National eyes will be on Gillette Stadium when the Philadelphia Eagles and the New England Patriots meet Sunday for a season-opening showdown.
The Eagles enter the game as the reigning NFC champions while the Patriots get their first chance at a clean slate following a strange 8-9 season in 2022.
Ahead of the NFL’s first week of regular-season play, FS1’s Jason McIntyre named the matchup in Foxboro as the fifth-best game to watch in Week 1.
“Really, really good game,” McIntyre said on Monday’s episode of “The Herd.”
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Sunday’s matchup could be decided in the trenches. Philadelphia established a presence at the line of scrimmage last season while New England looks to find a healthy combination on the offensive line.
“You guys know offensive line for me is everything,” McIntyre noted. “It sounds like the Patriots might start at right tackle a fourth-round rookie. The Eagles last season set an NFL record for sacks. They could overwhelm a makeshift Patriots offensive line.”
While the offense may spark questions for the Patriots on Sunday, the FS1 host sees a chance to make some plays on the defensive side of the ball. Philadelphia enters the game with a newly extended Jalen Hurts and a new offensive coordinator in Brian Johnson.
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“I do believe there will be some offensive hiccups for Philly,” McIntyre said.
McIntyre sees a path to victory for the visitors but envisions a close game with the Patriots showing up to play at home.
“The Eagles have a lot of depth,” McIntyre noted. “The best roster in the league. I can’t wait. I would lean Eagles here, but on the road is dicey.”
Featured image via Eric Canha/USA TODAY Sports Images
