USA TODAY Sports Weekly

Eagles (3-6) at Broncos (5-4)

- Jon Heath, Broncos Wire

Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET, Empower Field at Mile High, Denver TV: CBS

Tipico Sportsbook line: Broncos by 2 ⁄2

1

Eagles’ keys to victory: Dualthreat QB Jalen Hurts is the key to Philly’s attack, leading the team both through the air and on the ground. Hurts has been inconsiste­nt on deep passes though, and Denver boasts a talented secondary. Attacking the middle of the field with short and intermedia­te passes might be Hurts’ best game plan. Philly should take advantage of the inexperien­ced linebacker­s by giving TE Dallas Goedert a big role in the passing game. On defense, the Eagles should stack the box and force Denver to beat them through the air.

Broncos’ keys to victory: QB Teddy Bridgewate­r has to protect the ball, and offensive coordinato­r Pat Shurmur should continue feeding RBs Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams after they combined for 191 rushing yards in Week 9. The offensive line could struggle to fend off Eagles sack-happy defenders Javon Hargrave and Josh Sweat in passing situations, but Denver has a strong rushing attack. On defense, containing Hurts will be the top priority.

Matchup to watch: Eagles WR DeVonta Smith vs. Broncos CB Pat Surtain. Smith and Surtain were teammates at Alabama, lining up against each other in practice from 2018 to 2020. They’re set to face off for the first time in the NFL.

Who wins? The Broncos are tough to beat at home and they’ll have momentum coming off an upset road win over the Cowboys. Denver will aim to complete a sweep of the NFC East after having beaten the division’s three other teams this season.

Broncos 27, Eagles 19

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