How long does a Super Bowl hangover last for Eagles fans? The answer: one season. The pressure is on the organization, and especially Carson Wentz, to make another big-time run in a relatively wide-open NFC East. Cinderella (aka Nick Foles) got in his pumpkin carriage and rode it down to Jacksonville, signing a new deal that can afford some pretty sweet rims for that carriage. Now, the young, franchise QB stands alone in the spotlight. The talent of Wentz is undeniable. The health of Wentz is becoming an annual question. However, the Eagles are very much a contender once again in 2019. But can you trust them as fantasy assets?
Joe has just gotten started, but he’s making his way through all 32 NFL Team Previews.
Philadelphia Eagles Fantasy Football Preview
KEY LOSSES: Nick Foles QB, Golden Tate WR, Jordan Hicks ILB, Jordan Mathews WR, Haloti Ngata DT (retired)
Impact: Nick Foles was an insurance policy. The Eagles cashed in already with Foles and it was time for them to clear the path for Carson Wentz to sink or swim. Golden Tate never really clicked with the offense, and joining a team mid-season meant he was fighting an uphill battle to begin with. They lost a big talent in Jordan Hicks, but he did have his difficulties with injuries.
KEY ADDITIONS: Jordan Howard RB, Malik Jackson DT, L.J. Fort ILB, Zach Brown ILB,
Impact: Jordan Howard is a decent NFL running back. What’s troubling about this signing is the way the Eagles refuse to commit to a back during the Doug Pederson era. One could argue, they haven’t had one as talented on the roster as the 24-year-old Howard. One could also argue that Howard has seen his YPC decline for three straight years. Both sides would be right. On the defensive side of the ball, the Eagles opened the checkbook for Malik Jackson. He’s coming off a down year, but he has Pro Bowl talent and should solidify the Philly front. They decided to fill the loss of Jordan Hicks with bodies like Fort and Brown.
DRAFTED PLAYERS OF FANTASY NOTE: Andre Dillard LT, Miles Sanders RB, J.J. Arcega-Whiteside WR
Impact: Arguably the best pass protector in the class, Andre Dillard was the perfect selection for the Eagles, and more importantly for Carson Wentz. This was a great investment by GM Howie Roseman. Miles Sanders is a polarizing prospect. I for one believe in his ability, but my struggle is that Sanders isn’t a compliment to Jordan Howard, but more of a clone. The other negative is the way the Eagles utilize the running game from a fantasy perspective. It would take an injury to one to really open up big potential, and even then Doug Pederson will still muck it up. Meanwhile, drafting J.J. Arcega-Whiteside might be the most impactful off-season move by the Eagles from a fantasy perspective. He has impressive red zone ability and what he may lack in combine stats, he more than makes up for in game tape. He could be a late WR standard league steal with that TD upside.
OFFENSIVE OUTLOOK: Carson Wentz has already shown his ceiling, and it’s a pretty sight. Last year, he pushed to get back as soon as he could from major knee surgery. Maybe even too quickly. Another year removed from that surgery bodes well for Wentz and the Eagles. Zach Ertz will continue to be his favorite target and a great PPR TE. Alshon Jeffrey may be the Eagles #1 WR, but he’s a WR2 in fantasy. Nelson Agholor had his best season, but J.J. Arcega-Whiteside could absolutely steal that slot role away from him. I personally don’t think DeSean Jackson has much left in the tank, but as a depth receiver, you could do worse. He’ll certainly have a handful of decent games if he stays healthy.
DEFENSIVE OUTLOOK: This unit ranked 23rd in YPG last year, but held teams to just 21.75 PPG (12th overall). They were also one of the stingier run defenses (96.94 Rush YPG 7th overall) and Malik Jackson should make them even better in theory. It’s the 30th ranked pass defense that was their undoing and they really didn’t do a whole lot this off-season to improve that weakness.
2019 OUTLOOK: The Eagles will battle the Cowboys all year for the NFC East crown. It’s all about Wentz, and if he regains his 2017 form, expect the Eagles to edge out the Cowboys and head to the playoffs again in 2019.
Joe has just gotten started, but he’s making his way through all 32 NFL Team Previews.
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