Ranking the NFC Teams Who Can Stop the Philadelphia Eagles

There is no hotter team in the NFL this 2017 season than the Philadelphia Eagles. At this moment they certainly look like the most complete team.

Carson Wentz is playing at an MVP level while the rest of the offense is running on all cylinders. Even more impressive, if that’s possible, is their defense. They are tops in the league against the run and feature perhaps the most fearsome front four in the game led by Fletcher Cox. Everything is clicking for them. It feels like they’re truly unstoppable, especially given they’ve beaten most of their recent opponents by 3-4 touchdowns.

They certainly are starting to carry themselves like a team that believes they’re invincible. The problem is it might be a bit of a mirage. One could argue the Eagles have been fattening up on easy opponents. In fact eight of their games this season were played against teams that have losing records including the Bears, Giants, and 49ers.

A better idea of who they really are may be looming as their next two games are on the road against Seattle and the Rams, two winning teams. Even then one could argue they still haven’t played the best. So that begs the question. Are there any in the NFC who stand out as big risks?

#3:  Carolina Panthers

Often the teams one doesn’t want to play most are good one who already played you once before. The Eagles beat the Panthers earlier this season in a physical 28-23 win. Philadelphia intercepted Cam Newton three times and needed all three because Newton really gave them problems on the ground. Carolina has a strong defense with tons of playoff experience on its roster. Last but not least? They’re 5-1 on the road this season, so playing in Philadelphia won’t intimidate them.

#2:  Minnesota Vikings

The only team that is almost as hot as the Eagles right now is the Vikings. They’ve been spurred on by a top defense, a pair of stud wide receivers in Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielein and excellent coaching from Mike Zimmer and his staff. They’re tough, athletic and battled tested against a lot of good teams this year. Case Keenum is also playing inspired football. He fits their system perfectly and hasn’t made a lot of mistakes this season. It’s a tough combination to beat.

Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Two Rounds of Total Chaos

#1:  New Orleans Saints

Speaking of a team that seems to have regained its mojo, look no further than the Saints. This has felt like a franchise ready to implode, only held together by the masterful work of their Hall of Fame quarterback. That has changed. Suddenly not only are they playing far better defense than in recent years, they also have a two-headed monster at running back with Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara. Together with the still-dangerous Drew Brees this team is diverse and well-coached by the creative and aggressive Sean Payton.