And after the Eagles' most recent loss, it appears Smith thinks it could be higher as well. And while that's more than anyone else on the team, it does feel like it could be higher given that he's the team's best receiver. That's DeVonta Smith's average targets per game through the first 12 games of his career. MORE: Five college prospects who could interest the Eagles in the 2022 NFL Draft | Mailbag: How much could Russell Wilson cost in a trade? DeVonta Smith targets: 6.5
But we think it's going to be almost impossible for Sirianni to keep Hurts off the field, and once the young QB is out there, we all know he's a gamer. We've set this number below Hurts season average of 57.9 rushing yards per game with the understanding that even if he does play he won't be 100% - and we would've used the actual sports book number, but given the uncertainty over his status, many don't even have a line listed for Hurts. It's just a matter of how well he can move. But based on Hurts' own comments, we're expecting him to play. At that point, the team could consider going to Gardner Minshew, especially with the bye waiting for them next week. I'm sure part of the calculus that goes into the decision to play Hurts involves his mobility, because if he can't run and keep defenses on their toes, he becomes a far less effective passer (and he already has plenty of issues in that department).
But even then, we have to wonder just how mobile he'll be against the Jets. But what doesn't bode so well is the fact that Hurts was limited in practice all week and has carried that questionable designation - not to mention the lack of a firm commitment from Nick Sirianni one way or the other - throughout the week.įor this exercise, we'll assume Hurts does play. He was able to finish the game, which bodes well for his chances this Sunday, as does the fact that he told reporters early in the week that he's playing. Yes, we mentioned that Hurts is questionable for this one after tweaking his ankle in that loss to the Giants. Sure, they might be due, but until I know for sure the status of Hurts and some other Eagles, like Boston Scott, I'm going to err on the side of caution here. And given that these two teams combine to allow north of 53 points per game this season - even if they only average 43.5 total points scored - the safer bet here seems to be on the over.Īll of that being said, it's hard to bet on this Eagles team to score a lot of points after the performance we saw last week at MetLife, not to mention their injury questions and the slower ground-and-pound style they've employed recently. Prior to nearly being shut out by the Giants a week ago, the Eagles and their opponents had combined to score at least 43 points in every game dating back to Week 6. But with the Eagles quarterback situation in question (more on that in a second) and other injuries to their offensive line, running backs and more, it's perhaps not that surprising that this number is hovering just around 45 or slightly below. Total points: 44.5Ĭonsidering the strength of this Eagles team is their offense - last week's debacle aside - and the Jets are the worst team in the NFL in points allowed, you'd think this number might be a little higher. Now, as we do every week, let's take a look at some numbers to keep an eye on in the form of our five over/unders for Eagles vs. We've already broken down the injuries on both sides, given you some matchups to watch and offered up our own predictions - as well as rounded up some picks from the local and nation media.
Injuries to Jalen Hurts, Miles Sanders and Jason Kelce all loom, but all three players are expect to take the field on Sunday against the Jets as the Eagles look to get back in the playoff conversation after taking a step back a week ago and watching another division rival in Washington move into the final NFC wild card spot the Birds were hoping to occupy. You can read more from Jimmy Kempski, here. So just keep that in mind when reading the analysis that follows. UPDATE: Jalen Hurts is reportedly out for Sunday's game against the Jets. And they'll be hoping the outcome is a bit more positive than it was a week ago, when they fell to 5-7 with a 13-7 loss to the Giants. For the second time in as many weeks, the Eagles will make the trip up I-95 to East Rutherford for a game at MetLife Stadium, this time against the 3-8 New York Jets.