2011 NFL Schedule: 5 Games That Will Test the Philadelphia Eagles Most

The Philadelphia Eagles have made some major upgrades to their team this offseason, signing a list of players that could help fill a Pro Bowl roster, and provoking backup quarterback Vince Young to deem them a "Dream Team."

Even with all the new talent aboard, I don't believe the Eagles will not go undefeated, as their schedule is just too tough.

Here are the five toughest spots on the Eagles schedule where a loss on their record wouldn't be surprising.

Week 2 at Atlanta Falcons

The Philadelphia Eagles' first big test comes against the "Dirty Birds" of the south, the Atlanta Falcons.

The Falcons have most of their 13-3 team from last year, led by fourth-year quarterback Matt Ryan. Ryan will have his favorite targets back, as well as Roddy White and tight end Tony Gonzalez, who accounted for 185 receptions, 2,025 yards and 16 touchdowns last season.

Another player that could give the Eagles trouble is running back Michael Turner, who compiled 1,371 yards and 12 TDs rushing a year ago.

Last year, the Eagles had a fairly easy time against the Falcons, winning 31-17 with former quarterback Kevin Kolb.

Don't let last year's results fool you, however, as the score could easily be flipped this season with the game being played in Atlanta.

Week 9 vs. Chicago Bears

The Chicago Bears were one of the top teams in the NFC last season, and the Eagles will have to contend with the Bears all season in the NFC playoff race.

Led by quarterback Jake Cuter, the Bears were the NFC North champions last season, going 11-5.

The Bears return most of their starters from a year ago, with the only key player missing being tight end Greg Olsen, who the Bears traded to the Carolina Panthers this offseason.

The Bears beat the Eagles last year 31-26, in a game that wasn't as close as the score would suggest.

The Bears running back was allowed to rush for 114 yards in the win—something that the Eagles will have to address if they want any chance of beating Chicago this season.

Whichever team's defense locks down the hardest will come out on top this season.

Week 11 at New York Giants

You can bet that the Eagles' NFC East rivals, the New York Giants, will still have revenge on their minds, as their last matchup in New York was an embarrassing moment for the Giants.

The so-called "Miracle at the Meadowlands" was one of the best comebacks in NFL history, as the Eagles erased a 21-point deficit with just over eight minutes to go. Philadelphia won the game by seven after scoring 28 unanswered points, capped off by DeSean Jackson's 65-yard punt return for the game-winning touchdown as time expired.

Needless to say, I doubt the Giants will not relinquish a lead of that magnitude this year if they jump out to an early advantage during this Week 11 contest.

Look for a battle as usual, as the Eagles can't allow Eli Manning to throw four touchdowns in this game, as they did in their matchup in New York last season.

This game should provide us with another classic, with the victor coming out on top by a margin of a touchdown or less.

Week 12 vs. New England Patriots

The Philadelphia Eagles host the always-dangerous New England Patriots during Week 12 of the NFL season, providing the Eagles with their toughest opponents all season.

The Pats are led by All-Pro quarterback Tom Brady, who is fresh off an MVP season in 2010, and two players whose potentials are sky high in Albert Haynesworth and Chad Ochocinco.

Having met once every other year since 2003—including Super Bowl XXXIX in 2005—the last three meetings have all been decided by three points or fewer.

Expect the trend of close games between the Eagles and Pats to continue as 2010 MVP Brady goes head to head with 2010 MVP candidate Michael Vick of the Eagles.

Look for the running game to play a huge factor in this one, as the two teams will get theirs in the passing game. I feel whoever establishes a solid running game throughout will eke out a victory.

Week 16 at Dallas Cowboys

Every year, we come to expect a late-season showdown between two of the top teams in the NFC East, when the Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles play their second game of the season against each other.

In a game that usually has some sort of playoff implications on the line, the matchup of two bitter rivals is usually very intense.

When the Eagles and the Cowboys play, their games are usually one-sided blowouts, or they come down to the wire, being decided by less than a touchdown.

With Cowboys quarterback Tony Romo back from his shoulder injury that kept him out the majority of last season, the Cowboys are again one of the favorites to come out of the NFC and represent the conference in the Super Bowl this year.

Look for this game to decide playoff seeding for the Eagles and the Cowboys, which will make the game all the more intense and one of the better matchups in the 2011 NFL season.