Philadelphia eagles

Philadelphia Eagles 2025 NFL Survivor Pool Preseason Analysis

The Philadelphia Eagles soar into 2025 as defending Super Bowl LIX champions, boasting a roster stacked with talent and a schedule that offers survivor pool players intriguing opportunities. With Jalen Hurts leading a high-octane offense and a revamped defense under Vic Fangio, the Eagles are a force. But in survivor pools, it’s all about timing. This analysis breaks down their roster, draft class, 2024 metrics, and 2025 schedule to pinpoint the best weeks to pick Philly and the traps to avoid. Let’s dive in and craft a winning strategy.


Team Roster Review

Offense

  • Quarterback: Jalen Hurts (3,885 passing yards, 26 TDs, 12 INTs in 2024; 670 rushing yards, 10 TDs), Tanner McKee (QB2), Kyle McCord (rookie, developmental). Hurts, the reigning Super Bowl MVP, is a dual-threat dynamo, elevating Philly’s offense with his arm and legs. McKee’s readiness as a backup adds depth, but McCord’s inexperience limits his immediate impact.
  • Running Back: Saquon Barkley (1,567 rushing yards, 12 TDs in 2024), Will Shipley, Kenneth Gainwell. Barkley’s explosive playmaking is a cornerstone, with Shipley and Gainwell providing solid depth. The Eagles’ run-heavy scheme thrives behind a top-tier offensive line.
  • Wide Receiver: A.J. Brown (1,456 yards, 10 TDs in 2024), DeVonta Smith (1,122 yards, 7 TDs), Jahan Dotson, Ainias Smith, Britain Covey (return specialist). Brown and Smith form one of the NFL’s elite WR duos, with Dotson emerging as a reliable WR3. Depth is a concern if injuries hit.
  • Tight End: Dallas Goedert (702 yards, 4 TDs in 2024), Grant Calcaterra. Goedert remains a consistent target, but the lack of a proven TE2 could strain the passing game if he’s sidelined.
  • Offensive Line: LT Jordan Mailata, LG Landon Dickerson, C Cam Jurgens, RG Tyler Steen, RT Lane Johnson, backups Matt Pryor, Jack Driscoll, Trevor Kendall (rookie). This unit, coached by Jeff Stoutland, is among the NFL’s best, ranking top-5 in run-blocking and pass protection in 2024. Steen’s battle for RG is a question mark, but the line’s cohesion is a strength.


Defense

  • Defensive Line: Edge: Nolan Smith Jr. (11 sacks in 2024), Jalyx Hunt, Jihaad Campbell (rookie), Bryce Huff, Jermaine Johnson. Interior: Jalen Carter (9.5 sacks, DPOY candidate), Jordan Davis, Moro Ojomo, Ty Robinson (rookie). Carter’s dominance and Smith’s breakout make this a formidable front, though depth was hit by losing Milton Williams and Josh Sweat.
  • Linebacker: Zack Baun, Nakobe Dean (recovering from patellar tendon injury), Jeremiah Trotter Jr., Smael Mondon (rookie). Baun’s versatility and Dean’s potential (if healthy) anchor a vastly improved unit. Campbell’s edge versatility adds intrigue.
  • Secondary: CB Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Kelee Ringo, Avonte Maddox; S Reed Blankenship, Andrew Mukuba (rookie), Tristin McCollum. Losing Darius Slay and C.J. Gardner-Johnson hurts, but young talent like Mitchell and DeJean keeps this group competitive. Mukuba’s playmaking potential is a wildcard.
  • Special Teams: K Jake Elliott (89% FG in 2024), P Braden Mann, LS Rick Lovato. Elliott’s reliability and Mann’s strong punting make this unit a quiet strength, with Covey’s return ability adding value.


2025 Draft Class

  • Round 1, Pick 22: LB Jihaad Campbell (Alabama) – 117 tackles in 2024, versatile edge/off-ball LB. Immediate contributor with Dean sidelined.
  • Round 3, Pick 87: C Trevor Kendall (Boston College) – First-Team All-ACC, 37 starts at center. Adds depth with potential at guard.
  • Round 4, Pick 119: OT Anim Dankwah (Howard) – Developmental tackle with upside under Stoutland’s coaching.
  • Round 5, Pick 151: WR Ja’Lynn Polk (Washington) – 69 catches, 1,159 yards in college. Depth piece with WR3 potential.
  • Round 6, Pick 183: QB Kyle McCord (Syracuse) – 4,779 passing yards in 2024. Philly native, developmental QB3.
  • Round 6, Pick 199: EDGE Nathaniel Watson (Mississippi State) – 16 sacks in 2024. Late-round steal for pass-rush depth.
  • Round 7, Pick 231: OT Kiran Amegadjie (Yale) – Versatile tackle with injury concerns but high upside.

Howie Roseman’s draft focused on defensive youth and offensive line depth, maintaining Philly’s roster-building excellence. Campbell and Watson bolster the pass rush, while Kendall and Amegadjie ensure long-term OL stability.


Team Offense and Defense Metrics (2024 Season)

Offense

  • Points per game: 28.1 (4th in NFL)
  • Total yards per game: 389.2 (5th)
  • Passing yards per game: 245.6 (10th)
  • Rushing yards per game: 143.6 (3rd)
  • Takeaways: 22 (12th)
  • 2025 Outlook: With Hurts, Barkley, and Brown/Smith, the offense remains elite. Losing OC Kellen Moore may disrupt early rhythm, but Kevin Patullo’s promotion ensures continuity. Expect top-5 production if RG stabilizes.


Defense

  • Points allowed per game: 18.4 (3rd)
  • Total yards allowed per game: 312.7 (6th)
  • Passing yards allowed per game: 206.3 (10th)
  • Rushing yards allowed per game: 106.4 (5th)
  • Takeaways: 28 (5th)
  • 2025 Outlook: Losses of Slay, Gardner-Johnson, and Sweat weaken the secondary and edge depth, but Carter, Smith, and young CBs keep this unit top-10. Fangio’s scheme maximizes talent.


2025 Schedule Analysis

The Eagles face a brutal schedule with 10 playoff teams from 2024, including a Super Bowl rematch in Week 2 at Kansas City. Below is the schedule with survivor pool fit, based on 2025 Vegas win totals and matchup analysis. Win probabilities are estimated using market data and roster projections.

Week Date Opponent Location Time/Network Win Probability Survivor Pool Fit
1 Thu, 9/4 Dallas Cowboys Home 8:20 PM, NBC 68% Moderate: Home opener with banner-raising energy, but Dallas is a divisional rival with upset potential. Save Philly for better spots.
2 Sun, 9/14 Kansas City Chiefs Away 4:25 PM, FOX 45% Poor: Super Bowl rematch on the road against a Chiefs team seeking revenge. High-risk pick.
3 Sun, Sep 21 Los Angeles Rams Home 1:00 PM, FOX 62% Moderate: Rams are talented but injury-prone. Philly’s home advantage helps, but not a lock due to LA’s offensive firepower.
4 Sun, 9/28 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Away 1:00 PM, FOX 65% Good: Tampa’s offense is solid, but their defense struggles. Philly’s run game could dominate on the road.
5 Sun, Oct 5 Bye Week - - - -
6 Thu, 10/9 New York Giants Away 8:15 PM, PRIME 75% Excellent: Giants’ offense is limited, and Philly’s defense should feast. Prime-time road game, but a safe pick.
7 Sun, Oct 19 Minnesota Vikings Home 1:00 PM, FOX 70% Good: Vikings’ offense is potent, but Philly’s home dominance and defensive front make this a favorable matchup.
8 Sun, 10/26 New York Giants Home 1:00 PM, FOX 80% Top-Tier: Giants are a bottom-tier team, and Philly at home is a near-lock. Ideal survivor pick.
9 Sun, Nov 2 Bye Week - - - -
10 Sun, Nov 9 Green Bay Packers Away 8:20 PM, NBC 48% Poor: Tough road game against a playoff-caliber Packers team. Avoid in survivor pools.
11 Sun, Nov 16 Detroit Lions Home 8:20 PM, NBC 55% Poor: Lions are a Super Bowl contender, and this prime-time clash is too close to call.
12 Sun, 11/23 Dallas Cowboys Home 4:25 PM, FOX 66% Moderate: Divisional rematch at home, but Dallas’s talent makes it risky. Better options exist.
13 Fri, 11/28 Chicago Bears Away 3:00 PM, PRIME 72% Good: Bears’ offense is improving, but Philly’s defense should handle Caleb Williams. Solid road pick.
14 Sun, Dec 7 Los Angeles Chargers Away 8:15 PM, ESPN 58% Poor: Chargers’ home-field and Herbert’s playmaking make this a trap. Avoid.
15 Sun, 12/14 Las Vegas Raiders Home 1:00 PM, FOX 78% Top-Tier: Raiders struggle offensively, and Philly’s home dominance makes this a prime survivor pick.
16 Sat, 12/20 Washington Commanders Away 4:30/8:00 PM, FOX 70% Good: Washington’s defense is shaky, and Philly’s offense should exploit it. Flex scheduling adds uncertainty.
17 Sun, 12/28 Buffalo Bills Away 4:25 PM, FOX 42% Poor: Brutal road game against a Bills team fighting for playoff seeding. Avoid.
18 TBD Washington Commanders Home TBD 75% Excellent: Home finale against a middling Commanders team. Great late-season pick if available.
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Notes on Key Stats from 2024

  • Offensive Dominance: The Eagles’ 28.1 points per game and 143.6 rushing yards per game were driven by Hurts’ dual-threat ability and Barkley’s career year. Their “Tush Push” remained unstoppable, converting 92% of short-yardage plays.
  • Defensive Prowess: Philly’s 18.4 points allowed per game and 28 takeaways showcased Fangio’s scheme, with Carter and Smith combining for 20.5 sacks. The secondary, despite 2025 losses, ranked top-10 in pass defense.
  • Home Field Advantage: The Eagles went 8-1 at Lincoln Financial Field, outscoring opponents by an average of 12.3 points. Their home dominance is a survivor pool asset.


Survivor Pool Strategy

The Eagles are a Top-Tier Anchor for survivor pools due to their elite roster and favorable home games. Their 2025 schedule includes several winnable matchups against weaker opponents (Giants, Raiders, Commanders), but the gauntlet of playoff teams (Chiefs, Packers, Lions, Bills) demands careful timing. Avoid divisional games unless at home, as NFC East rivals can be unpredictable. With two bye weeks (Weeks 5 and 9), plan picks around their schedule breaks to maximize value. Philly’s home dominance and offensive firepower make them a go-to pick against bottom-tier teams, but save them for weeks where win probability exceeds 75%.


Best Survivor Picks

  • Week 6: at New York Giants (75% win probability) – The Giants’ offense, led by Daniel Jones, lacks the firepower to match Philly’s defense. A prime-time road game is a slight concern, but the Eagles’ talent gap makes this a safe pick.
  • Week 8: vs. New York Giants (80% win probability) – Philly at home against the Giants is as close to a lock as it gets. The Eagles’ defense should stifle New York’s attack, and Hurts/Barkley will exploit a weak secondary.
  • Week 15: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (78% win probability) – The Raiders’ offense struggles to score, and Philly’s home-field advantage seals this as a top-tier pick late in the season.


Weeks to Avoid

  • Week 2: at Kansas City Chiefs – A Super Bowl rematch on the road against a motivated Chiefs team is a survivor pool death trap. Mahomes and Reid will be out for blood.
  • Week 10: at Green Bay Packers – Green Bay’s home-field advantage and playoff-caliber roster make this a risky pick, especially in prime time.
  • Week 17: at Buffalo Bills – A late-season road game against a Bills team fighting for playoff position is too dangerous for survivor pools.


Additional Survivor Pool Considerations

  • Home vs. Road Splits: Philly’s 8-1 home record in 2024 makes home games (Weeks 1, 3, 7, 8, 11, 12, 15, 18) prime targets. Road games against playoff teams (Weeks 2, 10, 14, 17) are risky.
  • Divisional Traps: NFC East games (Cowboys, Giants, Commanders) are volatile. Avoid Week 1 vs. Dallas due to rivalry intensity, but Weeks 6, 8, and 18 against Giants/Commanders are safer.
  • Injury Risks: Monitor Nakobe Dean’s recovery and the secondary’s adjustment to new starters. If Carter or Hurts misses time, reassess picks.
  • Flex Scheduling: Weeks 16 and 18 have TBD times, which could affect preparation. Check for updates closer to game day.


Final Verdict

The Philadelphia Eagles are a survivor pool juggernaut in 2025, with a loaded offense and a defense that, despite losses, remains top-10 under Fangio. Their home games against the Giants (Week 8) and Raiders (Week 15) are must-pick weeks, offering high win probabilities against weak opponents. Avoid early-season traps like Kansas City and late-season road games against Green Bay and Buffalo. With strategic timing, Philly can anchor your pool through mid-to-late weeks, leveraging their home dominance and offensive firepower. Save them for the right matchup, and they’ll carry you deep.

  • Should I avoid divisional games for the Eagles in survivor pools?

    Generally, yes, due to NFC East unpredictability. However, Weeks 6 and 8 against the Giants and Week 18 vs. the Commanders are exceptions, as Philly’s talent gap and home advantage (Week 8, 18) make them safe bets. Avoid Week 1 vs. Dallas due to rivalry intensity.

  • What are the best weeks to pick the Eagles in a 2025 NFL Survivor Pool?

    Weeks 6 (at Giants), 8 (vs. Giants), and 15 (vs. Raiders) offer the highest win probabilities (75–80%) due to favorable matchups and Philly’s home/road splits. These games pit the Eagles against weaker offenses, maximizing your chances of advancing.

  • How do the Eagles’ 2025 roster changes impact survivor pool picks?

    Losing Slay, Gardner-Johnson, and Sweat weakens the secondary and edge rush, but young talents like Mitchell, DeJean, and Campbell keep the defense stout. The offense, led by Hurts and Barkley, remains elite, ensuring high-scoring potential in favorable matchups. Monitor Dean’s injury status.

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