The Eagles (8-5) are returning home to Lincoln Financial Field for a critical matchup against the Raiders (2-11) on Sunday in Week 15. Philadelphia leads the NFC East division and currently holds the No. 3 seed in the conference playoff picture. Under Nick Sirianni, the Eagles own the 3rd-best winning percentage (.689, 62-28) in the league since 2021 (including playoffs), trailing only Kansas City (.734, 69-25) and Buffalo (.697, 62-27). That includes an NFL-high .765 (26-8) winning percentage since the start of 2024.
Raiders are banged up.
Las Vegas is 31st in total offense, 32nd in rushing offense, and 26th in passing offense. Philadelphia will face Kenny Pickett at quarterback with Geno Smith ruled out. Making things even worse for the Raiders, Snow and strong winds are expected in Philadelphia, likely affecting the team that plays indoors.
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Eagles need a strong performance against somebody.
Philadelphia is 8-5, but has the Raiders and Commanders with the Bills sandwiched in between, Washington in Week 17. With Jayden Daniels banged up, Zach Ertz out for the season, Nick Sirianni’s team should handily win three of their final four games. Parity in the NFL makes it hard to label specific contests as getting right games, but the Raiders offer the perfect formula for a lot of people to start feeling better heading into the playoffs.
Jalen Hurts is motivated.
Hurts has worked on efficiency and turnover reduction, but Monday night saw a career-high five turnovers, as the Eagles’ Super Bowl MVP went 21-40 for 240 yards, four interceptions, and a 31.2 rating. Hurts threw four interceptions, including one late to Chargers defensive back Tony Jefferson to seal a walkoff interception in overtime, as Jim Harbaugh’s team improved to 9-4 on the season with a 22-19 win. The Eagles’ sixth-year quarterback has an outstanding following despite a poor performance, and Sunday offers a dual-threat opportunity.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 3 reasons for optimism as Eagles battle Raiders in Week 15