The Philadelphia Eagles, sitting at 8‑5, will welcome the Las Vegas Raiders, 2‑11, at Lincoln Financial Field this Sunday afternoon. With the division title still within reach, the matchup has drawn a range of predictions from local analysts.
Context: A High‑Stakes Showdown
The Eagles entered the game as double‑digit favorites, mirroring the 2023 scenario when the team faced the Arizona Cardinals. In that season, the Eagles dropped three of four games, fell from a 10‑1 record to 11‑4, and ultimately lost a 35‑31 game after holding a 21‑6 halftime lead. That loss was the only time in the franchise’s 94‑year history the team blew a two‑touchdown halftime lead against a team with a winning percentage of .250 or worse. The Raiders, now 2‑11, have lost seven straight games by an average of 13 points and have been averaging only 15 points per game.
Reuben Frank: A Cautionary Tale
Reuben Frank compared the upcoming game to the 2023 Cardinals matchup. He noted the Eagles’ defensive potential to shut down a struggling Raiders offense and the likelihood of Kenny Pickett starting at quarterback. Frank’s quote:
> “This game reminds me so much of Arizona in 2023. The Eagles had lost three of four to fall from 10‑1 to 11‑4 and the season was slipping away. They desperately needed a win, and one of the worst teams in football was on its way to Philly. The Cards were 3‑12 under rookie head coach Jonathan Gannon, the Eagles were 12‑point favorites, the game was at the Linc, and we were all convinced the Eagles would rebound with a lopsided win over the Cards. And despite taking a 21‑6 halftime lead, they did not. They lost 35‑31, the only time in the franchise’s 94‑year history they’ve blown a two‑touchdown halftime lead against a team with a winning percentage of .250 or worse. Great stat, isn’t it? So here come the Raiders, who look for all the world like the 2023 Cards. They’re 2‑11, they’ve lost seven straight games by an average of 13 points and, yes, once again the Eagles are double‑digit favorites. And I admit I won’t be shocked if the Eagles lose this one, too, and I really am tempted to pick Oakland, as Buddy Ryan called them 10 years after they initially moved to L.A. But I’m going Eagles because at least this team has a defense that should be able to shut down a Raiders offense that’s averaging 15 points per game and has scored seven touchdowns in its last six games and will likely be starting Kenny Pickett at quarterback.”
Frank’s final score prediction was Eagles 15, Raiders 11.
Dave Zangaro: A Balanced View
Dave Zangaro highlighted the Eagles’ recent three‑game losing streak and the Raiders’ two‑win record. He expressed uncertainty about the Eagles covering an 11 1/2‑point spread but believed the defense would secure victory. Zangaro’s words:
> “Earlier in the season, we gave the Eagles credit for finding ways to pull out wins. And it’s true that good teams seem to find ways to win. But the flip side of that: Bad teams find ways to lose. And the Eagles have found some unique ways to stumble upon this three‑game losing streak. They desperately need to get a win and they shouldn’t be overlooking this two‑win Raiders team. I don’t have a ton of confidence in a blowout win and I’m not even sure the Eagles are capable of scoring enough to cover an 11 1/2‑point spread. But this Raiders offense is horrible and even though I think Kenny Pickett might actually be better than starter Geno Smith, I don’t think he’ll be able to jump start that offense. I expect the Eagles’ defense to lead them to a win and the offense to do enough this time.”
Zangaro’s projection: Eagles 23, Raiders 16.
Barrett Brooks: Offensive Innovation
Barrett Brooks praised the Eagles’ recent offensive adjustments, noting improved play‑calling and Saquon Barkley’s enhanced line‑of‑scrimmage paths. He also lauded the defense’s performance against Justin Herbert on Monday, describing it as “so good that there should have been no way they lost that game.” Brooks concluded that the Raiders’ poor record made the Sunday matchup uncertain:
> “I know the Raiders are the worst team in the NFL, but I don’t know what team will show up on Sunday.”
His score: Eagles 3, Raiders 2.
Mike Mulhern: Defensive Dominance
Mike Mulhern emphasized the importance of the Eagles’ defense under Vic Fangio. He warned that a loss to the Raiders would have serious offseason implications and urged the offense to limit turnovers after Jalen Hurts’ five‑turnover performance. Mulhern’s prediction:
> “Let’s hope Monday night was rock bottom for the 2025 Eagles. If it’s not, everything is on the table this offseason. They simply cannot drop a game to a two‑win Raiders team that has lost seven in a row and has Kenny Pickett under center. Vic Fangio’s defense should put together another dominant performance against one of the worst offenses in the league. The question remains: what will we see from the Eagles when they have the ball? After a brutal five‑turnover performance from Jalen Hurts, they might have to dial things back a touch, especially given the expected forecast. It was nice to see downfield shots and under center success, but now they must limit the mistakes. In an ideal world you win Nick Sirianni’s famed double positive of explosive plays and the turnover battle. That shouldn’t be a problem on Sunday, given the opponent. Their magic number to clinch the division shrinks to two.”
His forecast: Eagles 27, Raiders 13.
Ashlyn Sullivan: Talent Edge
Ashlyn Sullivan focused on positional advantages for the Eagles, citing Maxx Crosby’s impact on the Raiders’ defensive line and the Eagles’ overall superiority. She predicted a low‑scoring game due to weather and noted the Eagles’ early‑season success. Sullivan’s quote:
> “This losing streak has been brutal for my predictions! During this three‑game losing streak, I kept going back to talent that would outweigh that lack of production we are seeing on offense. And guess what … I am doing it again. The Eagles are better than the Raiders at every single position on the football field. Yes, the Raiders have a wrecking ball on the defensive line with Maxx Crosby that will make the offense look worse than it already has. The Eagles’ defense will be able to handle the Raiders’ stagnant offense with Kenny Pickett at starting quarterback with little issue. That will win the Eagles this game and get them back on track. Especially with the weather playing a factor, I think this is a lower scoring, ugly football game. That goes perfectly into what the Eagles were doing right at the beginning of the season when they were winning football games.”
Her prediction: Eagles 21, Raiders 10.
Key Takeaways
- The Eagles are heavily favored at 8‑5, while the Raiders sit at 2‑11 with a seven‑game losing streak.
- Analysts differ widely: scores range from Eagles 3, Raiders 2 to Eagles 27, Raiders 13.
- Common themes include confidence in the Eagles’ defense, concerns over the Raiders’ offensive struggles, and the impact of recent offensive adjustments.
Closing Thoughts
With the division title still on the line, the Eagles must avoid a loss to the Raiders. Whether the game will be a defensive slugfest or a high‑scoring affair remains uncertain, but the consensus points to an Eagles victory. Sunday’s matchup will be the next chapter in a season defined by sharp swings and critical performances.
