Eagles enter 2019 as a favorite to win another Super Bowl

After reaching the Divisional round a year ago, the Philadelphia Eagles are hoping for better health from Carson Wentz and a return to the Super Bowl.

Best-case scenario

Winning a Super Bowl.

During previous eras, the idea was very far-fetched. Yet as a team which won it all just a season ago, the Eagles are still in great shape to make a run. Philadelphia has one of the most talented teams in the NFL, arguably better than their Super Bowl-winning roster in 2017.

Still, they need a few things to go right for them in 2019 in terms of remaining healthy. Injuries have plagued the Eagles as of late, and staying healthy will be key to whether they hit their ceiling in 2019 or not.

Worst-case scenario

As a consensus top-10 team in the NFL, the worst-case scenario for the Eagles would be missing the playoffs. Out of three seasons, Eagles head coach Doug Pederson managed to reach the postseason twice. In 2018, he barely got into the playoffs with a 9-7 record. And once again, Pederson and the Eagles did it with a backup quarterback on the field.

If Philadelphia can crack the playoffs during a season where it was walloped with injuries, then it should be able to do it this year as well. However, if the Eagles fail to make it to the postseason after being praised for their offseason personnel moves, things could get ugly in Philly.

Confidence level (Low, medium or high)

High.

Getting DeSean Jackson back was enormous. Drafting and trading for multiple skillful running backs was the icing on the cake for this offense. The Eagles defense had issues because of injuries last season, but they’ve been the strength of the team.

This year, the Eagles are looking to engage in more offensive shootouts as they focused on loading up the offensive side of the ball. With Wentz healthy and surrounded by new weapons, the Eagles confidence is through the roof.

X-Factor

Wentz’s health.

With Nick Foles no longer on board as insurance, the fourth-year veteran must remain on the field for a majority of the year. Most NFL teams would be finished if their starting quarterback got hurt. The Eagles didn’t have those same worries over the last two years though. However, that’s no longer the case. As the Philadelphia front office locked Wentz into a long-term deal, it has a lot riding on the former second-overall pick. If he stays healthy, he could most likely climb back in the MVP conversation.

Turning point

Week 9 vs. Chicago.

As the Bears are playoff contenders in 2019, that matchup won’t be easy. Neither will the remainder of the schedule.

The first half of the Eagles schedule is undoubtedly easier than the second half. Starting with the Chicago matchup, the Eagles will have to play the Bears, Patriots, and Seahawks consecutively. Then, after an easy game in Miami, they will go on a four-game stretch when they play nothing but NFC East opponents. Heading into the playoffs, the Eagles will either be battle-tested and ready for any challenge coming their way.

Best moment in team history

Super Bowl LII was easily the best. Being the Eagles were so close to getting a Lombardi Trophy on numerous occasions in the 2000s, it was always so disappointing.

Finally, the Eagles were able to break the dry spell, and it happened in the most Philadelphia way possible. As underdogs throughout the entire playoff stretch with a doubted quarterback under center, the Eagles fought their way to the top and dethroned Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

The moment the green and white confetti dropped lives were changed in Philadelphia.