The last time the Philadelphia Eagles won at home was 11 months ago, against the New Orleans Saints. The 24-21 victory was also Jalen Hurts’ first game as starting quarterback.
Now in Week 11 of the 2021 NFL season, here we are again — full circle.
The Eagles are coming off of their best game of the year after defeating the Denver Broncos 30-13. Not only are the Birds hungry for their first home win, but they’re also playing for their first winning streak as they stand 4-6.
With betting odds now in Philadelphia’s favor, Iggles’ writers give their predictions for this week’s game.
EAGLES VS. SAINTS PREDICTIONS
Alicia’s Pick: Eagles, 20-17
Maybe the roots really were growing for Nick Sirianni and the Philadelphia Eagles. After the best performance of the season last week, this team is long overdue to win their first game at home.
Sunday will be a game for Philadelphia’s offense and New Orleans’ defense.
Eagles’ quarterback Jalen Hurts has been improving week after week. He’s playing better in the pocket, throwing with accuracy, and using his feet to move the team along. Over the last four weeks, the Eagles have had the most rushing yards in the league, but that gets put to the test Sunday when they face off against the best rush defense. With the possibility of Miles Sanders returning, it will be interesting to see how he fits into the Scott-Howard mix.
Tight end Dallas Goedert is on concussion protocol, and though DeVonta Smith had an epic game last week, it might be time for Sirianni to see what Tyree Jackson has to offer.
As for the Saints offense — the Drew Brees era is long gone. New Orleans started off the season pretty strong with Jameis Winston, but since Winston’s injury, the Saints are on a two-game losing streak. With Trevor Siemian taking his place, the Eagles’ defense should come out victorious. Now ranked No. 14 going into this Sunday’s game, Darius Slay, Davion Taylor, and K’Von Wallace had strong performances last week against the Broncos. The New Orleans’ offensive line is also pretty banged up, missing both tackles to knee injuries.
I said this before Philadelphia’s last home game, but there is no way they can lose at the Linc again. The Eagles are taking this one.
Drew’s Pick: Eagles 24-14
The amount of injuries the Saints have endured is pretty amazing – and now they’ll be without their best player in Alvin Kamara. The Eagles absolutely cannot let this opportunity get away.
Miles Sanders coming back will be crucial for the Eagles surging running back group – Last year against the Saints, Sanders went off for 115 rushing yards and two touchdowns. However, that might be tougher to achieve against a New Orleans defense that’s allowing just 72.9 rushing yards/game, the lowest number in the league.
It might be on the passing attack to nab a win for the Birds today. That strategy has taken a backseat for the suddenly run-first Eagles, but depending on how the game script goes today, Philadelphia might have to switch their priorities. Jalen Reagor and Quez Watkins have been absolutely brutal of late, and they need to step it up in order to give Jalen Hurts more weapons than just simply DeVonta Smith.
This game is crucial for Philadelphia’s playoff chances. According to FiveThirtyEight, the Eagles currently have a 25% chance to make the playoffs. If they win today, those odds will rise to 40%. If they lose, it’ll drop to 10%. To say there’s a lot on the line would be an understatement. I think Philly will rise to the occasion and get their first win in a very playoff-like atmosphere.
