Did anyone expect the New Orleans Saints to start the 2024 NFL season with a 2-0 record? Probably not. However, the Saints are off to an impressive start, averaging over 40 points per game in their first two NFL matchups. The campaign began with a statement win as the Saints entered AT&T Stadium and defeated the Dallas Cowboys 44-19. This dominant 44-point victory has grabbed the attention of the entire football world. If you’re scrolling through your social media feeds for NFL news, it’s almost impossible not to encounter posts discussing the Saints’ red-hot start.
However, it’s important to remember that the season is still young, and the Saints are only 2-0. There is a lot of NFL football left to be played, and things can quickly change in the league. The current hype surrounding the Saints could easily take a turn for the worse if they’re not careful.
The next challenge for New Orleans will be a big one: a Week 3 matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles, a team that looks to bounce back after a disappointing loss to the Saints’ hated rival, the Atlanta Falcons. A win on Sunday would have drastically different implications for both NFL teams. A win would solidify the Eagles as a contender in the NFC East, keeping their playoff hopes alive. For New Orleans, another decisive victory would further the buzz building around the Saints after their blowout win over Dallas and put them on a trajectory similar to their successful years under Drew Brees.
Here’s our full Eagles vs. Saints Week 3 game preview, complete with a detailed scouting report and score prediction.
Eagles Scouting Report
The Philadelphia Eagles enter this NFL Week 3 matchup with urgency. At 1-1, the Eagles need a win to keep their season from spiraling downward. The team doesn’t look like the dominant squad that reached the Super Bowl two years ago. With new offensive and defensive coordinators and several new skill position players, it’s clear that the Eagles are still adjusting to their new schemes. Sometimes, it takes a few games for NFL players to grasp the new systems fully, and Philadelphia is no exception.
Could Week 3 be the game that Philadelphia finally puts it all together for four quarters? If so, it won’t be easy, especially with star wide receiver A.J. Brown sidelined due to a hamstring injury. Brown, the Eagles’ top player on the perimeter, will miss his second consecutive game, which means Philadelphia will need to rely heavily on their rushing attack to generate offense against the Saints.
The Eagles’ rushing attack is one of the best in the NFL, ranked fifth in rushing yards per game with an average of 165.0 yards. They are also fifth in points scored, averaging 27.5 per contest. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has been a major part of that success, particularly when facing the Saints. Hurts made his NFL debut against New Orleans and rushed for 106 yards on 18 carries in that 2020 matchup. In 2021, Hurts torched the Saints again, rushing for 69 yards and three touchdowns. That day, the Eagles amassed a staggering 242 rushing yards against New Orleans’ defense.
This brings us to the key question: Can the Eagles replicate their previous success against the Saints? New Orleans has added new personnel, but the defensive core remains unchanged. Philadelphia’s rushing attack versus the Saints’ top-ranked defense will be a pivotal matchup on Sunday.
Eagles’ Defense vs. Saints Offense
Philadelphia’s defense, led by renowned coordinator Vic Fangio, has struggled mightily in the 2024 NFL season. They rank 27th in points allowed, 30th in total yards surrendered, and 30th against the pass, making this one of the worst defensive units in the league through the first two weeks. On Sunday, the Eagles will face a Saints offense that has exploded out of the gates, scoring over 40 points in their first two games.
Leading a revamped Saints offense, Derek Carr has been clicking with his new weapons, including wide receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed. The Saints could be on track for a record-breaking season if they continue at this pace, but Fangio’s defense will be looking to slow them down. Fangio has plenty of experience dealing with high-octane offenses like New Orleans, and if there’s any coordinator capable of cracking the Saints’ offensive code, it’s him. Still, given the current defensive struggles of the Eagles, this could be another long day for Philadelphia if they can’t find a way to neutralize Carr and company.
Score Prediction
Heading into Week 3, all signs point to the New Orleans Saints continuing their hot streak. The Eagles are dealing with injuries and have struggled on both sides of the ball, while the Saints seem to be firing on all cylinders. Expect New Orleans to exploit Philadelphia’s defensive weaknesses and secure another convincing victory.
Prediction: Saints 38, Eagles 21
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