The Philadelphia Eagles (4-2) visit the Cincinnati Bengals (3-4) at 1 p.m. ET this Sunday, Oct. 27.
Let’s preview this game.
Battle of the Offenses; Barkley’s Time to Shine?
Looking at the numbers heading into this one, the Eagles and Bengals are somewhat similar. Both possessing top-10 offenses and below-average defenses in expected points average (EPA), we could have a shootout on our hands.
Below are the Eagles’ numbers through six games. Their offensive (OFF) and defensive (DEF) totals are listed, including league rank and the actual statistic in parenthesis:
- OFF Dropback EPA: 16th (0.074)
- OFF Rushing EPA: 4th (0.048)
- Overall OFF EPA/play: 8th (0.062)
- DEF Dropback EPA: 17th (0.038)
- DEF Rushing EPA: 16th (-0.062)
- Overall DEF EPA/play: 20th (0.000)
For the Bengals:
- OFF Dropback EPA: 4th (0.207)
- OFF Rushing EPA: 22nd (-0.108)
- Overall OFF EPA/play (0.096)
- DEF Dropback EPA: 21st (0.063)
- DEF Rushing EPA: 30th (0.049)
- Overall DEF EPA/play: 24th (0.058)
The Eagles’ biggest strength is running the football without any true clear weaknesses on the defense—they’re just okay. As for the Bengals, they excel in the passing department but have one of the worst rushing defenses in the NFL. So, this is good news for Saquon Barkley.
Following a 176-yard demolition of the New York Giants’ rushing defense last week, it’s Barkley’s time to do it again. The explosive running back could gash the Bengals’ defense repeatedly, potentially leading to a smooth victory. He’ll be an X-factor.
As for Cincinnati, Joe Burrow’s arm will be a key to a win for them. The Eagles’ defense hasn’t gotten dissected by a quarterback this season, but they haven’t exactly played anyone as good as Burrow—Jordan Love is the closest, and he scored 29 points.
Expect a lot of touchdowns.
Where a Win Could Put the Eagles
Despite objectively underperforming until their 28-3 victory over the Giants, the Eagles are one of the top contenders in the NFC record-wise. A win would match the 5-2 records of the Washington Commanders, Minnesota Vikings, and Green Bay Packers—they are all tied for the second-best winning percentage in the conference. The Detroit Lions (5-1) and Chicago Bears (4-2) are the only others with two or fewer losses.
This season, the Eagles very much control their own destiny. After a really inspiring effort in New York (it was their first double-digit victory in 364 days; yes, it has been that bad), they can prove whether or not this team has turned it around. More than anything, the showdown in Cincinnati is a prove-it game.
Eagles, Bengals Injury Reports
Now, to the injury reports. As of Friday, Oct. 25, the Eagles are more banged up than the Bengals. Let’s take a look.
Wide receiver Tee Higgins is questionable with a quad injury for Cincinnati. Over his last three games, he averages over 80 yards and a touchdown.
The Eagles’ Dallas Goedert was ruled out on Friday with a hamstring injury. The same ailment applied to defensive tackle Bryon Young, who was placed on injured reserve. Guard Mekhi Becton is out with a concussion.
The Eagles have not won a game against the Bengals since Dec. 24, 2000. They haven’t ever won a road game in Cincinnati.
Can Barkley, Jalen Hurts, and the 2024 Birds break the curse?
PHOTO: Philadelphia Eagles
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