After some early inconsistencies and frustrating play, the Philadelphia Eagles are starting to put things together and play like the Super Bowl contenders they were expected to be. Philly enters Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on a three-game winning streak, with the two most recent games being blowout wins over the New York Giants and Cincinnati Bengals. The Eagles are more than a touchdown favorite against a 2-6 Jaguars team that is not only dealing with some major injuries but is also starting to trade off veterans before the deadline.
While running back Saquon Barkley has been one of the big stars for the Eagles offense, quarterback Jalen Hurts is rapidly turning his season around after a disappointing start. He has posted a passer rating over 119.0 in each of the past three games and has not thrown an interception since Week 3 against the New Orleans Saints.
Having his top two wide receivers -- A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith -- in the lineup and healthy certainly helps. Now they get to go against a Jaguars defense that is allowing 271.1 passing yards per game this season, the second-worst mark in the NFL.
The Jaguars offense is expected to get a lift with the hopeful return of running back Travis Etienne Jr. this week, but starting wide receiver Christian Kirk is out for the season due to a collarbone injury, and starting left tackle Cam Robinson was traded to the Minnesota Vikings on Tuesday.
Despite their bad record, the Jaguars are still 4-4 against the spread this season, including a 2-1 mark on the road. The Eagles are 4-3 against the spread but have yet to cover (0-2) at home.
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