The Philadelphia Eagles will return from their bye in Week 6 to host Deshaun Watson and the lowly Cleveland Browns, who are off to a 1-4 start thanks in large part to the once-electric quarterback's decline on the field.
It's been hardly a perfect season for the Eagles to this point, as they are 2-2 and lost 33-16 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers before the bye week. Jalen Hurts has four interceptions and five fumbles through four games. Nick Sirianni had one of the worst-coached victories imaginable in Week 3's win over the New Orleans Saints.
Still, the Eagles will get A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith and Lane Johnson back for just their second game at Lincoln Financial Field this season. The Browns have a -42 point differential. The Eagles are nine-point favorites over the Browns, and if there's such a thing as an easy victory in the NFL, this should be one.
With all that acknowledged, here's a look at how our On Pattison staffers believe the game will play out.
Tim Kelly
Score: Eagles 24, Browns 7
Game MVP: A.J. Brown
The Phillies' season ended this week, and if the Eagles lose to the corpse of Deshaun Watson, they will be circling the drain. A.J. Brown and Lane Johnson are arguably the two best players on the Eagles, and with both of them and DeVonta Smith back in the lineup, the Eagels should have their first comfortable win of the season.
Anthony SanFilippo
Score: Eagles 20, Browns 9
Game MVP: A.J. Brown
An extra week to prepare for one of the worst offenses in football? If the Eagles can’t win this week, then things are going to get especially ugly around here starting Sunday night. The Browns defense is still good, which is the one concern the Eagles should have. But, being at full strength, I’m confident they’ll be able to make enough plays to be successful. Deshaun Watson may be the worst starting quarterback in the league, so I don’t expect him to be able to throw the ball at all, even if the Eagles' pass rush doesn’t get home. As for my MVP choice, look for Brown to have eight catches for 115 yards and a TD in his return.
Friday's Injury Report#CLEvsPHI pic.twitter.com/66meyfMDRf
John Foley
Score: Browns 50, Eagles 0
Game MVP: Deshaun Watson
I think all of my picks were wrong so far so I’m going with the reverse jinx.
Austin Krell
Score: Eagles 28, Browns 17
Game MVP: A.J. Brown
It turns out it helps when your best offensive weapons are on the field. I'm predicting two touchdowns for the top target, who almost outscores the team with his namesake by himself.
