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7 bold predictions for the Eagles' 2026 season

The Eagles are in for a big bounce back season in 2026, here are 7 bold predictions for how their year will go.

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The Philadelphia Eagles are on the cusp of starting their 94th season in the NFL. 

Despite heading into the year with the same Head Coach for the sixth year in a row, there are many changes expected on the offensive side of the ball, and the Eagles' DC, Vic Fangio, has stated he is adding some wrinkles to the defensive side as well. 

With that being said, it is hard to determine what to expect, especially from the offense, but from what we have seen and heard thus far, it is promising. 

Below are my seven bold predictions for the 2026 season. 

Offense

DeVonta Smith becomes the first Eagle ever with 120 catches in a season

With A.J. Brown gone, Smith is positioned to become the unquestioned WR1 in Philadelphia. No time share in 2026. He’s already posted multiple (3) 1,000-yard seasons, and reports around the team suggest he’ll be the focal point of Eagles’ new OC Sean Mannion’s passing attack.

This might actually be the bold prediction I’d put my money on. Everything points to a massive target share if he’s truly the focal point of the passing game. 

Smitty had his personal high of targets in 2022, with 136. He hauled in 95 receptions that season, good for 70%. If the new offense could increase his targets by 2 per game average than he had back then, he would have 172 targets, and if they were able to complete 69% of those, he would reach the magic number to break Zach Ertz’s record of 116. I am bullish on Philly’s new swole Batman. 

The Tank Effect

Tank Bigsby scores 7+ touchdowns and over 700 total yards. Not due to a Saquon Barkley decline, but because the Eagles will protect Barkley more during the regular season. Bigsby becomes the hammer in short-yardage and late-game situations, and Tank solidifies himself as one of the best RB2s in football.

Makai Lemon breaks the rookie receiving yards record

Lemon could be the undisputed number-two receiver for Philadelphia this season, and if he takes over that role, expect plenty of targets and yards. 

The record, currently held by DeVonta Smith with 916, has stood since 2021, but records are meant to be broken. 

Jalen Hurts wins NFL MVP

Yeah, I said it! 

With a new OC, a new scheme, and a passing game built around DeVonta Smith, complemented by Lemon, Wicks, and Goedert, plus the continued threat of Saquon Barkley, it should create favorable matchups all season. 

My prediction for QB1 is 4,200+ total yards, 40+ total touchdowns, and the first league MVP trophy of his career.

Hurts has already shown he can perform on the biggest stage, and 2026 feels like the season he puts together his most complete year.

Defense

Jalyx Hunt records 11+ sacks and becomes a household name


Most fans and media talk about Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, and new addition Jonathan Greenard when discussing the Eagles' defensive line, but Hunt is the Eagle I’m buying stock in. Another year in the complex Fangio-system, plus the aforementioned addition of Greenard drawing attention on the opposite side, could lead to a breakout season. By January, the national media could be talking about Jalyx as one of the league’s elite edge rushers.

Quinyon Mitchell leads the NFL in interceptions


Quarterbacks are eventually going to challenge him, especially with Riq Woolen on the other side. My bold call is that a cornerback who doesn't have a single regular season takeaway will have 7 interceptions and his usual multiple game-changing PBUs, and I believe he will be a legitimate addition to the Defensive Player of the Year discussion. The Eagles' secondary could be the best in football.

Conclusion

The Eagles go 14–3 and return to the Super Bowl


Many people are focusing on a certain receiver that Philadelphia lost. I think the bigger story is what remains: Hurts, Barkley, Smith, Carter, Baun, Mitchell, DeJean, Mailata, and Lane Johnson. Add a relatively favorable schedule, and I see the Eagles reclaiming the NFC crown, followed by their third Lombardi. 

Record: 14–3
NFC East: Champions
NFC Championship: Eagles over Lions
Super Bowl: Eagles over Bills, 31–27

As always, thank you for reading!

Follow me on X @DavidNeiszPHL 

Eagles, Jalen Hurts, DeVonta Smith, Jalyx Hunt