Eagles excited about chances in NFC East: Win total examined for 2014 season

The talk in 2013 was whether Chip Kelly’s high-flying offense would translate into the NFL. The results were impressive with the team going 10-6. Now the question is whether after losing DeSean Jackson the team still has enough firepower.

Kelly’s offense was amazing last year ranking 9th in passing and 1st in rushing. While everyone has fallen in love with quarterback Nick Foles, the one thing to remember about his amazing second-half-of-the-season run was he put up big numbers against the top 10 worst defenses. As for the Eagles defense, the squad was a horrific 32nd against the pass but a solid 10th against the run.

To help with that pass rush the Eagles selected defensive end Marcus Smith in the first round with wide receiver Jordan Matthews going in the second round.

Looking to this season, the Eagles face five playoff teams with an overall schedule featuring opponents boasting a .479 winning percentage last year (20th toughest in the league). Furthermore, the Eagles will be playing two sets of back-to-back road games.

Oddsmakers have the posted at 9 (over -115) for o/u wins. While there are concerns about Foles against top-ranked defenses, the reality is the NFC East is somewhat of a mess making the over a real possibility this season.