Fading the Patriots was immensely lucrative last year, and here we enter another season with New England seemingly being overrated simply because its coach once had a lot of success. Sure, there is a real offensive coordinator and a few skill-position upgrades, but the Eagles come in healthy and motivated bringing nearly everyone back except C.J. Gardner-Johnson. And yet, Philadelphia improved on defense while boasting a strong rookie class. Jalen Hurts should continue his top-tier play, and I don’t see Mac Jones being capable … of much really, but especially of coming back against this defense if the Eagles open a big lead.

Rashad Penny was thought to be the leading candidate to lead the Eagles backfield in touches after signing in the offseason. Instead it appears he will be a healthy scratch today and the Eagles will be rolling with some combo of Kenny Gainwell, Deandre Swift, and Boston Scott. Kenneth Gainwell has a versatile three down skillset and the Eagles seem very comfortable with him handling touches. I expect him to get work today.

Super Bowl loss hangover? Maybe for the Eagles. But the Pats will be without DeVante Parker, top RB Rhamondre Stevenson is apparently a tad under the weather but will play, Mac Jones isn't very good, and Bill Belichick apparently just broke up with his long-time lady friend according to Page Six (yeah but who gets custody of that cool Draft Dog?). Not that I read it obviously! Heard from a friend.

I don't pretend to know how the Philly backfield will shake out this year but there are reports that Rashaad Penny will be a shocking healthy scratch. D'Andre Swift isn't really an every-down back because he's so injury prone (and more of a receiver) so I'd certainly think Gainwell will top this total. Note: ONLY if Penny is scratched do I recommend this.

This is a hefty number for Mac, who has averaged 31.06 passing attempts since entering the league. The Eagles were a significant run funnel last season due to both the strength of their secondary and the fact that opponents had much more success running the football against them. Last season the Eagles ranked third in EPA allowed per dropback but just 22nd in EPA allowed per rush. New England's offense is built around Rhamondre Stevenson and I think the Patriots will ultimately implement a run heavy game-plan against the Eagles thus limiting Jones passing attempts.

Jones has thrown 26 picks in his 32 career games including playoffs and now goes up against the NFL's No. 1 pass defense and pass rush from last season. Maybe Bill O'Brien fixes Jones eventually, but this feels like a no-brainer play.

Rarely do you see a team that was in the Super Bowl the previous season get even better in the offseason. That is exactly what the Eagles did this offseason, especially on defense. And it is the defensive enhancements that will give them the much needed edge in this game vs a game Patriots squad, who lack explosiveness on offense and has some slight questions along the offensive line.

Feeling secured with his fresh lottery-ticket contract, QB Jalen Hurts can focus on football and returning Philly to a Super Bowl. The Eagles replace departed RB Miles Sanders with a capable pair, D'Andre Swift and Rashaad Penny. The receivers and O-line are to die for. The defense regresses with the fleeing of last year's five leading tacklers. In New England, Bill O'Brien returns for a second stint as O-coordinator, with the main goal getting QB Mac Jones back on track. New WR JuJu Smith-Schuster makes the task a tad easier.

The Patriots will attempt to put the Matt Patricia offensive era behind them in 2023, but you couldn't ask for a much tougher start than facing the Eagles, a team with strength and depth on both sides of the ball. The most striking loss of last year for New England was 33-14 to Chicago, and Jalen Hurts is a much better version of the Justin Fields we saw last year. I expect a bunch of points from the Eagles here, and Mac Jones will have a tough time keeping pace. Get the -4 at DraftKings now.