DeVonta Smith, Philadelphia Eagles. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Coming off a win, the Eagles aim to pull off a huge upset against the surging Buccaneers. Bold predictions for Philadelphia in Week 6.
The Philadelphia Eagles were underdogs last on the road against Carolina last week, as they should’ve been coming into the game at 1-3. Yet, the lines didn’t matter once the game kicked off as Nick Sirianni’s team was able to fight back and keep the Panthers in range for them to complete a come-from-behind victory.
Now, the Eagles are heading back home to Lincoln Financial Field on a short week for Thursday Night Football. But they’ll be hoping for a relative repeat of last week’s result as they hope to pull off another upset over one of the best teams in the NFC, this time taking on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It’s a tall task ahead of Philadelphia but this team is certainly frisky and, though the Bucs have been dominant, they aren’t infallible. With that in mind, we have some bold predictions for the Eagles on Thursday Night Football in Week 6 against the Buccaneers.
5. DeVonta Smith sets new career-high in receiving yards, scores
Anyone who was doubting the efficacy and role of Eagles first-round pick DeVonta Smith in the NFL is already starting to look silly. The reigning Heisman Trophy winner leads Philadelphia in receptions (25), targets (39) and receiving yards (314) over the first five weeks. He’s clearly the best weapon in the Eagles passing offense.
Moreover, Smith is coming off of his two best games of his brief tenure in the pros, catching seven balls for 122 yards against the Chiefs before garnering seven more receptions for 77 yards last week. Continuing this trend, he’s going to better those numbers against the Buccaneers.
Tampa Bay’s secondary woes continue to be at the forefront for this team. While Miami didn’t have the offense to take advantage of that last week, this is a team that is banking on Richard Sherman to be a crucial part of their cornerback group. That’s going to be a big issue with the crisp, quick route-running of Smith.
Jalen Hurts is going to look the way of his new No. 1 receiver often in this game and, with this matchup, Smith should be open more often than not. He’s going to get near 150 yards, if not more. Just as pivotally, he’ll also find the end zone for, shockingly, just the second time this season.
