NFL Predictions Week 4: 3 Reasons Eagles Will Rebound This Week vs. 49ers

To say that it has been a rough start for the Philadelphia Eagles would be a huge understatement.

After all the hype and obnoxious "dream team" talk, the Eagles have fumbled around to start the season with a losing record of 1-2.

Although it's tough to keep a positive attitude after such a  poor start for such a talented team, it's important to remember that it is only Week 4 of the season.

Although extremely unlikely, the Eagles could still go 14-2.

Obviously that won't happen, but they have a strong chance to rebound and make the playoffs.

They will begin that rebound this weekend. Here are three reasons Philadelphia will take out San Francisco.

1. Casey Matthews is on the Bench

It takes a team effort to lose, but I think it's safe to say Casey Matthews deserved a bigger slice of that pie.

Matthews, one of the team's two fourth-round picks, started the first two games of the season at Mike linebacker. In Week 3 he was moved over to Will linebacker and Jamar Chaney took back over in the middle.

Now, in Week 4, Matthews is on the bench.

Through three weeks Matthews had been exposed time and time again. He was run over and unable to shed blocks when stopping the run, and he was slow and sluggish when downfield covering the pass.

Rookie Brian Rolle is taking over at Will on Sunday. He is unproven, but many believe he is the better option between the two rookies at this point.

2. Alex Smith is Still Starting in San Francisco

Alex Smith has looked much better this season since the acquisition of head coach Jim Harbaugh.

That doesn't change the fact that he is still Alex Smith. Although the Eagles defense has struggled against the run, they have been phenomenal against the pass.

The nine-wide philosophy on the defensive front has wreaked havoc in the backfield for opposing quarterbacks all year.

Smith can get easily rattled. If he gets rattled, expect the ball to end in the hands of Nnamdi Asomugha, Asante Samuel and Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie.

3. Injuries are Plaguing 49ers

The Eagles have had their fair share of bad luck with injuries so far this year. Vick has only been able to finish one game.

The 49ers are facing some problems too.

Wide receiver Braylon Edwards is out with a knee injury. Donte Whitner is questionable with a hip injury. Most importantly, Frank Gore is questionable with an ankle injury.

Gore has struggled this season when he was healthy. That's good news for a Philadelphia team that is looking for a good game against the run.

Rookie Kendall Hunter is no slouch. He has the capability of making some big plays. However, it is a lighter load, which is something the Eagles need to gain some confidence.