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As the countdown to the Philadelphia Eagles' 2024 season begins, anticipation is building among fans and analysts alike. While recent seasons have seen relatively few dissenting opinions, a few pressing questions and intriguing storylines are surfacing.

With the excitement surrounding the team’s prospects, it's not just discussions about performance that are heating up; the Philadelphia Eagles betting odds are also capturing attention as fans speculate on how these bold predictions will play out.

In this article, we'll explore three bold predictions that could define the Eagles' journey this season—ranging from potential league positioning to critical dynamics within the team.

Eagles Win the NFC East With Ease

While declaring the Eagles as the favorites to win the NFC East may not raise eyebrows, predicting they'll do so with a comfortable margin of three or more games certainly sparks interest, especially considering the Dallas Cowboys won the division last year. The excitement surrounding the 2024 NFL season comes from a sense of renewed potential and transformation within the team.

With some new coaches in place, particularly on the offensive side of the ball, Philadelphia plans to shake things up, steering away from a predictable strategy. Expect to see a more inventive playbook that leverages diverse formations and plays, complementing their established power-run game. On the defensive side, the Eagles aim to tighten their grip by utilizing two high safety looks to mitigate big plays through the air, a crucial adjustment in today's pass-heavy league.

Looking around the NFC East landscape, the outlook for their rivals appears less daunting. The Washington Commanders and New York Giants both struggled last season, finishing among the bottom-tier franchises; their potential for significant improvement remains questionable, likely capping their win totals at six or seven games.

Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys, fresh off a division title, seem to be treading water. Their lackluster offseason and uncertain future regarding key players like Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb could hinder their performance. Additionally, failure to adequately address the running back position could also become a glaring weakness as the season unfolds. This scenario presents an ideal opportunity for the Eagles to soar ahead and reclaim the NFC East crown.

CB Darius Slay Will Have a More Limited Role

As the Eagles embark on the 2024 season, all eyes will be on their revamped secondary, a unit that's undergone a significant makeover following a lackluster performance in 2023. With the aggressive addition of talented players like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper Dejean in the draft, alongside the return of Isiah Rodgers from a suspension, the Eagles are clearly setting the stage for a more dynamic defense.

The team has also re-signed key corners and brought in C.J. Gardner-Johnson, enhancing their depth and versatility.

However, with this influx of talent and the strategic shift under new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, Darius Slay might find his role evolving. Once a standout man-cover corner, Slay has thrived in one-on-one matchups but has occasionally struggled with tackling open-field receivers. This could be a pivotal season for him as the Eagles embrace a philosophy focused on preventing big plays and reining in aggressive tackling.

With emerging talents like Mitchell and the larger corners like Kelee Ringo taking the field, Slay may see his playing time dwindle as the Eagles prioritize a more aggressive, multi-layered approach to defense.

Saquon Barkley Will Top the League in Rushing Yards

Saquon Barkley’s journey in the NFL has been marked by incredible highs and challenging lows, but 2024 could very well be the year he shines brighter than ever. The difference in offensive lines between the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants is significant and cannot be overlooked.

Last season, we saw former Eagles running back D’Andre Swift enjoy a breakout year, surpassing his previous career high by a staggering 400 yards, largely thanks to the dominant blocking of the Eagles' offensive line. With Barkley now in the mix, there's every reason to believe he could see a similar or even greater leap in his performance this year.

Moreover, the arrival of Kellen Moore as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator is a game-changer. Having a former quarterback at the helm means there will be a greater emphasis on balancing the offensive attack, especially in the run game. Moore's philosophy typically champions a power running style, which aligns perfectly with the strengths of the Eagles' line.

Look for Barkley to be heavily featured early and often, particularly in key moments when the team needs to run out the clock. Given his elite talent combined with a supportive system, it’s shaping up to be a monster year for Barkley, and he very well could finish atop the NFL rushing charts.