2023 Philadelphia Eagles schedule analysis

On Thursday night, the NFL released the complete Eagles schedule. Per NFL research, Eagles opponents had a 161-123-4 record in 2022, making their 2023 schedule the most difficult in the NFL. Here a few of the highlights.

Circle the date: Week 13, Dec. 3 vs. San Francisco 49ers

You know this game is highlighted on Deebo Samuel’s calendar. San Francisco lost last year’s NFC Championship Game to Philadelphia and Samuel believes the 49ers would have won the game had they not lost quarterbacks Brock Purdy and Josh Johnson during the game.

San Francisco’s outspoken receiver has been critical of Philadelphia all offseason. In a recent interview with Zion Olojede of Complex.com, he called the Eagles his most hated team. He said “there's no question” that the 49ers were better than the Eagles, but "we lost because we played with 10 people." 

To be fair, San Francisco had no chance once Christian McCaffrey became the de facto quarterback, but Samuel acts as if Purdy is the next Joe Montana. Philly fans want revenge on the Chiefs in November, but they’d love to shut up Samuel on Thursday Night Football.

Toughest stretch: Week 11 through Week 15

Hopefully the Eagles enjoy their Week 10 bye, because the next five games could make or break their season. First they travel to Kansas City for a Super Bowl rematch, then they’re home for games against the Buffalo Bills and an angry 49ers team. After that they’re off to Dallas and Seattle in consecutive weeks.

That’s five straight playoff teams and three weeks of travel. Hopefully the team gets of to a good start and can afford a loss or two down the stretch.

Easiest stretch: Week 3 through Week 5

Finding a soft spot in the league’s toughest schedule isn’t easy, but early season games could be it for Philadelphia. In Week 3, The Eagles travel to Tampa Bay to face Baker Mayfield’s Buccaneers.

In Week 4 they’re back home to face Sam Howell's Commanders before heading to L.A. to play the Rams. Usually, two out of three games on the road with a trip across the country would be difficult, but three consecutive opponents with a collective .421 winning percentage is as good as it gets for Philly in 2023.

Most festive matchup: Week 16, New York Giants (Christmas Day)

There’s no place like home for the holidays, but is Philadelphia really the best place for a Christmas Day game? Back in 1968, Eagles fans famously ended their season by throwing snowballs at Santa Claus. How often will that be mentioned on pregame shows? Luckily the city hasn’t seen Christmas snow since 2009.

The NFC East produced three playoff teams last year, so this game could have postseason implications for both teams. Will the Giants have visions of the postseason dancing in their heads, or will the Eagles send them home for a long winter’s nap?