Gannon, LB Kyzir White
Key Losses: DT Zach Allen, CB Byron Murphy Jr.
Key Stat: 1
All eyes will be on quarterback Kyler Murray (No. 1) and how soon he can return from his 2022 season-ending knee injury.
2023 Draft Top 3 Picks: OT Paris Johnson Jr., Edge B.J. Ojulari, CB Garrett Williams
Player to Watch: RB James Conner
James Conner is the main back on the team and his ability to gain yards behind a revamped offensive line will be crucial for Arizona's success until the return of Murray.
2022 Review: 3-14, 4th in the NFC West
Points Scored: 340 (21)
Points Allowed: 449 (31)
Team Preview
Despite being one of the most athletic QB in the NFL, Kyler Murray has been injured in each season of his career. This continues coming into the 2023 season.
In a deep and talented NFC West, the Arizona Cardinals have ground to make up. To start their rebuild, they traded down and then back up in the NFL Draft to take tackle Paris Johnson, Jr., a big, imposing lineman from Ohio State. He has the makings of a building block along the offensive line, something which Jonathan Gannon saw firsthand with Philadelphia and something he wants to replicate with Arizona.
The defense, Gannon's specialty, needs a major overhaul after allowing 449 points in 2022. Arizona used two of its top three selections on the defense – a second-round pick on LSU edge B.J. Ojulari and a third-round pick on CB Garrett Williams of Syracuse. If they can provide the same instant impact that the Cardinals are hoping to get from Johnson, Arizona will start to make steps in the right direction.
Week 18 at New York Giants
TBD
The Philadelphia Eagles are 41-50-1 all time against the New York Giants on the road.
Key Stat: 3
The Giants will play the top-3 pass defenses from 2022 this upcoming season – Philadelphia (twice), New Orleans, and the New York Jets.
Player to Watch: QB Daniel Jones
Daniel Jones was able to put the Giants on his back in 2022. While his 15 touchdowns and five interceptions do not stick out, it is a far cry from the 29 interceptions he threw in his first three seasons in the NFL.
With a completion percentage of 67.4 and finishing with 3,205 yards in 16 games, Jones was the point guard new Head Coach Brian Daboll wanted out of his signal-caller. With another offseason to get a hold of the scheme, Jones' improvement will determine the ability of the New York Giants to continue their ascension in the NFC East.