Eagles vs. Buccaneers predictions: Our expert picks for Week 3 on Monday Night Football
PHILADELPHIA − What's wrong with the Eagles' passing offense?
That's been the question ever since the Eagles ran the ball all over the Vikings in their last game, on Sept. 14. At the same time, A.J. Brown had to explain what appeared to be a heated sideline discussion with Jalen Hurts.
And now the Eagles have the Buccaneers, the No. 2-ranked rushing defense in the NFL, allowing just 54.0 yards per game. This would be a great time for Hurts and Brown to break out of their slow start.
But can they? Bucs coach Todd Bowles designed a game plan that exposed most of Hurts' weaknesses in the last meeting, a playoff game in Jan. 2022. Hurts threw two interceptions, lost a fumble as the Eagles fell behind 31-0 in their 31-15 loss.
Hurts, of course, didn't have Brown in that game. And Hurts got a lot better during that offseason. All of which adds intrigue to this matchup.
We're here to bring you all the coverage throughout the season. But first, what's an Eagles football game without predictions?
Our prognosticators for Week 3 are: Martin Frank (Eagles/NFL writer, Delawareonline.com), Greg Giesen (sports strategist, Delawareonline.com), Tom McGurk (sports editor, Courierpostonline.com), Tom Moore (sports columnist, Phillyburbs.com), Bob Jordan (Sports editor, app.com), Bert Bainbridge (Sports betting analyst & columnist, Northjersey.com), Tom Haines (Pennsylvania state planning), Brad Myers (high school sports writer, Delawareonline.com), Melissa Hanejko (High School Sports Content & Social Media, Phillyburbs.com), Kevin Tresolini, (college sports reporter, Delawareonline.com), Michelle Ganassi (audience director & die-hard Steelers fan, Delawareonline.com).
Martin Frank
Tom Brady isn't walking through that door. And while the Buccaneers' defense will give Jalen Hurts and the Eagles' offense fits, the difference will come on the other side of the ball where Jalen Carter, Haason Reddick and Co. will be in Baker Mayfield's face all night, and from every angle.
The pick: Eagles 25, Buccaneers 21
Bob Jordan
It's becoming clearer that Todd Bowles, unlike Bill Belichick, can get a team pointed in the right direction after Tom Brady leaves.
The pick: Buccaneers 27, Eagles 24
Tom McGurk
Think the Eagles and Nick Sirianni have forgotten about the embarrassing playoff loss in Tampa two seasons ago? Not a chance. Expect the Birds to be fired up for redemption on the national stage.
The pick: Eagles 29, Buccaneers 20
Greg Giesen
Has Baker Mayfield been reborn in Tampa? No, he's faced the defenses of the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings. Let's see how he does against a real defense. Yes, the Birds are hobbled, but they're still worlds better than the dregs of the NFC North.
The pick: Eagles 24, Buccaneers 17
Bert Bainbridge
It hasn't been perfect for the Eagles through two weeks and the Buccaneers have shocked most with their 2-0 start. However, Philly does just enough here as they exorcise those playoff demons from 2021 and win in Tampa Bay for the first time in nearly a decade.
The pick: Eagles 27, Buccaneers 21
Tom Moore
The one-score wins continue for the Birds.
The pick: Eagles 24, Buccaneers 20
Tom Haines
After proving the running game can work, the Eagles will, of course, stubbornly revert to a pass-first mentality. Somehow they squeak by.
The pick: Eagles 20, Buccaneers 16
Kevin Tresolini
Baker Mayfield will be wearing a few Eagles defensive linemen soon after he starts taking snaps.
The pick: Eagles 27, Buccaneers 13
Michelle Ganassi
The Buccaneers did the unforgivable and brought Tom Brady into the fold. While I would love to make this week's pick an educated football analysis, the Pittsburgh girl in me will hate Tampa Bay forever.
The pick: Eagles 24, Buccaneers 21
Melissa Hanejko
Baker Mayfield has had a great start to the season, and he can get back to that in Week 4.
The pick: Eagles 34, Buccaneers 19
Brad Myers
The Bucs are better than everyone thought, but they aren't better than the Eagles. Birds win a close, low-scoring game.
The pick: Eagles 17-14.
Overall records
2-0: Frank, Moore, Bainbridge, Haines, Myers, Hanejko, Tresolini, Ganassi
1-1: McGurk, Jordan, Giesen
Contact Martin Frank at mfrank@delawareonline.com. Follow on X @Mfranknfl.
This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Eagles vs. Buccaneers predictions: Our expert picks for NFL Week 3
