nfl referee assignments 2021 week 4

NCAA and NFL Referee news

Thursday, Nov. 18

• Patriots at Falcons —  Land Clark

Sunday, Nov. 21

• Saints at Eagles  —  Scott Novak
• Dolphins at Jets  —  Alex Kemp
• Washington at Panthers  —  Bill Vinovich
• Colts at Bills  —  Brad Rogers
• Lions at Browns  —  Clay Martin
• 49ers at Jaguars  —  Ron Torbert
• Texans at Titans  —  Tony Corrente
• Packers at Vikings  —  Shawn Hochuli
• Ravens at Bears  —  Shawn Smith
• Bengals at Raiders  —  Jerome Boger
• Cardinals at Seahawks  —  Clete Blakeman
• Cowboys at Chiefs  —  John Hussey
• Steelers at Chargers —  Carl Cheffers

Monday, Nov. 22

• Giants at Buccaneers —  Craig Wrolstad

USL Super League Assignments: Week 4

The assignments for Week 4 of the 2024 USL Super League season:

Carolina Ascent vs Fort Lauderdale United American Legion Memorial Stadium (7:30PM ET) REF: Shawn Tehini AR1: Melissa Gonzalez AR2: Jessica Carnevale 4TH: Emma Richards

Dallas Trinity vs DC Power Cotton Bowl (8PM ET) REF: Iryna Petrunok AR1: Jennifer Garner AR2: Tiffini Turpin 4TH: Gloria Martinez Resendiz

Lexington Sporting Club vs Tampa Bay Sun Lexington Stadium (4PM ET) REF: Danielle Chesky AR1: Katarzyna Wasiak AR2: Sharon Gingrich 4TH: Lila Remache

Spokane Zephyr vs Brooklyn FC ONE Spokane Stadium (9PM ET) REF: Adorae Monroy AR1: Salma Perez AR2: Emily Gomez 4TH: Kelsey Harms

• ← USL Championship Assignments: Week 27
• MLS NEXT Pro Assignments: Week 26 →

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NFL announcers schedule for Week 1 revealed

Everyone is ready for some football.

The NFL regular season kicks off on Thursday as the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs play host to the Baltimore Ravens . A day later, the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers duel in Brazil. What other games are on the Week 1 slate and who will be calling the games?

Baltimore Ravens at Kansas City Chiefs: Sept. 5, 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC

Announcers: Mike Tirico, Chris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark

Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles (Sao Paulo, Brazil): 8:15 p.m. ET, Peacock

Announcers: Noah Eagle, Todd Blackledge, and Kaylee Hartung

Pittsburgh Steelers at Atlanta Falcons : 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Announcers: Joe Davis, Greg Olsen , Pam Oliver

Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills : 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Announcers: Tom McCarthy, Jay Feely , Ross Tucker, Tiffany Blackmon

Tennessee Titans at Chicago Bears : 1 pm. ET, FOX

Announcers: Adam Amin, Mark Sanchez , Kristina Pink

New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals : 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Announcers: Ian Eagles, Charles Davis, Evan Washburn

Houston Texans at Indianapolis Colts : 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Announcers: Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Jason McCourty , AJ Ross

Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins : 1 p.m. ET, CBS

Announcers: Kevin Harlan, Trent Green, Melanie Collins

Carolina Panthers at New Orleans Saints : 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Announcers: Chris Myers, Mark Schlereth, Jen Hale

Minnesota Vikings at New York Giants : 1 p.m. ET, FOX

Announcers: Kenny Albert, Jonathan Vilma, Megan Olivi

Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers : 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS

Announcers: Jim Nantz, Tony Romo , Tracy Wolfson

Denver Broncos at Seattle Seahawks : 4:05 p.m. ET, CBS

Announcers: Spero Dedes, Adam Archuleta, Aditi Kinkhabwala

Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns : 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX

Announcers: Kevin Burkhardt, Tom Brady , Erin Andrews, Tom Rinaldi

Washington Commanders at Tampa Bay Buccaneers : 4:25 p.m. ET, FOX

Announcers: Kevin Kugler, Daryl Johnston, Laura Okmin

Los Angeles Rams at Detroit Lions : 8:20 p.m. ET, NBC

Announcers: Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, Melissa Stark

New York Jets at San Francisco 49ers : 8:15 p.m. ET, ABC/ESPN

Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Lisa Salters

This article originally appeared on List Wire: NFL announcers schedule for Week 1 revealed

NFL Referee Assignment for Week 1 & Impact on NFL Betting

We tend to only focus on NFL referees after a controversial decision or bad no-call. Yet, each head NFL referee and his respective crew interprets the game differently.

Gaining insight into the way a game will be officiated can have immense value in the betting market.

A referee who calls more penalties for defensive holding and roughing the passer has a far different impact on game flow than a ref who focuses more on offensive holding and false starts.

Referee style one week may hide a team’s weakness (defensive backs), but a different official who leans heavily on calling pass interference will compound that weakness the next week.

Same team. Different outcomes.

Throughout this 2024 NFL season, we’ll help to identify important trends and tendencies by different NFL referees to help you gain an edge when placing a bet .

NFL Referee Assignment for Week 1

 John Hussey’s Impact on Texans at Colts

The Colts and Texans face off in the season opener with an opportunity to lay the foundation for a successful 2024 campaign by securing an all-important divisional win.

Let’s assess the strengths and weaknesses of both teams from a penalty perspective and how the officiating of John Hussey will potentially impact this game.

Penalty Tendencies:

• The Texans were the No. 1 penalized road team in 2023, averaging 8.11 penalties per game
• The Texans ranked third in pre-snap penalties per game in 2023
• John Hussey’s crew called 43.1% of overall penalties on the home team in 2023, well below the NFL average of 49.4%. That continues a trend of below average penalties on the home team from Hussey over many seasons
• The Texans ranked in the top five for defensive pass interference penalties on the road in 2023. The Colts were a top 10 beneficiary of DPI penalties at home last season. Hussey’s crew has assessed 62% of their defensive pass interference penalties on the road team since the start of the 2021 season
• On key third down plays, Hussey’s crew has called the second lowest percentage of penalties on the home team over the past three seasons
• The Texans special teams unit was a top-10 penalized group in 2023, with that unit accounting for 13.5% of the team’s overall penalties. Conversely, the Colts special teams unit was one of the least penalized in 2023
• The Colts defense accounted for 38% of the team’s pre-snap infractions in 2023, well above the league average of 22% in this category. This is not necessarily bad. We see a correlation between high defensive pre-snap penalties resulting in even more excessive penalties on opposing offenses as a result. It’s something worth monitoring in this matchup

The Bottom Line:

• Home teams were 14-3 on the moneyline & 13-3-1 ATS (80%) with John Hussey in 2023 
• Divisional home teams are 38-14 on the moneyline (73%) and 35-15-2 ATS (70% ) with Hussey officiating since the start of 2016, including 4-1 on the moneyline & ATS in 2023

The Texans have been arguably the most hyped team in the offseason. That’s understandable given they exceeded expectations in C.J. Stroud ‘s rookie season and have added some high profile talent in free agency.

The Colts are no joke themselves. Shane Steichen is an elite head coach who will have this team ready in their home opener.

If the Texans’ 2023 numbers are any indication, expect them to have the same road penalty issues to start 2024.

John Hussey’s crew will do them no favors in a hostile Lucas Oil Stadium where the crowd is one of the most impactful in the NFL.

We’re going against the grain here, in a game that ends with a 24-23 type scoreline, and taking the Colts +3 points in this AFC South opener.

Bet Colts vs. Texans Now!

Scott Novak’s Impact on Raiders at Chargers

After much offseason fanfare, the Jim Harbaugh era gets underway in Los Angeles. The matchup gives us two teams looking to play a similar style of no-frills football.

Let’s assess the strengths and weaknesses of both teams from a penalty perspective and how the officiating of Scott Novak will potentially impact this game.

• The Raiders had the lowest per game penalty average in 2023, ranking 32nd overall
• The Chargers are consistently one of the least penalized teams in the NFL, ranking 30th in penalty per game average in 2023. Jim Harbaugh ’s Michigan Wolverines were the least penalized college football team in 2023, averaging just three penalties per game. Harbaugh’s San Francisco 49ers team was always one of the least penalized for offensive holding and false start infractions
• Scott Novak’s crew has called the second lowest percentage of their overall penalties on defensive linemen and linebackers since the start of the 2021 season. They will provide leeway for both defensive fronts on Sunday
• Noavk’s crew has called a slightly above average percentage of their pre-snap penalties on the offensive side of the ball dating back to 2019. That puts additional pressure on both offensive lines going quality defensive fronts in Week 1
• Offensive holding is the penalty equivalent of a sack. They are a drive killer. The Raiders were the No. 1 defense at generating offensive holding penalties on opponents in 2023. The Chargers ranked 13th in this key category. Both defensive lines will have an advantage versus their opposing offensive lines on Sunday
• Novak’s crew assessed 47.5% of their overall penalties in three offensive categories last season: Offensive holding, false start, and delay of game infractions. Expect that trend to continue in the 2024 season
• Home teams are just 27-49-3 ATS (36%) in Scott Novak’s career, the lowest ATS percentage of any referee since his debut in 2019
• Divisional home teams are 9-20-1 ATS (31%) in Scott Novak’s career. The question here is who is the “home” team? SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles will be predominantly Raiders fans on Sunday afternoon
• Novak is 20-13 (61%) under the total in the past two seasons

This has the makings of a low scoring affair.

Both coaches will look to play risk-averse, run first football mixed in with an efficient short passing game.

Novak will call a slightly higher percentage of offensive penalties, aiding both defensive units.

The under is certainly the way to look from a total perspective in what feels like a 17-16 type contest.

Given that points will likely be at a premium in this contest, the only way we can look would be the “visiting” team, making the Raiders +3 the play in this AFC West opener.

Bet Chargers vs. Raiders Now!

Clete Blakeman’s Impact on Cowboys at Browns

The Browns host the Cowboys in a much hyped season opener. It marks the second consecutive season that Cleveland has been assigned Clete Blakeman to officiate their home opener. The game features two of the most aggressive defensive units in the NFL.

Let’s assess the strengths and weaknesses of both teams from a penalty perspective and how the officiating of Clete Blakeman will potentially impact this game.

• The Cowboys ranked third in penalties per game in 2023 and ranked first in penalty yards surrendered per game. Excessive penalties have been a constant issue in the Mike McCarthy era in Dallas
• The Browns ranked second for pre-snap penalties per game in 2023. However, a disproportionate 50% of these infractions were assessed on their defense, well above the NFL average of 22% of pre-snap penalties on defensive units. We are seeing a correlation between high defensive pre-snap penalties resulting in even more excessive penalties on opposing offenses as a result. There may be a method to the madness the Browns implemented in 2023
• To that point, Cleveland’s defense ranked No. 1 in generating offensive pre-snap infractions on opponents in 2023. The cat and mouse game between offensive and defensive lines pre-snap merits close attention on Sunday
• Expanding on the previous point, 32% of overall penalties on Browns opponents were assessed via false start infractions, by far the highest percentage generated by any defense in 2023
• The Cowboys ranked No. 1 in offensive holding penalties per game on the road in 2023. Their offensive line did not improve during the offseason. This is arguably the worst venue to start their 2024 campaign against a defense that will be rested and ready to roll
• The Cowboys ranked No. 1 for defensive offsides infractions, which contributed to them ranking third in defensive pre-snap penalties per game
• The Browns were one of two teams not to commit a roughing the passer penalty in 2023. Blakeman has been slightly above average calling roughing the passer since 2021. However, 61% of these infractions have been assessed on the road team
• Blakeman’s crew has called a below average percentage of their third down penalties on home teams over the past three seasons. Keep that statistic in mind at a key moment on third down in Sunday’s contest
• Home teams have performed well with Blakeman officiating in recent years, going 28-21-1 ATS (58%) since the start of the 2021 NFL season

The back and forth as it pertains to defensive pre-snap penalties versus offensive line penalties will be crucial.

The FOX commentary team with Tom Brady is covering this game.

Brady has mentioned the impact of pre-snap infractions regularly over the past six months. Don’t be surprised if he chimes in on this exact topic on Sunday. These teams commit more than most in that area and will provide an opportunity for him to do so at various times throughout the game.

Our numbers have the Browns’ home crowd ranked in the top five most impactful on opposing team’s offenses since the 2019 season.

Cleveland had Blakeman officiate their home opener last season, which was a blowout. It won’t be surprising to see this game unfold similarly.

If the Browns can get ahead early and allow the defense to play downhill, this game could get ugly for the Cowboys.

It may be more of a defensive struggle, but we’re taking the Browns -2.5 points and winning by double digits in their 2024 home opener.

Bet Browns vs. Cowboys Now!

2024 NFL Referees Stats & Their Historical Betting Trends

A comprehensive breakdown for every NFL Referee working games for the 2024 season, plus a deeper look at their penalty-calling historical trends, statistics, and how it may impact betting opportunity plus the pace of gameplay.

• Shawn Hochuli penalty trends
• Bill Vinovich penalty trends
• John Hussey penalty trends
• Brad Allen penalty trends
• Adrian Hill penalty trends
• Brad Rogers penalty trends
• Ron Torbert penalty trends
• Shawn Smith penalty trends
• Carl Cheffers penalty trends
• Clay Martin penalty trends
• Scott Novak penalty trends
• Clete Blakeman penalty trends
• Craig Wrolstad penalty trends

Shawn Hochuli: Referee Penalty Trends & Betting Stats

In his 63 game career, Shawn Hochuli is a notoriously smart bet when betting on the Under.

• 45-34-2 to UNDER (57%) for his career
• 9-8 UNDER record (53%) in the 2022 NFL season
• 21-10-1 UNDER (68%) in Divisional matchups for his career
• 4-4 (50%) in Divisional matchup totals in 2022

Hochuli has definitely put himself front and center with controversial calls in his career. 

• Hochuli oversaw the controversial 2021 Week 15 Seahawks vs Rams with the “no pass interference” call that effectively doomed Seattle in a 20-10 loss.
• Hochuli called 11.71 penalties per game in 2022 for 104.7 yards per game.
• Hochuli officiated the Raiders at the Cowboys Thanksgiving Day debacle in 2021. He was publicly criticized by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones following the game.
• Hochuli is the only referee to assess an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on Tom Brady after Brady questioned a no call on an obvious roughing the passer penalty in the Buccaneers playoff loss to the Rams in 2022

Bill Vinovich: Referee Penalty Trends & Betting Stats

Bill Vinovich is the epitome of a “let em play” NFL referee. This means that Vinovich’s officiating crews typically don’t favor team offenses — and therefore you may find opportunity when betting the Under.

Last season in 2022, Vinovich and his crew called the fewest penalties per NFL game:

• average of 8.47 penalties per game
• average of 61.47 yards penalized per game

called the fewest (zero!) roughing the passer penalties in 2021 and only four in 2022

• third fewest defensive holding penalties per game
• the fewest defensive pass interference penalties per game

Over the past 7 seasons, Vinovich’s lack of penalty calling has resulted in a:

• 71-42-3 UNDER record (63%) since 2016
• 28-15-3 UNDER (65%) in Divisional matchups since 2016
• 9-6-1 UNDER (62%) in the 2022 NFL season

Vinovich has been the head referee in the Super Bowl twice: in Super Bowl LIV (Chiefs vs 49ers) & Super Bowl XLIX (Seahawks vs Patriots).

Every NFL bettor & fan remembers the Rams vs. Saints 2019 NFC Championship game:

Known in New Orleans as the “NOLA NO CALL” when Saints WR Tommy Lee Lewis was tackled by Rams CB Nickeli Robey Coleman at the 13 yard line but no flag was thrown .

It probably cost the Saints a spot in the Super Bowl and highlights again why it’s not just the penalties called we focus on, but which NFL referee is LESS likely to make that big call — which is equally as impactful in many cases.

John Hussey: Referee Penalty Trends & Betting Stats

John Hussey has been the #1 referee for home teams since the start of the 2016 season.

Hussey’s officiating trends towards a “let ‘em play” style:

• Hussey called the third fewest penalties per game in 2022
• Hussey called some of the fewest in NFL in key penalty categories:roughing the passer & defensive holding
• Hussey led the NFL in 2022 in unnecessary roughness penalties

Over the past 7 seasons, when Hussey is the referee, home teams have been heavy favorites, going:

• 76-39 (66%) against the Moneyline
• 33-13 (74%) against the Moneyline in Divisional matchups
• 65-46-4 (59%) ATS 
• 31-13-2  (71%) ATS in Divisional matchups
• 12-5 on the moneyline in the 2022 NFL season

Brad Allen: Referee Penalty Trends & Betting Stats

Former ACC ref who is unique in that he transitioned immediately from college football directly to a head NFL referee.

Allen averaged 11.94 penalties per game in 2022, tying him for fourth overall in the NFL.

Brad Allen has been a solid home field referee since 2016.

•  Home teams with Brad Allen are 65-47-1 SU (60%) & 61-49-3 ATS (57%) since 2016
•  Home underdogs are 24-14-1 ATS (65%) since 2016
• Called only 41.8% of penalties on home teams in 2022
• 61-52 Under (54%) in past 7 seasons
• 27-15 Under (65%) in Divisional games
• Led the NFL in false start penalties in 2022
• Ranked second overall in defensive holding penalties per game in 2022

Adrian Hill: Referee Penalty Trends & How it may impact betting

Adrian Hill has been a head referee since 2019. It’s a small body of work,  but definitely trending under.

Very even-keeled, his home/away splits are similar & Hill is generally around the average mark in most key penalty categories.

Hill is what the NFL would probably prefer. A solid ref who to date hasn’t been involved in controversial calls.

• 40-25-1 Under (61%) in his 65 game career
• 14-5-1 Under (73%) in Divisional matchups
• Home teams are 31-34-1 on the moneyline in Hill’s career

Brad Rogers: Referee Penalty Trends & How it may impact betting

Rogers is another new referee but his brief career has resulted in an astounding totals record.

Since his debut in 2019 Brad Rogers has gone over the total in 60% of games officiated.

Rogers went 10-6 Under in the 2022 season, the first season he has not had an above .500 Over record in his career.

A lot of Rogers penalty metrics don’t necessarily justify games going over at this rate.

It’s a small sample size (60 games) & doesn’t feel sustainable. However, it’s definitely something worth noting in any game officiated by Brad Rogers.

• 37-24 Over (60%) in 60 career games
• 14-6 Over (70%) in Divisional matchups
• Home teams are 27-34 on the moneyline in Rogers’ career
• Home teams have an almost identical record going 29-32 ATS in Rogers officiated contests

Ron Torbert: Referee Penalty Trends & How it may impact betting

Torbert is a solid referee who officiated the Rams 23-20 victory in SB LVI and the 2022 AFC Championship. Torbert has also pivoted into a very good Under referee the past three seasons

• Since 2016 home teams with Torbert are 68-49 (58%) on the moneyline, however just 50-66-1 ATS (39%)
• Home underdogs with Torbert since 2016 are just 15-27 ATS (35%) 
• Torbert pivoted to a more “let ‘em play” approach over the past few seasons and that style has contributed to a 36-18 Under (67%) record since the start of the 2020 NFL season
• Torbert has not placed the same emphasis on certain discipline oriented penalties as many of his peers. Only three times in his nine year career has Ron Torbert ranked in the top five for unnecessary roughness calls. Only once in that span has he ranked in the top five for unsportsmanlike conduct infractions

Shawn Smith: Referee Penalty Trends & How it may impact betting

Shawn Smith is entering his sixth season in the NFL. Solid & not intimidated by home crowds as evidenced by his ATS numbers.

Smith’s officiating style also gives the offense a chance to make plays & perhaps get assistance via a pass interference call to extend drives.

• Home teams in Smith’s career are 39-41-1 on the moneyline and 35-45-2 ATS (44%) 
• IHome teams in Divisional matchups are 10-21 ATS (34%) with Smith officiating
• 42-39-1 Over (51%) as a head referee. Smith was 10-6 Under in 2022, the lone season he has trended to the low side of the total
• Smith assessed a career low 44.2% of his penalties on the home team in 2022
• Defensive pass interference penalties averages have been on a downward trajectory every year since Shawn Smith’s first season in 2018

Carl Cheffers: Referee Penalty Trends & how it may impact betting

Cheffers consistently ranks in the top five penalties per game average. He led the NFL in penalties per game in the 2021 and 2022 NFL seasons.

The takeaway from his long term trends are that when the dust has settled the home team wins well above the NFL average. 

Carl Cheffers was the referee for SBLV and SBLVII.  

• Led the NFL in 2022 with 12.39 penalties per game for 106.4 yds per game
• Home teams are 69-49-1 SU (60%) since 2016
• In Divisional matchups home teams are 27-14 (66%) since 2016 
• Despite his league leading 12.39 penalties per game in 2022, Cheffers assessed the fewest fourth quarter penalties in 2022. Only 26% of his overall penalties were called in in the fourth quarter of games.

Clay Martin: Referee Penalty Trends & how they may impact betting

Clay Martin is entering his sixth season as a head referee.

Limited sample size to this point but based on Clay Martin’s career stats he’s not swayed by home crowds based on his ATS numbers.

• Martin called just 40% of his overall penalties on home teams in 2022
• Home teams are 33-43-1 ATS (45%) in Martin’s career

Scott Novak: Referee Penalty Trends & how they may impact betting

In his first two seasons as a head referee Novak was the epitome of a “let em play” referee. He called the fewest penalties per game in his debut 2019 season & the 5th fewest in 2020.

That changed over the past few seasons as Novak calls an above average amount of penalties per game.

Home teams have struggled with Novak officiating in his career

• Home teams are 21-41-3 ATS (35%) with Scott Novak officiating
• Home teams in Divisional games are 5-18-1 ATS (22%) with Scott Novak
• Novak emphasizes delay of game penalties more than most referees. He has ranked in the top three in three of his four seasons as a head referee

Clete Blakeman: Referee Penalty Trends & how they may impact betting

Blakeman, a veteran ref who calls it down the middle. Need proof? Since 2016 home teams with Blakeman officiating are exactly .500.. 

That said,Blakeman’s crew has had its share of bad calls that generated a lot of criticism,notably the “no call” on a clear defensive pass interference from Carolina vs New England in a MNF showdown in 2013 as time expired.

Another MNF debacle with Blakeman was Week 6, 2019 where his crew made questionable calls late that greatly benefited Green Bay in a dramatic 23-22 Packers win over the Lions

• Home teams 59-56 on the moneyline with Blakeman since 2016

Craig Wrolstad: Referee Penalty Trends & how they may impact betting

Wrolstad averaged just 9.3 penalties per game in 2022, the second lowest of any referee.

• Home teams 44-68 ATS (39.5%) with Wrolstad since 2016 
• Home underdogs are 17-33 ATS (34%) since 2016
• Wrolstad generally ranks in the lower tier of overall penalties per game in NFL

Get Prepared for the 2024 NFL Season

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SI:AM | Chiefs-Ravens Was the Perfect Week 1 Appetizer

Dan gartland | 4 hours ago.

• Baltimore Ravens
• Kansas City Chiefs

Good morning, I’m Dan Gartland. I really wish we could have gotten to see a do-or-die two-point conversion attempt by the Ravens.

In today’s SI:AM:  

🔫 The Chiefs’ new weapons 🖐️ The Ravens’ new O-line 👕 An iconic uniform matchup

More of this, please

Well, that was worth the wait.

After six months without pro football, the 2024 NFL season got started on Thursday night with an AFC championship rematch between the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens that fully lived up to the hype. It wasn’t a stone-cold classic like the Chiefs’ legendary comeback win over the Buffalo Bills in the 2021 divisional round, but it had everything you could want out of a regular-season game.

Kansas City won, 27–20, in a game that was tight throughout and came down to the very end. Lamar Jackson was equal parts brilliant (122 rushing yards on 16 carries) and frustrating (missing open receivers in the final moments). The Chiefs showed off a much improved group of targets for Patrick Mahomes, including rookie Xavier Worthy , who had two touchdowns in his debut. The Ravens also unveiled an unexpected offensive focus, leaning heavily on second-string tight end Isaiah Likely.

In that respect, it was a game that will give us plenty to talk about before Week 1 is in full swing. How much better will the Chiefs offense be this year after a surprisingly pedestrian 2023 on that side of the ball? Will Likely supplant Mark Andrews as Baltimore’s top tight end? How far can Jackson take this team?

Those sorts of things are fun to talk about, but what really made the game the ideal season opener was that it was just a dang good football game—particularly the fourth quarter. The Chiefs scored a touchdown to take a 27–17 lead with about 10 minutes left after a broken coverage left Worthy all by himself along the sideline, giving Kansas City a sizable but not insurmountable lead. The Ravens responded with a long drive down the field to score a field goal and make it 27–20, then got a defensive stop to get the ball back with just under two minutes to play. (Kansas City was able to run three minutes off the clock in just five plays because Baltimore had used two timeouts earlier in the half on defense.)

The Ravens’ final drive was thrilling. Jackson made things happen with his legs, either scrambling to pick up yardage or maneuvering in the pocket to extend plays and give himself time to find an open receiver. The latter is what he did on the ninth play of the drive, after the Chiefs had done a good job of limiting the Ravens to short gains. There were 43 seconds on the clock and the ball was near midfield. Hope was running out for Baltimore. As the pocket collapsed around Jackson, he calmly slid up into an open space and delivered a bullet on the run to Rashod Bateman, who made a leaping catch for a 38-yard gain. Suddenly, the Ravens were back in business.

Baltimore had three shots at the end zone with the game on the line but failed to convert on any of them. On the first, Jackson overthrew an open Likely in the corner of the end zone. On the second, Jackson had a miscommunication with his receivers and missed an open Zay Flowers. The third and final chance was exactly the kind of game-ending play you want to see as a fan.

Once again, the Chiefs got pressure on Jackson in the pocket, forcing him to run around literally in circles. He then managed to spot Likely open in the end zone and threw a brilliant pass where only the receiver could grab it. Likely came down with the ball, the referee signaled a touchdown and the NBC cameras cut to Ravens coach John Harbaugh on the sideline signaling to his offense that he intended to go for a do-or-die two-point conversion with no time left on the clock. It was a moment well worth staying up until midnight for.

And then the air was taken out of the moment when a replay showed that Likely’s toe was just barely out of bounds . The touchdown was taken off the board and the game was over.

It was exactly the kind of game that fans spend six months waiting for. Two of the best teams in the conference, playing an evenly matched contest that came down to the final play. And it was only the first game of the year. Not every game this week or this season is going to be that good, but it was fun to get the season started with a game that reminds us why we anticipate the NFL’s return so eagerly.

The best of Sports Illustrated

• Conor Orr argues that the Ravens’ Week 1 loss shouldn’t raise too many alarm bells because Baltimore’s new offensive line still needs time to coalesce .
• Matt Verderame was extremely impressed with the Chiefs’ new offensive weapons in their season-opening win .
• Pat Forde wrote about this weekend’s big Texas-Michigan game and why it’ll be a matchup of two of the greatest uniforms in sports .
• Michael Rosenberg argues that the Raiders have missed their window to trade Davante Adams .
• Tom Verducci explains why Shohei Ohtani’s pursuit of a 50–50 season isn’t just another statistical chase .
• Here are Michael Fabiano’s five biggest fantasy football sleepers in Week 1 .
• Chiefs superfan “ChiefsAholic” was sentenced to prison time for a series of bank robberies .
• American Jessica Pegula reached her first grand slam final after winning in the semis of the U.S. Open on Thursday night .

The top five…

… things I saw last night:

5. The scene in the San Marino locker room after the men’s national team won its first game in 20 years and its first competitive game in its history. The microstate of 33,000 people beat Liechtenstein , 1–0, in the UEFA Nations League. 4. Jason Benetti’s call of Parker Meadows’s go-ahead grand slam . 3. Colorado School of Mines punter Blake Doud’s 80-yard boot that was downed at the 1 . 2. Isiah Pacheco’s presence of mind not to give up on the play when he was tackled on top of a defender . 1. Isaiah Likely’s run after the catch on a 49-yard touchdown.

DAN GARTLAND

Dan Gartland is the writer and editor of Sports Illustrated’s flagship daily newsletter, SI:AM, covering everything an educated sports fan needs to know. He joined the SI staff in 2014, having previously been published on Deadspin and Slate. Gartland, a graduate of Fordham University, is a former Sports Jeopardy! champion (Season 1, Episode 5).

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6 things I’m looking for in the 2024 NFL season

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Second-year referee alan eck assigned to week 1 saints-panthers game, share this article.

The New Orleans Saints will see referee Alan Eck for a third time on Sunday when they kick off their 2024 regular season with the Carolina Panthers; Football Zebras reports that the second-year referee and his crew have been assigned to Week 1’s game at the Caesars Superdome. Eck entered the league’s ranks as a side judge in 2016 before working as an umpire from 2017 to 2022. He was promoted to referee in 2023.

Eck refereed two games for the Saints last season: a road loss to the Houston Texans and a home win over the Carolina Panthers. The black and gold were fouled seven times for 83 yards in that first matchup (with two other fouls called and declined) but drew just three penalties for 30 yards in the follow-up. And the Panthers, this week’s opponent, were fouled four times for a loss of 27 yards in last year’s game at the Caesars Superdome.

The Saints’ costliest errors both came in the Texans game, with Paulson Adebo drawing a 29-yard pass interference foul on third down and Max Garcia getting flagged for a false start on fourth down. Garcia wasn’t re-signed this offseason, and it’s worth noting Adebo had just two more DPI penalties after that one last season.

How did Eck’s crew stack up around the league? They finished with the fourth-fewest total penalties per game (10.4), ranking seventh in average penalty yards per game (87.7). If you include dismissed fouls they had the fewest total flags thrown all year (179 in 15 games). They emphasized false starts (26 for 128 yards) and offensive holding fouls (24 for 227 yards), as well as unnecessary roughness (14 for 194 yards). For the most part they let guys get away with a lot of contact in coverage, with just a dozen DPI fouls, third-fewest. Hopefully Eck and his crew call another clean game on Sunday.

More 2024 season

Taysom hill reveals the saints' week 1 uniform combination, juwan johnson could be the middle-of-the-field threat the saints offense needs, saints rule out four, three more questionable vs. panthers, saints' rebuilt offensive line is their biggest week 1 pivot point, kool-aid mckinstry has changed his new orleans saints jersey number.

2 days until Saints' season opener: Every player to wear No. 2

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NFL Referee Assignments Week 14: Refs assigned for each game this week

Which NFL refs are assigned to which games in Week 14, and which referees will be under the microscope with the prime-time assignments?

Which NFL refs have been assigned to the 14 games on Sunday and Monday in Week 14? Which NFL referees have been given the prime-time game assignments Sunday and Monday, and who will be in charge of your favorite team’s game?

NFL referee assignments for Week 14

Below you will find the referee for each of the Week 14 NFL games. Each ref has their own crew assigned to them from the NFL’s officiating roster . Our handy guide will help you find out which officials are on which officiating crews in 2021 .

Note: All times Eastern

NFL refs for early Sunday games

Atlanta Falcons at Carolina Panthers | 1 PM ET Shawn Smith

Baltimore Ravens at Cleveland Browns | 1 PM ET Brad Rogers

Seattle Seahawks at Houston Texans   | 1 PM ET Adrian Hill

Las Vegas Raiders at Kansas City Chiefs | 1 PM ET Brad Allen

New Orleans Saints at New York Jets | 1 PM ET Land Clark

Jacksonville Jaguars at Tennessee Titans   | 1 PM ET Bill Vinovich

Dallas Cowboys at Washington Football Team | 1 PM ET Alex Kemp

NFL referee assignments for Week 14’s Sunday afternoon and prime-time games

For the second straight week, we will have four games in the 4 PM ET slate. Which NFL refs will be under the microscope in the late-afternoon window and on Sunday Night Football?

Detroit Lions at Denver Broncos | 4:05 PM ET John Hussey

New York Giants at Los Angeles Chargers | 4:05 PM ET Tony Corrente

Buffalo Bills at Tampa Bay Buccaneers | 4:25 PM ET Scott Novak

San Francisco 49ers at Cincinnati Bengals | 4:25 PM ET Craig Wrolstad

Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers   | 8:20 PM ET Ron Torbert

Which NFL refs are assigned to MNF in Week 14?

The Week 14 Monday Night Football game will be a crucial NFC West matchup. The Rams need the victory to close in on the division lead, while a win for the Cardinals would come close to securing them the division.

After several high-profile matchups have recently been decided by the refs, we hopefully do not see the same situation on Monday.

Los Angeles Rams at Arizona Cardinals   | 8:15 PM ET Carl Cheffers

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Eagles game-by-game predictions for 2024 season

Are the Eagles going to come out of the regular season looking like Super Bowl contenders, or struggling just to make it to the playoffs?

How many games will the Eagles win this year? Here’s how The Inquirer sees the team’s 2024 season playing out week-to-week.

Friday, Sept. 6 vs. Packers, 8:15 p.m., in São Paulo, Brazil

Jeff McLane: There’s always uncertainty heading into a season opener, even with a returning head coach. But with two new coordinators, Nick Sirianni sitting Jalen Hurts and his starting offense in the preseason again, and having to play in a foreign environment for the first time, the Eagles are a bit of a mystery. That could obviously play to their advantage. But the feeling here is that the Packers, with Jordan Love, will set the tempo. LOSS, 0-1

Jeff Neiburg: Vic Fangio ’s new-look defense is going to get tested right away against Love and a Packers offense that really came on at the end of last season. Sirianni is perfect in season openers, a stat that is equal parts instructive and useless. There are a lot of unknowns about the Eagles. Too many to feel confident that the season starts with a win in Brazil? Perhaps. But the Eagles are the better team on paper and are the slight favorite. With no other data to go off of, that’s the methodology here. WIN, 1-0

Olivia Reiner: The Eagles ramped up the conditioning in training camp this year, but the offensive starters still sat for the preseason. Will the offense get off to a slow start as a result? The Eagles have the benefit of two new coordinators, potentially adding some mystery around what their offensive and defensive plans will look like exactly. But the Packers could be contenders this season to win the NFC North, and they could spoil the Eagles’ “home” opener in São Paulo. LOSS, 0-1

» READ MORE: From Eagles-Packers matchups to São Paulo stadium conditions, what to watch in Brazil 2024 opener

EJ Smith: Love showed enough last year to wonder if the rebuilt Eagles defense is up to the task of containing a young Packers offense. On the other side of the ball, Hurts & Co. may need to overcome the absence of preseason game reps more quickly than they did last season in order to keep pace, which may be easier said than done especially with the added wrinkle of the game being played abroad. LOSS, 0-1

The Eagles open their season against the Packers at 8:15 p.m. Friday in São Paulo, Brazil. Here's what you need to know.

• Brazil’s Eagles fans and their online community are ready for 'their Super Bowl’
• 21 Philly bars, restaurants, and venues to watch the Eagles
• Some Eagles are worried about the São Paulo trip. Tanner McKee aims to talk them down.
• Eagles to wear new color combo in Brazil. Here's a look.
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Monday, Sept. 16 vs. Falcons, 8:15 p.m.

McLane: There must be a memo in the NFL scheduling office for the Eagles to face Kirk Cousins at home in Week 2. He’ll be in a Falcons uniform this time after losing with the Vikings at the Linc in the two previous seasons. Atlanta could be a sleeper squad to make the playoffs with a new quarterback and coach and some young talent. But with Nick Foles getting the Hall of Fame treatment before a prime-time audience, the night in Philly should be special. WIN, 1-1

Neiburg: The Eagles should have enough rest with the extra days to recover from their trip to Brazil, and they’re welcoming an Atlanta Falcons team that’s on the rise. The Eagles will have their hands full with Bijan Robinson, and Cousins was marvelous in prime-time in Week 2 at the Linc last season, but Atlanta’s defense probably isn’t ready for this Eagles offense. WIN, 2-0

Reiner: The Eagles return to the Linc for their first true home game of the season, facing off against familiar Week 2 foe Cousins, now at the helm of the Falcons offense. That group has some talented pieces in Robinson and Drake London that Cousins can utilize. But can the 36-year-old quarterback return to 2022 form after sitting out most of last season with an Achilles tear? WIN, 1-1

Smith: The Falcons are a team in transition with a quarterback in Cousins who has lost to the Eagles in each of the last two seasons. An intriguing group of young, dynamic skill players on offense should make for some difficult matchups for the Eagles defense, but this Falcons team should be beatable, especially in a home opener. WIN, 1-1

Sunday, Sept. 22 at Saints, 1 p.m.

McLane: After a 10-day break following the opener in Brazil, the Eagles have a six-day turnaround before heading down to the Big Easy. The Saints have been a team stuck in the middle since Drew Brees’ retirement and don’t appear equipped to escape with Derek Carr at quarterback. Three games isn’t much, but early indications could suggest if the Birds will fly south again to New Orleans in February. WIN, 2-1

Neiburg: New Orleans is probably one of the easiest games on the Eagles’ schedule. The Eagles have a lot more talent, especially along both lines. Could the Eagles be a little sleepy on a short week? Sure, but the Saints don’t look good enough to make that hypothetical matter much. The Eagles have too much talent to chalk this up as a loss. WIN, 3-0

» READ MORE: David Murphy: In Year 2 of Jalen Hurts’ contract, the Eagles QB has nothing and everything to prove

Reiner: The Saints defense is back for another year under Joe Woods, and I think they’ll be a tough group for the Eagles to face. But even with a new offensive coordinator in Klint Kubiak, the offense doesn’t seem poised to take the next step with Carr still slinging the football. WIN, 2-1

Smith: Playing the entire NFC South should inflate the number of wins for the Eagles’ entire division. Perhaps New Orleans can get something out of a roster that looks quite similar to the group that went 9-8 last year, but there’s some potential for real stagnation with this Saints team. WIN, 2-1

Sunday, Sept. 29 at Buccaneers, 1 p.m.

McLane: By the end of the season, blitz-happy defenses were sending everything but the kitchen sink at Hurts. Bucs coach Todd Bowles sent extra rushers at the quarterback on 70% of his drop backs and the Eagles had few answers. Kellen Moore ’s new offense is designed to give Hurts better solutions, particularly against zero blitzes. He passes this test in this prognosis and coach Sirianni’s off the hot seat — for the moment — heading into the bye. WIN, 3-1

» READ MORE: Truths from a Phillies diehard: Vic Fangio, the grizzly Eagles DC and baseball traditionalist, plays it straight

Neiburg: Who doesn’t love a revenge game? The Eagles’ third straight game against an NFC opponent should go like the previous two, and we’ll know by then if the Eagles in Moore’s new offense have better answers for the pressure Bowles is sure to send their way. WIN, 4-0

Reiner: The Eagles have the opportunity to leave Tampa on a high note this year, unlike the way the wild-card game ended last postseason. Throughout training camp, members of the Eagles offense have talked about how much they’ve worked on their blitz protections, which should come in handy against Bowles’ pressure-happy defense. Moore ought to have better answers for Hurts this time around. WIN, 3-1

Smith: The Eagles’ 2023 season began and ended at Raymond James Stadium, so it’s only fitting they’ll return there this year as well. Like the Saints, the Bucs’ roster looks quite similar to last year — just more expensive after signing key players like Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, and Antoine Winfield Jr. to extensions. The Eagles have the talent advantage to win, although the same could be said last January. WIN, 3-1

Week 5: BYE

Neiburg: The bye comes at a good time as far as rest goes for the Eagles, who are covering a lot of air miles during the first four weeks of the season. But will it stunt some of the momentum gathered from what could be a 4-0 start?

Smith: An early bye is typically an unwelcome sight, but respite might be necessary considering the heavy road slate and international trip that predates it.

Sunday, Oct. 13 vs. Browns, 1 p.m.

McLane: Kevin Stefanski is a good coach, and that’s not just because he’s a product of St. Joseph’s Prep and Penn. He’s managed to turn a moribund franchise into a contender, despite injury-marred seasons and being force-fed Deshaun Watson by his boss. And you can bet that Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz will be motivated to stick one to his former team. He has the horses up front, starting with Myles Garrett, to get it done. LOSS, 3-2

Neiburg: The Eagles come out of the bye with a dud against the best defense they’ve faced to date. The Browns are probably going to be one of the best teams in the AFC. They had a top-10 offense to pair with that defense last year, and could have a fresh Nick Chubb ready to run after starting the season on the PUP list. LOSS, 4-1

Reiner: Watson will be 11 months post-shoulder surgery by the time he rolls up to the Linc. He’s just now getting his top two tackles back in Jack Conklin and Jedrick Wills Jr. from PUP. Will they have hit any snags by Week 6, especially with Conklin coming off of a torn ACL? Even if the offense is shaky, the Browns defense is poised to be one of the best in the league. LOSS, 3-2

Smith: Cleveland has one of the most complete rosters in the NFL with a good mix of star power and a proven offensive play-caller in Stefanski. The team’s ceiling will likely be determined by Watson, but this should be a difficult game even if the 28-year-old quarterback continues to be middle-of-the-road. LOSS, 3-2

» READ MORE: At a crossroads, Eagles coach Nick Sirianni turned to Jay Wright, Dawn Staley, and others for advice

Sunday, Oct. 20 at Giants, 1 p.m.

McLane: It’s been 15 years since the Eagles went this late into the season before their first NFC East matchup. Saquon Barkley ’s return to MetLife to face his old team will be the headliner, but the Eagles will want to atone for an ugly, season-ending loss in January. The Giants seem to have finally added some talent at receiver, but their O-line issues should persist. WIN, 4-2

Neiburg: The Eagles have Hurts. The Giants have Daniel Jones. Does more need to be said? The Giants are expected to be the weakest team in the NFC East. They do have a talented group of pass rushers that will give the Eagles fits in their two matchups, but probably not enough to make the difference. WIN, 5-1

Reiner: The Giants added Brian Burns to their edge rushing corps this offseason, strengthening an already talented group up front. How will the Eagles hold up with their new-look offensive line? On the flip side, the Jones-led offense hasn’t given the Eagles many fits since he became their starter in 2019. WIN, 4-2

» READ MORE: With Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox gone, the future of the Eagles could depend on their replacements

Smith: This year’s Eagles-Giants matchups have the added intrigue of Barkley playing his former team, especially in this meeting at MetLife Stadium. Drama aside, it’s hard to envision how this Giants offense treads water without Barkley as the main ingredient. Nose tackle Dexter Lawrence will be a meaningful test for the Eagles’ reshaped interior offensive line, but otherwise there aren’t many matchup disadvantages to fret over for the Eagles. WIN, 4-2

Sunday, Oct. 27 at Bengals, 4:25 p.m.

McLane: Joe Burrow has now missed extended parts of two of his first four seasons due to injury. It would be foolish to sleep on “Joe Shiesty,” even with the Bengals unsettled at receiver with Ja’Marr Chase unhappy about his contract. The Bengals should be a championship contender as long as Burrow’s healthy. One thing in the Eagles’ defense: Fangio was one of the few to give Burrow problems in 2021 when the coordinator was with the Broncos. LOSS, 4-3

Neiburg: This one will be fun. Hurts vs. Burrow highlights a game that features no shortage of stars at the skill positions, assuming the Chase dispute is resolved. How good is rookie corner Quinyon Mitchell ? If we don’t have an answer by Oct. 27, we’ll probably get one in Ohio. Flip a coin here, but for me it lands on the home team. LOSS, 5-2

» READ MORE: Mike Sielski: Nick Sirianni is coaching for his job in 2024. To keep it, he has to show he’s matured. Oh, the Eagles have to win.

Reiner: By this point in the season, we’ll have an idea of how Burrow has acclimated after missing the final seven games of 2023 due to a wrist injury. If everything is going according to the Bengals’ plans, and if Chase is back in the fold after “holding in” throughout training camp, this could be a tricky offense for the Eagles’ secondary to face. LOSS, 4-3

Smith: This has all the makings of a shootout. Cincinnati is one of the few teams with a wide-receiving corps good enough to rival the Eagles’ starting trio and an MVP-caliber quarterback in Burrow to go with it. Burrow is the type of signal caller who diagnoses things quickly enough to present challenges when blitzed, which should put even more emphasis on the Eagles’ four-man rush getting to him without extra help. Even then, this will be one of the Eagles’ toughest games against a quality opponent. LOSS, 4-3

Sunday, Nov. 3 vs. Jaguars, 8:20 p.m.

McLane: Doug Pederson’s return doesn’t really count as news since he was back at the Linc two seasons ago. Trevor Lawrence was a fumbling machine in that Eagles win, and ball security remains an issue for the fourth-year quarterback. Can Pederson and Carson Wentz’s best buddy Press Taylor coach up the former No. 1 overall pick? The Eagles shouldn’t overlook the Jags ahead of a trip to Big D. WIN, 5-3

Neiburg: Jacksonville gets rewarded for playing two straight games in London by hosting a talented and rising Green Bay team in Week 8 and then coming to Philadelphia for a Week 9 Sunday Night Football game. The Eagles will induct LeSean McCoy into their Hall of Fame, and the Jaguars will find themselves wishing they had a prime Shady helping an offense that lacks enough firepower at the moment. WIN, 6-2

Reiner: Pederson returns to Philadelphia, and so does new Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, the former defensive tackle who had a cup of coffee with the Eagles in training camp in 2002. Can the Jaguars turn things around after a late-season collapse in 2023? While they could contend for the AFC South crown this season, the Eagles have the upper hand in this game as the home team with the better quarterback. WIN, 5-3

Smith: The Jags could certainly make some noise in Pederson’s third year, especially if Lawrence takes another step toward the top tier of quarterbacks. Even if he doesn’t, this should be another stiff test for the Eagles defense, which played quite well in Pederson’s first reunion with his former team on a rain-soaked afternoon back in October 2022. WIN, 5-3

» READ MORE: ‘Brains and preparation’: How Kellen Moore’s teaching talent can galvanize Jalen Hurts and the Eagles

Sunday, Nov. 10 at Cowboys, 4:25 p.m.

McLane: For all the hand-wringing about Jerry Jones’ handling of the contracts of CeeDee Lamb and other players, he should have the Cowboys positioned as the Eagles’ greatest divisional threat. There are legitimate questions about coach Mike McCarthy and Dak Prescott’s dismal playoff record, but Dallas is close to a sure bet at home. The Eagles haven’t won in Arlington in six meetings. LOSS, 5-4

Neiburg: The Cowboys have been really good at home, proved by the Eagles, who have been pretty good lately, being 0 for their last 6 in Arlington. It’s fair to wonder if this Cowboys team, as constructed, has already hit its ceiling, but Lamb is sure to test whether this new-look corner crew is up for the task. LOSS, 6-3

Reiner: Moore returns to Jerry World for the first time since his days as a Cowboys quarterback, quarterbacks coach, and offensive coordinator. How much of an advantage does that give the Eagles in their game-planning for some of the personnel familiar to Moore? Even though the Cowboys had an uneventful offseason, they’re still a good enough team to split with the Eagles, continuing their home win streak that dates back to 2017. LOSS, 5-4

Smith: The Eagles and Cowboys have split their two matchups each of the last two seasons and could certainly do so again this year. Dallas didn’t have the most confidence-inspiring offseason after yet another early flameout in the playoffs, but it’s hard to overlook the potent combination of Prescott and Lamb along with an offensive line that’s solid across the board. The Cowboys don’t seem poised to make a deep postseason run any time soon, but winning at AT&T Stadium in the regular season should still be a difficult task for the Eagles. LOSS, 5-4

» READ MORE: Darius Slay rips Jerry Jones for CeeDee Lamb contract dispute: ‘Be more like Howie Roseman’

Thursday, Nov. 14 vs. Commanders, 8:15 p.m.

McLane: Assuming he’s in the lineup, Zach Ertz should receive a heartfelt welcome upon his return to the Linc. Of greater doubt is how rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels will be performing at this point. He could take some early lumps but have his footing by November. New coach Dan Quinn, meanwhile, needs to figure out how to stop A.J. Brown , who had 305 receiving yards and four touchdowns in two meetings against the Commanders a year ago. WIN, 6-4

Neiburg: It’s a short week after a tough rival road game, but that’s offset by the Commanders being in rebuild mode with rookie quarterback Daniels under center. We’ll have a better understanding at this point whether he looks like the real deal or not, but even if he is on track for Rookie of the Year, the Eagles will be big favorites in this spot. WIN, 7-3

Reiner: Jahan Dotson said that he doesn’t take his trade from the Commanders personally … except for when he plays against his former team. Perhaps he’ll have a pep in his stride in his first matchup against them. The Commanders seem to be on the right track withDaniels at the helm of the offense for the foreseeable future, but they’ll experience their share of growing pains this season. WIN, 6-4

Smith: It’s hard to find many favorable matchups for the Commanders here, although a rapid progression from Daniels could significantly change the outlook of the team’s season. Their defensive line isn’t as imposing without Montez Sweat and Chase Young and their offensive front is downright concerning. The Eagles should have several avenues to winning both matchups. WIN, 6-4

Sunday, Nov. 24 at Rams, 8:20 p.m.

McLane: The Rams seem to be a hot pick to get back to the Super Bowl three years after winning the thing. Matthew Stafford is healthy, Sean McVay is rejuvenated, and Los Angeles ended last season on a heater — until the Lions squeaked by them in the playoffs. Aaron Donald is retired and the Eagles have done well on the West Coast in recent years. McVay has said he hates facing Fangio the most, but he has two receivers in Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp who will be tough to contain. LOSS, 6-5

» READ MORE: Meet the newer and lesser-known Eagles who could make an impact in 2024

Neiburg: Who’s ready for a Sunday night shootout? This one features two of the NFL’s highest-powered offenses (on paper), especially if Kupp isn’t dealing with any lingering effects of the ailments that slowed him so much in 2023. Both teams have some questions about their defenses, but the Eagles might have fewer. WIN, 8-3

Reiner: The Eagles are set to face off against a new-look Rams defense that lacks Donald up front and Raheem Morris, their former defensive coordinator who is now the head coach of the Falcons, on the sideline. Still, they didn’t neglect the defense in the draft, selecting top edge rusher Jared Verse with the 19th overall pick. On the other side of the ball, Kupp and Nacua have the potential to be one of the elite receiving duos in the league if they can both stay healthy. A big if, but a big challenge nonetheless for the Eagles. LOSS, 6-5

Smith: McVay’s aversion to facing Fangio defenses led to him hiring defensive play-callers to emulate it the last few years, meaning this should be a fascinating cat-and-mouse game to watch unfold. McVay has the advantage on the field, though, with a proven quarterback in Stafford and a multidimensional receiving corps capable of putting opposing secondaries into a bind. The Eagles offense should be able to hold its own in a high-scoring affair against an unheralded group now without its all-generation defensive tackle Donald, but the cross-country road trip makes it a difficult one to call. LOSS, 6-5

Sunday, Dec. 1 at Ravens, 4:25 p.m.

McLane: Fangio wasn’t solely responsible for the Ravens’ blowout win over the Dolphins last December, but the 56 points his unit allowed indicated that there were more than issues in matching personnel to scheme. Will the veteran coach still have the collective ear of his players at this similar point in the season? Either way, Lamar Jackson & Co. are a difficult assignment on the road. LOSS, 6-6

Neiburg: Maybe this is a Super Bowl preview (it’s mine), and maybe it’s also a showdown between two MVP candidates in Hurts and Lamar Jackson. It’s a winnable road game for the Eagles against a really good opponent, but it’s one they probably won’t be favored in. Give the Thanksgiving weekend win to the home team. LOSS, 8-4

Reiner: The Ravens had the top defense in the league last season, but they’ve lost a number of key contributors, including Patrick Queen, Geno Stone, and Mike Macdonald, the former defensive coordinator who is now the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. The Ravens offense, headlined by the two-time MVP Jackson, added another weapon in Derrick Henry in the offseason. They could be difficult for the Eagles to stop. LOSS, 6-6

Smith: Baltimore has the quarterback, coach, and defensive talent to beat anybody this season, especially at home. The Eagles have the talent to win, but it will take a strong performance, especially this late into the year when the playoff picture is starting to come into focus and the stakes rise on each game. For what it’s worth, the Ravens managed 56 points against the Dolphins with Fangio as defensive coordinator last season. LOSS, 6-6

» READ MORE: Howie Roseman avoids hyping Eagles roster, and a closer look at who made the initial 53 reveals why

Sunday, Dec. 8 vs. Panthers, 1 p.m.

McLane: Carolina had maybe the worst offense in the NFL last season, and the outlook for 2024 doesn’t look much more promising. Second-year quarterback Bryce Young needs time to develop, but he isn’t going to get any taller. A lot can happen between now and Week 14, but a loss here by the Eagles would suggest devastation. WIN, 7-6

Neiburg: Remember the line about the Saints being one of the easier opponents on the Eagles’ schedule? The Panthers might be the easiest game on the schedule, especially given it’s at home. Carolina is rebuilding and has some young pieces, but the Panthers still could end up being the worst team in the league. WIN, 9-4

» READ MORE: Here’s why the Eagles season opener in Brazil feels like a ‘family reunion’ for safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson

Reiner: Sound the alarm if the Eagles lose to the Panthers. Even if Carolina doubles their win total from last season under new coach Dave Canales, they’d still be at four wins. WIN, 7-6

Smith: Even if Young turns the corner with Canales taking over as Carolina’s coach this season, the Panthers have one of the worst rosters in the NFL. Especially at home, this is one of the Eagles’ most winnable games of the year. WIN, 7-6

Sunday, Dec. 15 vs. Steelers, 4:25 p.m.

McLane: The take here when the schedule was first released was that this matchup would potentially give us the Kenny Pickett revenge game no Eagles fan would want. That sentiment would only be stronger considering how the backup quarterback looked in the preseason. That said, the chance that Hurts has been healthy for every game until this point is unlikely, even as he missed only five snaps last season. It’s fatuous to project the outcome of a game 3-½ months away, without knowing who’s injured or not, but the Eagles should beat the Russell Wilson-led Steelers. WIN, 8-6

Neiburg: Will it be Wilson or Justin Fields taking snaps at quarterback for Pittsburgh? Will it even matter? The Steelers are no slouch, but it’s a home game for the Eagles, who at this point in the season will probably be trying to separate themselves, or keep pace with, the Cowboys for the NFC East crown. WIN, 10-4

Reiner: If the Russell Wilson experience hasn’t gone according to the Steelers’ plan at this point in the season, there’s a chance that Fields could be the starting quarterback. Still, in a strong AFC North, there’s a chance that the Steelers could finish at the bottom of the division as they transition to a new offensive coordinator. WIN, 8-6

Smith: Pittsburgh’s defense and Mike Tomlin’s consistency throughout his career make this a harder game to project than it looks on paper. Still, it’s hard to overlook the talent advantage the Eagles have and the potential mess the Steelers could have at quarterback. Coming out of a tough midseason stretch with some Super Bowl contenders mixed in, this feels like a get-right game. WIN, 8-6

Sunday, Dec. 22 at Commanders, 1 p.m.

McLane: In Quinn’s previous head-coaching stint, he improved the Falcons to a .500 team in his first season and had them in the Super Bowl a year later. Flipping Washington’s fortunes will depend greatly on Daniels’ development. But the bones for building a winner are on the roster. And the Eagles aren’t likely strong enough to sweep this series. LOSS, 8-7

Neiburg: As mentioned in the last game, the Eagles will be playing for plenty at this point, and the Commanders, even if Daniels is the real deal, will be focused on the draft. Could Washington play a little bit of a spoiler here? Of course. Football happens. But it’s a game the Eagles should win. WIN, 11-4

Reiner: The Commanders played the Eagles hard in both games last season, even though they went 4-13. Daniels has piqued my interest, and he could hand the Eagles a surprise defeat with potential playoff ramifications late in the season. LOSS, 8-7

Smith: The second matchup against a division opponent can certainly cause some strange things to come about and Daniels’ rookie progression could make this game tougher than the initial meeting between the two teams. The Eagles will likely be playing for playoff seeding, though, while the Commanders could just be happy with some promising signs in the passing game. WIN, 9-6

» READ MORE: Marcus Hayes: Nick Sirianni fired his DB coach after the Super Bowl. The Eagles stumbled. Can the new staff rebound?

Sunday, Dec. 29 vs. Cowboys, 4:25 p.m.

McLane: An 8-7 record at this stage could have the natives more than restless. And that would probably apply to Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie , as well. The predictions enterprise is a relatively meaningless exercise. We get that. But it’s just football. And it’s not out of the realm of possibility to suggest that Sirianni could be coaching for his job with two games left. He survives for a week in this scenario. WIN, 9-7

Neiburg: It feels like this one has the possibility of deciding the NFC East, and maybe deciding whether Sirianni orMcCarthy should start packing their bags. Does MVP candidate Prescott assert his dominance with Lamb and win the division? Maybe. But we’ll give it a series split instead. WIN, 12-4

Reiner: The Cowboys’ poor offseason on the free-agent market, both in terms of players in and out, has been the talk of the NFC East. Their lack of depth could come back to hurt them by the end of the year, allowing the Eagles to avoid the series sweep. WIN, 9-7

Smith: This game could very well end up deciding the NFC East, unless the wheels have fallen off one or both of these teams’ seasons by this point. If the game does have stakes, the home-field advantage should count for something. WIN, 10-6

Saturday or Sunday, Jan. 4 or 5 vs. Giants (TBD)

McLane: I ping-ponged back and forth between 11 and 10 wins for the Eagles. They could win more. Or less. The roster has talent, particularly at the offensive skill positions. General manager Howie Roseman addressed some of the deficiencies in the defensive back seven. Moore and Fangio are automatic upgrades. And the schedule isn’t as tough. But the Eagles aren’t as strong and as deep up front, and I think that will hurt them at times. Ten wins gets them into the playoffs. A two-game winning streak into the postseason could push them further than they went a year ago. Another first-round exit could force Lurie’s hand. WIN, 10-7

Neiburg: The Eagles won the division last week and unless they’re playing for home field in the playoffs, this game could be a snoozer, both in the quality of football and the Eagles allowing their starters to nap. It’s a win on paper, but 13 wins feels like too many and 12 feels just right. LOSS, 12-5

Reiner: By the season finale, there’s a chance that the Eagles could be still be playing to win the division. I think they’ll do it, albeit with a worse record than last season’s and in a relatively weak NFC East. WIN, 10-7

Smith: There’s a good chance the Eagles are playing for playoff seeding here and the Giants are playing spoiler, making this one less of a toss-up. Even if the Giants surprise, the Eagles are good enough to win. WIN, 11-6

Nick Sirianni survived the Eagles’ disastrous collapse last season — barely. At the heart of the criticism surrounding the fourth-year head coach was a sideline temperament that, at times, crossed the line from passionate to problematic. Did he suffer from a lack of composure? Were his antics undermining how the team was treated by referees? Was his enthusiasm endearing to players, or viewed as childish? As the Eagles get set to start anew in 2024, Jeff McLane asks Sirianni whether he’s changed, and investigates whether other members of the organization have noticed. Listen here .

Listen to all episodes  here  or wherever you get your podcasts.

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