After taking a few days to look at the Eagles schedule I’ve heard pessimists say 7-9 and optimists say 11-5. I’m gonna fall right smack in the middle at 9-7 (maybe 10-6) with the roster as it stands now. If they swing something major like a trade for Chad Johnson (keep dreaming) then I’d be inclined to jump towards the 11-5 mark. But here’s a brief breakdown:

The Birds should go .500 in the division whether its 2 W’s against the Redskins and 1 against the Giants or a W vs all three division team - but regardless the Eagles should end up 3-3 in the NFC East. That leaves us with 6 wins, 3 losses and a toss up…

The other 6 Wins

Week 1 vs St. Louis - Everyone’s “sleeper” team from last season never woke up and managed only three wins. An early season injury to Stephen Jackson sure didn’t help, but that definitely wasn’t their only problem. The Eagles should be able to win the season opener at home.

Week 4 at Chicago - Talk about a team in disarray. Things have been bad for the Eagles since their Super Bowl run, but not as bad as DA Bears. Brian Urlacher denied rumors of threatening retirement if Chicago didn’t pay him more, but the fact thats even out there tells you all you need to know. Well that and Rex Grossman and Kyle Orton will be competing for the starting QB spot.

Week 8 vs. Atlanta - Andy Reid is money coming off a BYE week, plus Atlanta is in complete rebuild/makeover their image mode.

Week 11 at Cincinnati - If the Bengals refuse to trade Chad Johnson it could be Philadelphia circa 2005 in Cinci this season. If they do trade Ocho Cinco, they’re missing one hell of a receiver and getting rid of one of the few guys on the team who hasn’t been arrested in the last few years. Johnson’s teammate and one of the Bengals repeat offenders, Chris Henry said the other day the team would be better off without Johnson.

Week 12 at Baltimore - It seems like when a coach leaves the Eagles he usually does pretty well against them (see Steve Spagnuolo, Giants), but John Harbaugh has his work cut out for him in B-More. His special teams/defensive background isn’t gonna do much for a team who’s biggest problem (even when they won the Super Bowl) has been its anemic offense. With Steve McNair’s retirement, Kyle Boller looks to be the opening day starter, and based on his one season in Miami, I don’t think offensive coordinator Cam Cameron is gonna work any miracles in his first season.

Week 13 vs Arizona (Thanksgiving) - Can you really blame Matt Leinart for being a Dude and partying it up with hot college girls in a hot tub? Are you telling me you wouldn’t be doing the same thing if you were him? I mean except for the whole he’s got a kid thing I don’t see the big deal. Being a Dead Beat Dad makes him a little less cool I guess. At the same time though, he hasn’t really proven anything in the pros, and if he doesn’t have a break out season this year, he may as well enjoy the perks of being an NFL QB while he can.

The other L’s

vs. Pittsburgh - Apparently Pittsburgh fans HATE Philadelphia, its fans, and everything that comes with it. As a Philadelphia fan, I just kind of shrug…Um ok? I was happy for the Steelers and Bill Cowher when they won, I don’t really see Pittsburgh as a rival. I’m trying to think what the equivalent would be as a Philly fan and the closest thing I can come up with would be if I hated Baltimore or Washington DC (hating Boston and New York are justified). And how could I hate a city that brought me The Wire and the first stop of every Preakness weekend?

at Seattle - A cross country trip, always a tough place to play and the Seahawks always just seem to come out on top when they face off with the Eagles. Mike Holmgren seems to have his former pupil’s number.

vs. Cleveland - DON’T SLEEP ON THE BROWNS. Cleveland is going to be a very good football team this season. Braylon Edwards and Donte Stallworth are a very good a 1-2 WR combo and (maybe a half step below Randy Moss/Wes Welker). Derek Anderson has to prove he can put together another solid season, but with those two targets he should be able to. And Jamal Lewis gives them a force in the backfield. Too many weapons for the Birds.

The toss up

at San Francisco- a cross country trip sandwiched between a division game with Washington and a BYE week, I can just see the Birds coming out flat for this one. After a few years of implementing his system and his #1 QB (Alex Smith), this should be the year that Mike Nolan and Co. make some waves by the Bay. But if the Eagles have their act together, they could come in, eat another young QB for breakfast and head back to Philly for the week 7 BYE as good as 4-2.