Posted on
September 11, 2025 by
John Harris
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.
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