Sports Then and Now

The Philadelphia Eagles head into the 2025 season as defending Super Bowl champions with the expectations that come from being at the top. Nick Sirianni returns for his fifth year as head coach, guiding a roster that is widely regarded as one of the most complete in the league. Last season’s 14-3 record and postseason run showed the balance of power on both sides of the ball, from a dominant defense to an offense capable of wearing opponents down.

In this blog post, we take a closer look at the team’s strengths, weaknesses, and early-season expectations.

Key Players to Watch

Much of Philadelphia’s success will depend on the play of a few cornerstone contributors who set the tone on both sides of the ball. Here are the key players to watch this year.

Jalen Hurts

Jalen Hurts remains the centerpiece of the Eagles’ offense. He earned a PFF grade of 81.6 in 2024, with his rushing ability standing out at a 91.1 grade, second among quarterbacks. His performance as a passer has been less consistent.

During the regular season, he ranked 23rd in passing grade and struggled under pressure with a league-worst 29.9 grade in those situations. However, Hurts showed resilience in the postseason, finishing with a 92.3 grade over the final two games and leading the Eagles to the Super Bowl title. His stable metrics from 2022 to 2024, such as an 85th percentile clean pocket grade, highlight his ability to execute when given time.

For fantasy football managers, Hurts continues to be one of the most reliable quarterbacks, averaging 22.6 points per start since becoming the starter. Analysts project him to surpass 3,200.5 passing yards this season, especially with defenses increasingly focused on stopping the run. Fans looking to follow his Week 1 performance and betting lines can check out FanDuel Sportsbook for the latest NFL odds.

Saquon Barkley

The addition of Saquon Barkley transformed the Eagles’ ground game into the most dominant in the league. Barkley rushed for more than 2,000 yards in the regular season and earned an 84.7 rushing grade. He led the NFL in yards after contact and in explosive runs of 10 or more yards.

He also became the team’s closer, carrying the ball more than anyone else in the fourth quarter and overtime while leading in yards and touchdowns during those situations. Barkley’s ability to extend drives and wear down defenses gives the Eagles a critical edge in tight games.

A.J. Brown

A.J. Brown remains the top receiving option and one of the league’s most dominant wideouts. He was one of only two Eagles receivers, alongside DeVonta Smith, to surpass 500 receiving yards in 2024. Brown’s presence is essential for creating balance in the offense and for giving Hurts a reliable target in high-pressure moments. His ability to win contested catches and stretch defenses vertically keeps opponents from loading up against the run.

Lane Johnson

Lane Johnson continues to anchor the offensive line at right tackle. His experience and consistency make him one of the most reliable players at his position in the league. Johnson’s blocking helps sustain the run-heavy scheme while giving Hurts stability in the pocket. As long as Johnson stays healthy, the Eagles’ offensive line will remain one of their biggest strengths.

Jordan Mailata

On the opposite side, Jordan Mailata has developed into a premier left tackle. He protects Hurts’ blind side and pairs with Johnson to form one of the best tackle duos in football. Mailata’s growth has been vital in keeping the Eagles’ offensive line among the top units in the league, creating both protection in the passing game and space for Barkley to thrive. To stay updated on his development and the latest team insights, check out NFL News and Player Trends as a reliable resource throughout the season.

Early Season Expectations

The Eagles enter 2025 as one of the NFL’s top contenders. They have a 70.9% chance to win the NFC East and a 91.0% chance to make the playoffs. Philadelphia also holds a 31.5% chance to win the NFC and an 18.4% chance to repeat as Super Bowl champions.

These projections highlight a team that not only dominated in 2024 but also retained the core pieces necessary to sustain success. The defense, under Vic Fangio, proved to be the NFL’s highest-graded unit last year and returns nearly intact, giving the Eagles a reliable foundation. On offense, the combination of Jalen Hurts’ dual-threat ability, Saquon Barkley’s explosive rushing, and one of the best offensive lines in football ensures balance and versatility.

Philadelphia also benefits from stability on the sidelines. Sirianni enters his fifth season with a system and culture that players have fully bought into, which helps reduce the kind of transition issues that often derail championship teams. The early weeks of the season will be less about proving whether the Eagles are contenders and more about setting the tone for another playoff run.

The Bottomline

The path to repeating as champions will never be easy, but the Eagles are well-equipped for the challenge. Their mix of veteran leadership, emerging young talent, and continuity on both sides of the ball gives them an edge over most of the league. If they perform to their potential, another deep postseason run is not just possible — it’s expected.