Early games with Kansas City and Oakland plus late games with San Francisco and Denver make for a quick start and strong finish.
Even three straight NFC East games break down well for the Eagles, with the Giants and Cowboys visiting Lincoln Financial Field the first 2 weeks of November.
My normal warning about not betting any important money on these picks applies, but I see 11-5 and an NFC East crown for the Eagles.
Game 1: Eagles at Carolina, 1 p.m., Fox
Our take: The Eagles have been notoriously slow starters under Andy Reid, and the rash of preseason injuries, particularly on the offensive line, has hampered continuity. A road opener against a good team does not bode well. The Birds will do better in the playoff rematch.
Prediction: Panthers 27, Eagles 23.
Game 2: New Orleans at Eagles,
1 p.m., Fox
Our take: Not an easy home opener. The Saints are one of those teams that could be all over the place. The four-game suspensions of ends Will Smith and Charles Grant should slow an improved defense. Quarterback Drew Brees can put up numbers.
Prediction: Eagles 31, Saints 21.
Game 3: Kansas City at Eagles, 1 p.m., CBS
Our take: This is a bad team, even with the addition of high-priced quarterback Matt Cassel. A knee injury might keep him out of early games. Rookie coach Todd Haley already has fired offensive coordinator Chan Gailey.
Prediction: Eagles 24, Chiefs 10.
Game 4: Tampa Bay at Eagles,
1 p.m., Fox
Our take: Lots of questions, starting with rookie coach Raheem Morris naming journeyman Byron Leftwich the starting quarterback. The defense will have a new look without venerable coordinator Monte Kiffin. Not enough offense. Too little defense
Prediction: Eagles 23, Bucs 14.
Game 5: Eagles at Oakland,
4:05 p.m., Fox
