By Carey Iona (The Flyin Hawaiian)
The Philadelphia Eagles (4-0) return to the friendly confines of Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday, looking to maintain their flawless record against a Denver Broncos (2-2) team that faces a brutal cross-country, short-week challenge. While the Birds haven’t always looked dominant, their ability to grind out victories—often through clutch defensive and special teams plays—has been the hallmark of their undefeated start.
This week, the schedule makers have done the Eagles a favor. The Broncos are coming off a physical Monday Night Football win in Denver against the Bengals, leaving them with just four days to travel east, adjust to the time difference, and prepare for one of the most talented rosters in the league. This is a significant logistical hurdle that the Eagles, rested after their Sunday victory, are perfectly positioned to exploit.
The Matchup: Power vs. Pressure
The key to this game will be the battle between the Eagles’ offense and Denver’s feisty defense. Denver boasts an emerging pass rush, led by Nik Bonitto, that ranks near the top of the league in pressure rate. This unit, and the talented secondary anchored by All-Pro cornerback Patrick Surtain II, will be the biggest test for an Eagles offense that has been efficient but occasionally inconsistent.
All eyes will be on quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is looking for a bounce-back passing performance after a quiet second half last week. However, the Eagles’ offense is built on physicality, and they should be able to impose their will on the ground. Running back Saquon Barkley and the league’s top-tier offensive line face a Broncos run defense that is susceptible to being worn down. Establishing the “Brotherly Shove” and a punishing ground game will not only keep rookie quarterback Bo Nix off the field but also set up high-percentage play-action opportunities.
On the defensive side, the Eagles will look to feast on the jet-lagged Broncos. Denver’s offense, guided by Nix and coached by Sean Payton, showed signs of life on Monday night. Their focus will be on getting running back J.K. Dobbins going, but the Eagles’ defensive front, led by Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, has the sheer size and speed advantage to stifle the Denver running game and force Nix into obvious passing situations. If the Eagles can get an early turnover, a staple of their winning ways, it could turn the contest into a runaway.
The Prediction
The short week is simply too much of a mountain to climb for the visitors, playing into the hands of a team that knows how to win. Expect the Eagles to lean on their strengths, control the clock with their run game, and ultimately exhaust the Broncos late in the game
My prediction Eagles 31 Broncos 17
