As mentioned above, the Eagles schedule is also very favorable, with the Eagles getting all of their most difficult games at home, excluding divisional tilts.  The most difficult game I see for the rest of the season would be the Eagles going into Indianapolis to take on the Colts.  Outside of that, I see the Eagles going, at worst, 5-3 before their bye week in Week 9.  If someone had told me the Eagles would win their division a couple months ago I might have called them crazy; now, I believe them.

The Eagles so far have the best-rated offense in the league, rating in the top three in all major offensive categories.  There are only two other teams in the league that are putting up more points per game then the Eagles: the Dallas Cowboys (who they Eagles play this Sunday) and the Indianapolis Colts.  Look for the Eagles to continue this offense production the rest of the season.

The Eagles defense isn’t too shabby either.  Even though they rate in the middle in most defensive categories, they are holding their opponents to point totals that can easily be exceeded by their stellar offense.  If your offense is putting up 30 points a game, and only giving 18, most of the time that results in wins.  I see the Eagles defense being able to shut down teams when it matters.

Overall, the way that Philadelphia is playing right now, you can clearly see the difference between this year and last.  No distractions – read TO – have seen the Eagles on SportsCenter only a couple of times and only when reviewing – or previewing – games played or to be played.

When the 2006 season ends, the Eagles will have a better record than the previous season, finishing with either 12 or 13 victories, totals easily good enough to qualify for the post-season.  I don’t want to get started on playoff predictions so I won’t.  But get ready America.  The Eagles are back!

What do you think of Philadelphia so far?  Let me know at andrewuxley@atomicsportsmedia.com.