Philadelphia reaches Foxborough after a revealing 24-7 loss in Baltimore. New England tied Indianapolis 13-13 during its opener. The week’s emotional center involved A.J. Brown, whom Philadelphia traded to New England in June. Brown had not spoken with Jalen Hurts since the deal before Wednesday’s reunion. He then attacked two contentious practices against his former teammates with unmistakable purpose. Multiple scrums developed Thursday, including one exchange involving punches and Mike Vrabel’s intervention. Those sessions almost certainly completed the meaningful starter workload for both organizations. Below is my preview, prediction, and pick for today’s NFL preseason game between the New England Patriots and the Philadelphia Eagles.
Here’s how I’ll play it. I’ll be pumping out these predictions for individual games all season, with plenty of coverage here on DraftKings Network. Follow my handle @dansby_edits for more betting plays.
Patriots vs. Eagles prediction, preview
Philadelphia generated 159 yards, six first downs, and 18:43 possession against Baltimore. The Eagles converted none of nine third downs and averaged 4.0 yards per play. Andy Dalton completed three of six passes for 20 yards. Tanner McKee added 35 yards across 10 attempts, while absorbing Philadelphia’s only sack. Cole Payton supplied nearly every explosive element, throwing the lone touchdown and rushing for 45 yards. Philadelphia’s traditional running backs managed 27 yards across nine carries. The first nine possessions produced 70 net yards before a penalty-assisted touchdown drive.
Brown’s work against Philadelphia offered New England an encouraging glimpse beyond Saturday. He caught all seven charted team-drill targets Wednesday while repeatedly challenging Quinyon Mitchell and Riq Woolen. Brown added two touchdowns against Mitchell during Thursday’s competitive periods. Drake Maye consistently found him outside the numbers and across the middle. Saturday should belong to Tommy DeVito and Behren Morton, however. DeVito completed 13-of-22 passes for 138 yards and one touchdown against Indianapolis. Morton finished seven of 13 for 66 yards. New England averaged only 3.7 yards across 74 offensive plays.
The Patriots’ defensive depth supplies the game’s strongest unit. New England forced four turnovers, including two interceptions and two red-zone fumble recoveries. Indianapolis gained 355 yards, but converted only one of eight third downs. Khalil Jacobs played 50 defensive snaps and strengthened his position inside a competitive linebacker room. Bradyn Swinson handled 38 snaps and supplied consistent edge disruption. New England also collected seven interceptions across the two joint sessions. Philadelphia’s reserve defense allowed Baltimore 440 yards, 31 first downs, and 7.5 yards per passing play.
Eagles vs. Patriots pick, best bet
Philadelphia still produced encouraging practice answers after New England controlled the opening session. Hurts finished Thursday with several red-zone touchdowns, while the Eagles’ pass rush repeatedly disturbed Maye. Jalyx Hunt intercepted one pass, forced a fumble, and strengthened his case for an expanded defensive role. Brown and Hurts eventually spoke after Thursday’s work, easing some tension surrounding their strained relationship. The wider practices remained extremely physical. Saquon Barkley, Lane Johnson, Jalen Carter, and several Patriots became involved in confrontations. That emotional expenditure further reduces the likelihood of meaningful starter appearances Saturday.
The total accounts for poor offense, although it still sits slightly high. New England must operate behind an interior line assembled during game week. Ben Brown will miss several weeks, while Andrew Rupcich reached injured reserve. Philadelphia has not demonstrated conventional rushing efficiency or reliable early-down execution. Both defenses should face predictable passing situations throughout the second half. The under captures those protection problems without requiring another turnover avalanche.
Best bet: Under 36.5. Playable to: 35.5.
Projected score: Patriots 17, Eagles 13.
