The Eagles will look to upset the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Sunday when they travel to Raymond James Stadium for a Super Wild Card Weekend playoff matchup.
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The two teams previously met in Week 6 when the Buccaneers defeated the Eagles, 28-22, at Lincoln Financial Field in a game that was significantly more lopsided than the final score indicated. The Eagles fell to 2-4 following the loss, but have since won seven of their past 11 games.
The Eagles finished 9-8 after turning things around in the second half of the season and going undefeated in December. First-year head coach Nick Sirianni guided the league’s top rushing offense and became the only member of the 2021 hiring cycle to make the playoffs. Second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts, 23, will be the youngest starting playoff quarterback in team history.
The Buccaneers are riding a three-game winning streak, despite notable injuries on both sides of the ball. Quarterback Tom Brady remains at the top of his game, as the aging process will seemingly never wear him down. The Buccaneers also have one of the best defensive fronts in the league.
Will Hurts and Sirianni lead the Eagles to a playoff upset win against the Buccaneers? Here’s what our writers think:
Mike Kaye: NJ Advance Media Eagles reporter
The Eagles’ epic regular-season turnaround should be celebrated, but unfortunately for them, they’re about to run into a buzzsaw in Tampa Bay. The Bucs defeated the Eagles, 28-22, in a Week 6 game that was not nearly as close as the final score indicated. The Bucs are better than the Eagles from top to bottom, and while Philly’s running game could keep the ball out of Tom Brady’s hands, the Bucs should be able to carve up the defense when they do regain possession.
PICK: Buccaneers 31, Eagles 27.
Chris Franklin: NJ Advance Media Eagles reporter
The Eagles will have some success running the ball against the Buccaneers’ defense but a two-minute drive in the fourth quarter leads to the Buccaneers closing out to win the game.
PICK: Buccaneers 23, Eagles 20.
Zack Rosenblatt: NJ Advance Media Giants reporter
The Eagles are a great story for a team that started slow, took heat for hiring Nick Sirianni, figured out their strength (running the ball) and went on a run at the end of the year to make the playoffs. They remain among the best teams in the trenches on both offense and defense. But ultimately, the Buccaneers are just the better team, and the Eagles haven’t had to play anyone of their caliber in a while.
PICK: Buccaneers 28, Eagles 17.
Joey Chandler: NJ Advance Media Jets reporter
The defending Super Bowl Champions send the Eagles packing as Tom Brady marches one step closer to another championship game.
PICK: Buccaneers 38, Eagles 20.
Darryl Slater: NJ Advance Media NFL reporter
Will the Eagles’ pass rush be able to get past that tough Tampa Bay line (a really good pass blocking unit) and rattle Tom Brady? That’s the big question entering this one. Ultimately, too much Brady.
PICK: Buccaneers 31, Eagles 20.
Joe Giglio: NJ Advance Media Sports reporter
The Eagles are healthier. The Eagles’ rushing offense is rolling. The Bucs rushing defense has cratered. Don’t be fooled by Tampa Bay putting up some points against the Jets and Panthers. This team is limping into the postseason. Get ready for an upset.
PICK: Eagles 27, Buccaneers 26.
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Mike Kaye may be reached at mkaye@njadvancemedia.com.