Philadelphia Eagles: Week 1 Preview Vs St. Louis Rams

Sunday, September 7th.

The NFL season will be officially underway for every team.

All 32 teams begin their quest for that trip to Tampa Bay at Raymond James Stadium, for their shot at a Lombardi, and for their shot at a Cinderella season.

Everyone is 0-0.

That is, until Tuesday morning.

Everyone will have a record and everyone will be attempting to separate themselves from the pack and distinguish themselves as the front-runners.

These two teams are no different, and here's one observers prediction of the fate of 1/16th of the NFL teams.

Let's start where anyone would start.

Quarterback

Donovan McNabb (2,189/3,732 - 58.7% - 25,404 yds - 6.8 avg - 171 TD - 79 INT)

vs.

Marc Bulger (1,578/2,484 - 63.5% - 18,625 yds - 7.5 avg - 106 TD - 74 INT)

Donovan McNabb could possibly be one of the most exciting quarterbacks to ever play in the NFL. Joining the likes of Steve Young, Randall Cunningham, and Mike Vick. While he is known for his mobility, his incredible arm strength and pocket presence go unnoticed; perhaps overshadowed by his mobility. As far as passing goes, McNabb was the first quarterback to throw for over 30 touchdowns and less than 10 interceptions (31/8), and also owns the NFL's best TD/INT ratio.

Marc Bulger is another western PA quarterback product, a part of the country that has produced a long line of great quarterbacks. He has not disappointed during his time in the NFL. He has been the spearhead to the explosive Mike Martz offense since Kurt Warner moved on after the 2002 season. While Bulger has never experienced the kind of success the Warner enjoyed, he has been very successful in St. Louis and is a bright spot in a rebuilding 3-13 team from a year ago.

Final Grades:

Donovan McNabb (A-) vs. Marc Bulger (B)

Advantage Eagles.

Running Back

Brian Westbrook (1,014 att - 4,785 yds - 4.7 avg - 27 RuTD - 347 rec - 3,207 yds - 9.2 avg - 23 ReTD)

vs.

Steven Jackson (971 att - 4,249 yds - 4.4 avg - 30 RuTD - 190 rec - 1,586 yds - 8.3 avg - 6 ReTD)

Brian Westbrook came into the league in 2002 as a third round draft pick without many expectations, but has proven to be a premier running back in the NFL. Early in his career he took a lot of hits from the media, saying he would only be a third down back, at best. All of those journalists are desperately shredding any papers they may have written saying such things about him. Westbrook has proven he is an every down back who can carry an NFL load and much more. For example, being the Eagles number one receiver since 2005.

Steven Jackson came into the league in the opposite situation of Westbrook. He was a first round pick who was expected to fill the shoes of future hall-of-famer Marshall Faulk. While he may not be Marshall... Marshall, Marshall (had to), he has become a top tier running back in the NFL today. Most would agree a top five talent. Jackson, however, could be looking at a down year since his holdout. History has shown running backs who hold out do not usually fair well that season. See: Larry Johnson and Jamal Anderson.

Final Grades:

Brian Westbrook (A) vs. Steven Jackson (A-)

Advantage Eagles.

Tight End

L.J. Smith (194 rec - 2,227 yds - 11.5 avg - 15 TD)

Brent Celek (16 rec - 178 yds - 11.1 avg - 1 TD)

vs.

Randy McMichael (322 rec - 3,525 yds - 10.9 avg - 21 TD)

Anthony Becht (172 rec - 1,411 yds - 8.2 avg - 20 TD)

L.J. Smith has been getting better year by year after being a second round pick out of Rutgers in 2003. He has been on his way up, making a case for himself to be considered a top tight end in this league. However, a sports hernia injury has put that climb to the top on a stand still. He was only able to play in 10 games last year and his performance was obviously hampered by the injury. The Eagles' red zone offense suffered without him but he should figure to be a go-to target for McNabb, especially with Curtis out.

Brent Celek was a fifth round selection out of Cincinnati in 2007 and was a pleasant surprise for the Eagles team. While his numbers were far from eye-popping, he showed he has the sure hands and route running ability that could vault him to starting status sometime soon in the this league. His weakness came in the blocking department. He improved by leaps and bounds week after week but needs to be better if he is to see more time with L.J. now back in action.

Randy McMichael, in my eyes, was a top five tight end during his time in Miami. Even on bad Miami teams, he found ways to produce and help that team more than anyone else could. He's big and athletic, a border-line wide receiver, but blocks too well and fits perfectly as a tight end. Picking him up last year was a fantastic move for the Rams and I expect him to be even better this year than last.

Anthony Becht has not quite lived up to the first round pick that the Jets used on him in 2000. But, with that said, he has proven to be a reliable backup tight end and a very useful weapon in the red zone. As you can see by his lower average than the other tight ends, he does not often make the big play down the seam but will make that catch in traffic in the back of the end zone. Also an above average blocker, very valuable in a two-tight end set.

Final Grades:

L.J. Smith (B) vs. Randy McMichael (A-)

Brent Celek (C+) vs. Anthony Becht (C+)

Advantage Rams.

Wide Receivers

Reggie Brown (150 rec - 2,167 yds - 14.4 avg - 16 TD)

Jason Avant (30 rec - 355 yds - 11.2 avg - 3 TD)

DeSean Jackson (16 rec - 189 yds - 11.8 avg - 0 TD)

vs.

Torry Holt (805 rec - 11,864 yds - 14.7 avg - 71 TD)

Drew Bennet (306 rec - 4,408 yds - 14.4 - 28 TD)

Dante Hall (150 rec - 1,642 yds - 10.9 avg - 9 TD)

Reggie Brown would be a fantastic number two receiver if he could play all 16 weeks like he plays the last 8. While I can't seem to find the exact stats, he almost doubles his production in the "back 9", if you will. He shows the flashes of that receiver who lit it up in Georgia but other times will completely disappear. Brian Dawkins once said of Clinton Hart (at the time a backup safety in Philly, now a starter in San Diego), "Flashes of talent just shows you're not working hard enough." Is that the case with Reggie? Is it a lack of a work ethic? Whatever it is, it needs to be fixed. Philly fans are impatient and with that strained hamstring I can only expect another average year from Reggie Brown.

Jason Avant was a fourth round pick out of Michigan a couple years back and has since stolen the third wide receiver position away from Hank Baskett. He is a young player and with the injury to Curtis, will be forced to play the number two behind Reggie Brown. He has the hands and the big play ability to make it in the NFL. He did it at Michigan and has show the signs that he can do it at the next level. This could be his breakout year.

DeSean Jackson at this point is really nothing more than an exciting question mark. But, a question mark nonetheless. The numbers next to his name are from his three preseason performances, only three because he was sat along with the starters for game four against the Jets. As a second round pick out of Cal, he has a lot of expectations from the fans and from the team coming into this season. Before the unfortunate injury to Curtis he probably would have only been a situational player but has now been vaulted into the starting lineup. Everyone in Philly has their fingers crossed, hoping he can produce here like he did at Cal.

Torry Holt is a future hall-of-famer. No doubt about that. He's stellar every time he touches the field. He is one of the best to ever play and reminds me a lot of Cris Carter. Just the way he can make that circus catch or make a big play out of seemingly nothing to work with. It's been a pleasure watching him to this point and unlike everyone else, I'm not convinced that he's on the decline. He still is a force to be reckoned with and will be a challenge even for a player like Asante Samuel.

Drew Bennet is looking for his breakout year, and I believe if not this year it's coming soon. He's been a reliable number two and I don't believe he will ever be a number one in this league. However, with a good number one ahead of him (Torry Holt would fit that bill) he can be much more productive than he has been. Like Avant, I think he is ready for his season.

Dante Hall has always been known more as a return man in this league. He was the talk of the return game until Devin Hester entered the league and made every return man before him look like an amateur. In limited duty, Hall has been a productive number three receiver and has way too much speed for a nickel corner to cover. If used correctly, Dante Hall can be a nightmare for defensive coordinators much in the same way Antwaan Randle El is.

Final Grades:

Reggie Brown (C+) vs. Torry Holt (A)

Jason Avant (B-) vs. Drew Bennet (C+)

DeSean Jackson (Incomplete) vs. Dante Hall (C-)

Advantage Rams.

Left Tackle

Tra Thomas (3-time Pro Bowl LT, '01-'02, '04)

vs

Orlando Pace (7-time Pro Bowl LT, '99-'05)

Tra Thomas is one of the most underrated left tackles playing now, and possibly of all time. The Eagles are known around the league to be a breeding ground for offensive linemen in the NFL. Not only just decent linemen, but starters. However, before the Andy Reid era, this was not the case. The Eagles had not had a very good offensive lineman since Stan Walters until Thomas was drafted. And while Reid was not responsible for drafting Thomas, he has turned him into the player he is today. The only knock on Tra would be the lingering injuries he's endured as of late.

Orlando Pace is considered by many to be a future hall-of-famer, and rightfully so. He has held down the LT position in St. Louis and has refused to give it up. Even when the Rams used a first round pick on Alex Barron, they wound up having to put him on the right side because Pace would not allow himself to be replaced. First ballot hall-of-famer in my book.

Final Grades:

Tra Thomas (A-) vs Orlando Pace (A+)

Advantage Rams

Left Guard

Todd Herremans (No Stats)

vs.

Jacob Bell (No Stats)

Todd Herremans was drafted in the fourth round as a left tackle, expected to be the backup to Tra Thomas. Herremans was given snaps at left guard during training camp and showed enough that the Eagles were comfortable with trading away Artis Hicks and allowing Herremans to take over the left guard spot. After an admittedly down year, Herremans looks to be back and ready for a good 2008.

Jacob Bell, like Herremans, was a late round pick. Bell was taken by Tennessee in the fifth round. Bell was a solid starter there for four years before moving on to St. Louis this year. Bell is a solid guy, expect him to be just that blocking for Bulger and Jackson.

Final Grades:

Todd Herremans (B-) vs Jacob Bell (C+)

Advantage Eagles.

Center

Jamaal Jackson (No Stats)

vs.

Nick Leckey (No Stats)

Jamaal Jackson was one of many of the Eagles' undrafted players now contributing and that have contributed during the Reid era. He was even on the cover of an issue of Sports Illustrated for an article about training camp battles, seen in a blocking drill with then-starter Hank Fraley. Jackson has quickly proven to be a top center in the league.

Nick Leckey had a couple up-and-down years in Arizona before coming to the Rams last year. Injuries, however, limited him to appearing in only three games. He's back this year as the starter and looks to earn that role.

Final Grades:

Jamaal Jackson (B) vs. Nick Leckey (C-)

Advantage Eagles.

Right Guard

Shawn Andrews (2-time Pro Bowl RG, '06-'07)

vs.

Richie Incognito (No Stats)

Shawn Andrews quickly established himself as one of the best guards in all of football. Many would argue he is the best, number one, plain and simple. You could put me in with that crowd. Shawn Andrews is not only a great pass blocker but he is a road-grater as well. He's difficult to match up against for any defensive tackle or linebacker and is also a fantastic piece in the Eagles' trademark screen plays.

Richie Incognito is really just that. Incognito. A decent lineman who just gets the job done. He won't be going to a Pro Bowl any time soon or being put on an all-decade team or anything to that affect. He's a journeyman who does his job, plain and simple.

Final Grades:

Shawn Andrews (A+) vs. Richie Incognito (C)

Advantage Eagles.

Right Tackle

Jon Runyan (1-time Pro Bowl RT, '02 - 176 consec. starts, 11 years - Active)

vs.

Alex Barron (No Stats)

Jon Runyan is one of the best tackles to ever play, as far as I'm concerned. The fact that he has only been to one Pro Bowl is a travesty. The man plays with a nasty streak and certain tenacity that is unmatched in the NFL today. He's also one of the toughest men to ever play. He has not missed a game in 11 years and has played through countless injuries, including a broken tailbone last season. I will lose all faith in the Hall of Fame committee if this man is not enshrined.

Alex Barron is a young kid still adjusting to the right side. He played left all through college and was brought in to play left in the NFL. But that's not likely to happen as long as Orlando Pace can still walk. If anyone tells you playing right and left tackle are the same thing, they're lying or they're ignorant. These are two totally different positions and will take some time getting used to.

Final Grades:

Jon Runyan (A) vs. Alex Barron (B-)

Advantage Eagles.

Right Defensive End

Trent Cole (25.5 sks - 1 INT - 1 TD - 6 FF - 2 FR - 130 Tkls)

vs.

Chris Long (No Stats)

Trent Cole came into the NFL just like teammate Brent Celek. A fifth round selection out of Cincinatti. Cole was expected to be the backup to Jevon Kearse, with Darren Howard as the starter on the other side. But when Kearse went down with an injury, Cole was pushed into a starting role. In his rookie year he had 5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, and 38 tackles. Not bad for a fifth round selection. Cole is now one of the premier defensive ends in the league and looks to only get better and build upon his 12.5 sack season a year ago.

Chris Long enters the NFL in a pretty big shadow. I'm sure I'm not revealing any secrets when I say he's the son of Raider great Howie Long. That's a pretty big shadow, to say the least. Chris is much like his father with his speed off the corner to rush the passer, and his stout play against the run. The Rams selected him this April second overall. The last time they drafted second overall they selected Eric Dickerson. That worked out, they're hoping this pays the same sort of dividends.

Final Grades:

Trent Cole (A) vs. Chris Long (Incomplete)

Advantage Eagles.

Defensive Tackle

Mike Patterson (9 sks - 2 FF - 4 FR - 1 TD - 126 Tkls)

Brodrick Bunkley (3 sks - 1 FR - 30 Tkls)

vs.

Adam Carriker (2 sks - 1 FR - 21 Tkls)

La'Roi Glover (83 sks - 2 INT - 16 FF - 8 FR - 416 Tkls)

Mike Patterson has been a solid starter since coming out of USC in 2005, but had his breakout year in 2007. In what was a down year for the Eagles overall, Patterson had his best year so far in his very short career. He looks to help out the still-developing Brodrick Bunkley en route to what should be a Pro Bowl year for Patterson.

Brodrick Bunkley has progressed from year one to year two and looks to do the same heading into year three. His numbers do not fairly show his body of work in improving the Eagles' run defense and the inside pass rush. Bunkley is still a young kid and at this point all the Eagles are looking for is improvement year to year, game to game. If he can progress the same way Patterson has, the Eagles will have a very good defensive tackle tandem for many years to come. A tandem they haven't had since Darwin Walker and Corey Simon were in their prime's.

Adam Carriker impressed in his rookie year on what was a bad Rams team. He was originally drafted to play defensive end but with the weight he put on he was able to slide inside and provide a pass rush while doing so. As with Bunkley for the Eagles, the Rams are just looking for improvement and progression out of Carriker as he continues to familiarize himself with his new position.

La'Roi Glover has been around for a while and has had a very good career with the Raiders (briefly), the Saints, the Cowboys, and now going into his third year with the Rams. Age is slowing him a little bit but he is still a very good defensive tackle and still a presence on the inside. Could be a hall of fame candidate, I'm not sure if he gets in but his name will definitely be batted around after he retires.

Final Grades:

Mike Patterson (B+) vs. Adam Carriker (C+)

Brodrick Bunkley (B-) vs. La'Roi Glover (B+)

Advantage Eagles.

Left Defensive End

Juqua Parker (16 sks - 5 FF - 4 FR - 96 Tkls)

vs.

Leonard Little (75 sks - 1 INT - 29 FF - 9 FR - 2 TD - 273 Tkls)

Juqua Parker (formerly Thomas) was the backup to Jevon Kearse in Tennessee for a few years before they both came to Philadelphia. Kearse came as the big name free agent, Parker came in as the under-the-radar signing that no one was really talking about. Until Kearse became injury prone and could not manage to stay on the field. This opened the door for Parker to show what he could do in a starting role. With 6 sacks in the last half of the season, the Eagles rewarded him with a 5-year extension and sent Kearse packing.

Leonard Little is one of the most underrated defensive ends in the league. The fact that he has only gone to the Pro Bowl one time is nothing short of a crime. A 13-sack season, a 12-sack season and a 14.5-sack season all resulted in nothing. Little has shown he is a consistent performer at a high level, and going into year 11 he's still a high-level player who will demand some respect from the line.

Final Grades:

Juqua Parker (B-) vs. Leonard Little (A)

Advantage Rams.

Weakside Linebacker

Omar Gaither (1 sks - 2 INT - 1 FF - 120 Tkls)

vs.

Pisa Tinoisamoa (7 sks - 7 INT - 6 FF - 3 FR - 275 Tkls)

Omar Gaither moves back to his natural position this year at weakside 'backer. He impressed in his rookie year at that position but was moved inside with the release of Jeremiah Trotter. While he played well at MIKE, the emergence of Stewart Bradley has allowed Gaither to move back outside to his natural position where I expect him to have a lot of success.

Pisa Tinoisomoa has been a decent linebacker in the league on the weak side. While he has never had a season with over 80 tackles (76), he still makes plays elsewhere (note the 7 INTs and the FF/FR). Tinoisomoa is coming off of an injury he suffered last year that as a result, saw him in action in only 9 games last year. Look for him to bounce back this year and produce the way he has in the past.

Final Grades:

Omar Gaither (B) vs. Pisa Tinoisomoa (C+)

Advantage Eagles.

Middle Linebacker

Stewart Bradley (1 sks - 1 INT - 14 Tkls)

vs.

Will Witherspoon (18 sks - 7 INT - 1 TD - 7 FF - 4 FR - 475 Tkls)

Stewart Bradley will be anchoring what could be the youngest linebacking corp in the league and certainly the youngest since Reid has been at the wheel. He will be expected to lead a defense, as the youngest player on the field. He has only one start under his belt where he impressed against the Saints in the finale last year. That game and the offseason has shown Johnson and co. enough to make him the starter at arguably the most important position on defense.

Will Witherspoon has been an above average MIKE 'backer with the Panthers and now with the Rams. Witherspoon is fantastic against the run but also has the presence to be able to drop back and make plays against the pass as well. Witherspoon has been long underrated in the NFL and it's about time that changes.

Final Grades:

Stewart Bradly (C+) vs. Will Witherspoon (B+)

Advantage Rams.

Strongside Linebacker

Chris Gocong (1 sks - 51 Tkls)

vs.

Quinton Culberson (2 FF - 23 Tkls)

Chris Gocong is the product of D-1AA Cal Poly where he played defensive end. He holds the NCAA record for 23.5 sacks in a single season. The Eagles drafted him with the intent to move him back to the strong side and play linebacker, that's just what they did. Gocong had a decent rookie season in what was essentially trial-by-fire. He did not provide the rush off the edge like the Eagles were hoping, he needs to improve in that area if he wants to be a quality starter in this league.

Quinton Culberson, like Gocong and Bradley, is a very young kid. He has only one start to boast but in spot duty the rest of the season he played relatively well. Well enough that Haslett and company have faith enough in him to be the starter on the strong side. Like Bradley, he will have to come out and proves he belongs.

Final Grades:

Chris Gocong (C+) vs. Quinton Culberson (C)

Advantage Eagles.

Left Cornerback

Asante Samuel (22 INT - 3 TD - 79 PD - 4 FF - 211 Tkls)

vs.

Tye Hill (4 INT - 14 PD - 1 FR - 81 Tkls)

Asante Samuel was the big splash this year in free agency and the Eagles went out and got him. After several productive years with the Patriots and being known as one of the only remaining "shutdown" corners in the league, why not get him? Even with a top talent guy like Lito Sheppard, it never hurts to have another talented guy. That is of course until aforementioned player gets upset with his current contract and goes out to hire DREW ROSENHAUS. Fortunately for the Eagles, Lito has handled this like a true professional and hasn't been a distraction. Now with Asante, the Eagles have arguably the best CB trio in recent years.

Tye Hill is entering his third year in the league with one productive year and one year cut short by injury. So, with only 17 starts under his belt, he really has not lived up to his first round potential, yet. He showed enough in his rookie season to make this observer believe that in time he will be a premier CB in this league. Just give him time.

Final Grades:

Asante Samuel (A) vs. Tye Hill (B)

Advantage Eagles.

Free Safety

Brian Dawkins (18 sks - 33 INT - 2 TD - 91 PD - 26 FF - 15 FR - 1 TD - 659 Tkls)

vs.

Oshiomogho Atogwe (2 sks - 12 INT - 1 TD - 23 PD - 5 FF - 3 FR - 142 Tkls)

Brian Dawkins is the second best safety to ever play, only behind Ronnie Lott, and depending on how much longer he plays very well could surpass him. Either way, Dawkins has a spot waiting for him in Canton when he decides to hang it up. Even at 34 he's still the best safety in the league (could make an argument for Ed Reed) and I think he's still got a few years left in him. Weapon X will be an Eagle for as long as he'd like.

Oshiomogho Atogwe has burst onto the scene in the NFL with his eight interception performance last year. He is one of the up-and-coming stars in this league and should be watched carefully. He hasn't missed a game in two years, and has started all of them. That's a very good sign for the Rams organization and the city of St. Louis. This kid will make a splash during his career.

Final Grades:

Brian Dawkins (A+) vs. Oshiomogho Atogwe (B+)

Advantage Eagles.

Strong Safety

Quintin Mikell (1 sks - 2 INT - 10 PD - 4 FF - 2 FR -136 Tkls)

vs.

Corey Chavous (5.5 sks - 20 INT - 2 TD - 49 PD - 3 FF - 2 FR - 543 Tkls)

Quintin Mikell is a special teams ace turned full time starter. Injuries to then-starter Sean Considine opened the door for Mikell to show what he could do as a starter on defense. Mikell stuck around with the team as an undrafted free agent because of his fantastic special teams play. In 2005, the Eagles were losing to the Chargers. San Diego lined up for a field goal to extend their lead when who else but Quinitn Mikell came flying around the corner and blocked the field goal, which was picked up by Matt Ware (now starting safety in Arizona), who would take it down the sideline for the winning touchdown. Mikell has taken the lessons from Weapon X and now his hard hitting ways have earned him a starting spot.

Corey Chavous is a guy you'll never have to worry about the defensive backfield. He's not a guy that offenses will gameplan for but, as a coach, they'll never have to worry that he won't do his job. He's fantastic in the cover 2 scheme but can also come into the box and play the run if it's asked of him. He's a leader on this defense and does so by example.

Final Grades:

Quintin Mikell (B-) vs. Corey Chavous (B+)

Advantage Rams.

Right Cornerback

Sheldon Brown (6 sks - 13 INT - 2 TD - 83 PD - 5 FF - 1 FR - 1 TD - 266 Tkls)

vs.

Fakhir Brown (1 sks - 10 INT - 1 TD - 55 PD - 6 FF - 4 FR - 301 Tkls)

Sheldon Brown covers like a CB but hits like a free safety. A fantastic combination in Jim Johnson's defense. While his counterpart for the past few years, Lito Sheppard, has been banged up and injured, Sheldon Brown has not missed a game in four years. He's durable and consistent top-quality performer. He'll be perfect alongside Asante Samuel with Lito playing the nickel.

Fakhir Brown is a guy that most people outside of St. Louis have not really heard of. He's an under-the-radar type of player and is probably more suited to be playing the nickel, but he does his job at the corner position. I think he's a 'tweener in a sense because he would be a fantastic nickel corner but is only a decent number two guy.

Final Grades:

Sheldon Brown (A-) vs. Fakhir Brown (C+)

Advantage Eagles.

Kicker

David Akers (197/244 - 81%)

vs.

Josh Brown (116/145 - 80%)

David Akers has long been considered one of the best kickers in the league, but has fallen off a bit in the last couple of years. While kicking around the high eighties for most of his career, his production has fallen a bit to only around 75% past couple of years. Akers has dropped 20 pounds in the offseason and has added some leg strength so I expect to see the David Akers of old.

Josh Brown was a big free agent acquisition for the Rams, not only because he's a good kicker but they snatched him up from division-rival Seattle Seahawks. Brown has been a very reliable kicker for the Seahawks and has won a lot of games for them in the fourth quarter. Expect him to be the same clutch player in St. Louis.

Final Grades:

David Akers (B) vs. Josh Brown (B)

DRAW.

Punter

Sav Rocca (73 punts - 3,066 yds - 65 lng - 42 ypa)

vs.

Donnie Jones (277 punts - 12,139 yds - 80 lng - 43.8 ypa)

Sav Rocca is in his second year after coming over from the Aussie league where he did much more than just punt. After one year of operating on merely raw talent, he has refined his craft and looks to add some technique to that booming leg.

Donnie Jones is like Rocca in the fact that he's known for his booming leg. A 44 yard per attempt average is nothing to sneeze at. Jones can be a weapon for the Rams in the field position battle, and with the question marks on their defense, they will need him.

Final Grades:

Sav Rocca (B-) vs. Donnie Jones (B)

Advantage Rams.

Let's tally it up, now.

Eagles - 13

Rams - 7

So, out of 21 possible areas (excluding Fullback) the Eagles win in 13 of them, while the Rams win 7.

Given the breakdown of these two teams, I would have to see the Eagles are clear-cut favorites to run away with this game.

Of course, I would never discount another team and say it's a sure thing. Nothing in the NFL is a sure thing. But, if forced to choose, I go with the Eagles on this one.

Other Week 1 Picks From Around The NFL

Thursday, September 5, 2008
Washington @ NY Giants

Sunday, September 7, 2008
Detroit @ Atlanta
Cincinnati @ Baltimore
Seattle @ Buffalo
NY Jets @ Miami
Kansas City @ New England
Tampa Bay @ New Orleans
St. Louis @ Philadelphia
Houston @ Pittsburgh
Jacksonville @ Tennessee
Dallas @ Cleveland
Carolina @ San Diego
Arizona @ San Francisco
Chicago @ Indianapolis

Monday, September 8, 2008
Minnesota @ Green Bay
Denver @ Oakland

Check back next week when I'll do all of this all over again!