Can the Eagles pull off the upset against the Chargers?

Maybe!

For the eighth time in nine matchups this year, the Philadelphia Eagles are entering a game as underdogs. The Los Angeles Chargers are two-point favorites at Lincoln Financial Field on Sunday, according to DraftKings Sportbook.

At first glance, these teams are trending in opposite directions. The Chargers are coming off two straight losses, including a blowout defeat to the Baltimore Ravens. The Eagles, meanwhile, are coming off a dominant victory over the Detroit Lions.

So, bet on the Birds. Right?

Maybe!

The Eagles have a favorable matchup that’s already jumped out to everyone in this game. On paper, Philly’s running attack seems primed to be able to take advantage of the Chargers having the NFL’s worst run defense. No team is allowing more yards per carry at 5.1. And only three teams are gaining more yards per carry than the Eagles at 5.0.

Then again, one must consider the Bolts are bad at stopping the run in part by design. Under Brandon Staley, the Chargers employ a lot of Cover 2 looks — not totally to Jonathan Gannon — that are meant to invite the ground game. Because running the football is generally less efficient than passing.

Against the Eagles, though, the Chargers would be wise to adjust and put the game on Jalen Hurts’ arm. Los Angeles should be able to live with losing if it means Hurts has his best passing performance in some time. Losing because they allowed the Eagles’ current offensive strength, their running game, to carry them to victory, well, that would be a harder pill to swallow.

Assuming the Chargers successfully do force Hurts to outgun Justin Herbert, that’s not a promising proposition. But it’s not exactly like the latter quarterback is killing it lately. In fact, he’s played two of the worst games of his career in recent weeks. But Philly’s soft defense might just be what the doctor ordered if he can regain form to consistently lead long drives against the Eagles.

The feeling here is that this is going to be a close game at the Linc. The Birds might have some positive momentum building on their side. Despite not fully believing in the Eagles, I’m leaning their way, especially since they’re getting points.

What say you?

(By the way, you can use promo code SBNNFL on the DraftKings Sportsbook app for a special offer.)