Lamar Jackson has been near impossible to beat in his career if you’re an NFC team, going 23-1 straight up in 24 starts vs. opponents from the other conference. There’s no typo there. The impressive numbers keep coming though, on both sides. Philly pushes back, a bit anyway, on Lamar’s success vs. the other conference, with a 14-2 straight up record in their last 16 games vs. an AFC team.
Both teams are off impressive wins, with each turning to their star running backs to lead the way. Saquon Barkley had a game for the ages, piling up 302 yards (255 rushing yards) on 30 touches in their 37-20 smackdown vs. the Rams. Meanwhile, Baltimore rushed for 212 yards in their win over the Chargers. The Ravens have been inconsistent at times this season on offense, but Jackson can find ways to win games with both his legs, and his arm. If not for Josh Allen, he’d be the MVP again this year. The offense isn’t the issue. It’s a defense that can handle the run, but not the passing attack. The Eagles bring both.
During their seven game winning streak, QB Jalen Hurts has purposely stepped into the role of being a game manager, not a dynamic playmaker. That’s a compliment. It’s a good thing. In his last five games, he’s put up six touchdowns and one interception. This week we do expect the passing game to play a more central role. Saquon will run, but this will serve to open it up vs. a secondary and linebacker group that isn’t equipped to contain A.J. Brown, Dallas Goedert and Barkley out of the backfield. On the other side, this Philly defense has quietly been the key to all the winning they’ve been doing, holding opponents to under 300 yards in seven straight. The Eagles have been road dogs twice this season so far, winning both times outright. We’ll back a road underdog that should have success moving the ball.
Play: We’ll take the underdog Eagles.