The 2022 NFL season is coming down to the wire. With two weeks remaining, Philadelphia is in need of one more win to secure the No. 1 seed in the league. And, their next road block — the New Orleans Saints.
So, who wins Week 17?
EAGLES VS SAINTS
Philadelphia Eagles
Eagles’ fans will get a second consecutive game with Minshew Mania. Though quarterback Jalen Hurts was limited in practice this week, he will sit Week 17 out to ensure his right shoulder is in tip-top shape for playoffs.
As far as the Eagles offense goes, Philadelphia is the No. 1 highest-scoring team in the league. A.J. Brown and Devonta Smith have already surpassed 1,000+ receiving yards, as Brown is in search of 106 more yards to break a franchise record. The offensive line, however, will be without Lane Johnson. The Eagles will need to make sure the right side is well protected, and Minshew should look to go left.
Philadelphia’s defense is ranked No. 2 in the league, but they will be without Avonte Maddox. The reality is (and, this isn’t a knock on Maddox), they’ll still be great without him. Jonathan Gannon should have no issues dominating.
New Orleans Saints
The New Orleans Saints will lead with Andy Dalton at quarterback. He has a 66.2% completion rate with 17 touchdowns and eight interceptions in 12 starts — he’s average.
Offensively, the Saints have Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and Taysom Hill. Those guys will be the ones to keep an eye on, but realistically, they are ranked 22nd.
Defensively, New Orleans hasn’t given up more than 20 points in a game since November 7, against the Baltimore Ravens. They’ll likely be without Marshon Lattimore who is out with a lacerated kidney, leaving their cornerback position thin.
WEEK 17 PREDICTIONS
The Eagles are coming off a loss against their biggest NFC East rival, as the Saints have won back-to-back games. But, that means nothing in the NFL.
Philadelphia should have absolutely no problems winning their Week 17 game against New Orleans. I think the Eagles’ run game will be slow as Miles Sanders is still dealing with a bad knee, leaving the passing game room to dominate. Brown and Smith should have no issues finishing with 100+ yards. On the defensive side of the ball, I still don’t think Philly fans will see Gardner-Johnson, but better to save him for when we really need him.
Prediction: Eagles, 31-17
