Every year, the NFC will always have an unpredictable outcome, and this year, the team to beat is the Philadelphia Eagles. But, can we trust them going forward, especially in the playoffs? The fate of the AFC has never been in doubt, as the Patriots have been the favorites for the last 15 years. So the real question is, are the Eagles the real deal?
The Eagles have quite the high-powered offense this year, with new additions LeGarrette Blount and Jay Ajayi joining the offense. Also, Alshon Jeffery joined the team this year, after signing a 1 year, 15 million dollar deal during the offseason. Overall, they have offensive weapons, which will keep the opposing defenses on their toes.
On the defensive side, they are statistically the third best defense in the league, only allowing 17 points/game. In week 12, they had an amazing showing at home against the Chicago Bears, who only scored 3 points against the Eagles' 31. Their run defense is excellent, allowing star running back Jordan Howard to have less than 30 yards rushing the ball. Here's the interesting component: Who have they really played this year? They have a mediocre division, and with Ezekiel Elliot out for another couple games, there is no real threat to them in the NFC East. The Eagles have really played two decent teams this year. The Chargers, and the Panthers. You can make the case that the Chiefs are a good team, but there recent struggles of losing 5 straight games does not show the league that they are a force in the AFC. So we ask the question again, are the Eagles the "real deal"?
The Eagles might have some problems though. Carson Wentz is playing some amazing football right now, and his fantasy owners are most definitely happy with his production. Although of his recent triumphs, the only thing that really matters is how he plays in January and February. Because Carson Wentz is only a second year player in the league, come playoff time, he might not have what it takes to beat teams like the Vikings, or the Saints.
Overall, The Eagles are a good team, and statistics clearly show this. But because of the strength of Wentz and the Eagles' opponents this year, come playoff time, they might not be THE team to beat in February.
