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2016 Philadelphia Eagles game-by-game predictions

PHILADELPHIA -- It was much easier to predict the Philadelphia Eagles' 2015 season. Of course, those easy-to-make predictions were pretty much unanimously wrong.

That’s because 2015 predictions were based on Chip Kelly’s first two seasons, which saw the Eagles go 10-6. With all of Kelly’s presumed upgrades during the offseason, it seemed clear that the Eagles would do the same or better in 2016. Of course, they went 7-9 and Kelly got fired.

This year, the Eagles have a new head coach, a new defensive coordinator and a lot more uncertainty. There are no assumptions to make, just educated guesses. Here’s one look at how Doug Pederson’s first season could play out:

Week 1: Sunday, Sept. 11, vs. Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. ET

The Browns are officially the team you have to beat if you’re going to be able to look in the mirror. Especially at home. The Eagles aren’t a great team, but they have self respect. Win. Record: 1-0

Week 2: Monday, Sept. 19, at Chicago Bears, 8:30 p.m. ET

The Eagles are tough to predict because of all the changes they’ve undergone in the past few months. The Bears are very much the same team. That’s bad news, Bears, especially on Monday Night Football. Win. Record: 2-0

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 25, vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 4:25 p.m. ET

The Steelers are still the best NFL team in Pennsylvania. Renowned for their defense, the Steelers also have one of the more explosive offenses in the league. Tough assignment for the Eagles’ still-unformed defense. Loss. Record: 2-1

Week 4: BYE

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 9, at Detroit Lions, 1 p.m. ET

The Lions destroyed the Eagles 45-14 on Thanksgiving Day at Ford Field. But the Eagles were in the middle of a meltdown and the Lions got three touchdowns from Calvin Johnson. At least one of those things isn’t happening in 2016. Win. Record: 3-1

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 16, at Washington Redskins, 1 p.m. ET

Washington has dealt the Eagles painful losses late in each of the past two seasons. Now the defending NFC East champion, Washington enters the 2016 season as the team to beat. The Redskins also just seem to be a better team than the Eagles. Loss. Record: 3-2

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 23, vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. ET

The Vikings had a pretty good 2015 season and Teddy Bridgewater has shown some real promise at quarterback. Maybe Minnesota takes a step up this year. Believe it when you see it. Win. Record: 4-2

Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 30, at Dallas Cowboys, 8:30 p.m. ET

The pattern is set. When Tony Romo is healthy, the Cowboys beat the Eagles. When Romo is out, or playing hurt, the Eagles have a chance. Until proved otherwise, that should continue in 2016. Assuming Romo plays: loss. Record: 4-3

Week 9: Sunday, Nov. 6, at New York Giants, 1 p.m. ET

The Eagles have to be sorry to see Tom Coughlin go. They had a knack for beating Coughlin’s Giants, especially in the past few years. Or maybe it’s really Eli Manning that the Eagles have been beating. Second straight road divisional game means: loss. Record 4-4

Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 13, vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. ET

The Eagles lost the season opener in Atlanta last year. Getting the Falcons at home, with an improved defense, should be enough to flip the script in this game. Win. Record: 5-4

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 20, at Seattle Seahawks, 4:25 p.m. ET

If anything, the Seahawks should be a little more motivated after missing the Super Bowl for the first time in three years. Considering this is a long trip to one of the league’s toughest home venues, the Eagles will do well to be competitive in this one. Loss. Record: 5-5

Week 12: Monday, Nov. 28, vs. Green Bay Packers, 8:30 p.m. ET

The Eagles’ new defensive philosophy is all about getting pressure on quarterbacks. Aaron Rodgers is one of those elite quarterbacks who doesn’t need much time. He is the difference as the Eagles hit the meat of their schedule. Loss. Record: 5-6

Week 13: Sunday, Dec. 4, at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. ET

This is not a playoff game, so the Bengals are likely to be at their best. And their best has been very good over the past several seasons. This is a winnable game for the Eagles, but not after Seattle and Green Bay games. Loss. Record: 5-7

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 11, vs. Redskins, 1 p.m. ET

The home loss to Washington last year was a major blow to the Eagles. It was the last straw for Kelly, who was fired a few days later. Somehow, you have to think Pederson will make this one a priority. Win. Record: 6-7

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 18, at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. ET

Yes, the Eagles had a better record than the Ravens in 2015. Don’t get too worked up over that. Baltimore had a strange year, and head coach John Harbaugh’s track record is too good to expect a repeat. Loss. Record: 6-8

Week 16: Thursday, Dec. 22, vs. Giants, 8:25 p.m. ET

It’s a short week for both teams. The Eagles are home against a team they have done well against recently. That should continue. Win. Record: 7-8

Week 17: Sunday, Jan. 1, vs. Cowboys, 1 p.m. ET

Not so long ago, an Eagles-Cowboys game at this point would decide the NFC East title. Not this year. And chances are, the game will mean a lot more to Dallas than to Philadelphia. Loss. Record: 7-9