Early NFL picks, predictions for Week 1 of 2023 season

GLENDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 12: Patrick Mahomes #15 of the Kansas City Chiefs celebrates after Super Bowl LVII against the Philadelphia Eagles at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. The Chiefs defeated the Eagles 38-35. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images) /

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NFL Picks: Jalen Hurts #1 of the Philadelphia Eagles looks to throw a pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium on February 12, 2023 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

Philadelphia Eagles (14-3) @ New England Patriots (8-9)

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Gillette Stadium, Foxborough

The reigning NFC Champion Philadelphia Eagles will begin their revenge tour on the road, facing off against Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots.

After losing just three games all of last season, only one of which happened when Jalen Hurts was in the lineup. Hurts has undoubtedly established himself as one of the best and most dynamic quarterbacks in the league, which is why the Eagles rewarded him with a massive contract this offseason.

Now, the key is going to be figuring out a way to get over the hump that is Kansas City. The Eagles are one of the few teams in the NFL that can do it, at least if you’re talking about standing toe-to-toe with Kansas City and where they are right now as an NFL juggernaut.

The Eagles simply don’t have any real weaknesses on their roster. They are as complete of a team as you will find.

The Patriots, meanwhile, are a team in transition. Mac Jones — is he the guy or isn’t he? Is Bill O’Brien’s return to New England going to make a massive difference? How about this wide receiver group in New England?

I think we can always expect the Patriots to be well-coached defensively, but do they have the talent to keep up with a team like the Eagles the way they’re both currently constructed?

Playing in New England used to mean just about an automatic win for the Pats, but they are just 8-9 at home since 2021.

Prediction: Eagles win 34-23

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