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Eagles vs. Bucs predictions roundup: National experts’ picks for Week 4 in Tampa

Opinions are split as the Birds head into Sunday’s game as 3.5-point favorites.

Things haven't often gone well for Jalen Hurts in Tampa. He's 1-3 at Raymond James Stadium, including a pair of playoff losses.
Things haven't often gone well for Jalen Hurts in Tampa. He's 1-3 at Raymond James Stadium, including a pair of playoff losses.Read moreYong Kim / Staff Photographer

After defeating the Los Angeles Rams in a come-from-behind victory on Sunday, the Eagles travel to Raymond James Stadium for a matchup against another undefeated team, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

In their last meeting almost exactly one year ago, the Eagles suffered a 33-16 loss to the Bucs. The Eagles went on to win 10 straight afterward.

Will Baker Mayfield lead the Bucs past the Eagles again and to a 4-0 record? Or will they suffer their first loss of the season to the defending Super Bowl champions? Here’s what experts in the local and national media are saying …

Inquirer predictions

As always, we start with our own beat writers. Here’s an excerpt from Olivia Reiner’s prediction for Sunday …

Tampa has been the backdrop for some Eagles nightmares under Nick Sirianni. They’ve gone 1-3 in their trips to Raymond James Stadium, including the playoffs. The heat was a real problem in the Week 4 loss last season, and it’s supposed to be steamy on Sunday. Plus, Todd Bowles has demonstrated a proficiency in pressuring Jalen Hurts and getting him out of a rhythm.
Still, crazier things have happened than the Eagles beating the Bucs in Tampa. In fact, crazier things happened against the Rams. I learned my lesson last week — picking against the Eagles right now is a bad idea.
Prediction: Eagles 28, Buccaneers 22
Olivia Reiner

To read more of Reiner’s take, plus how our other beat writers are predicting this one, check out our full predictions here.

» READ MORE: Eagles still favored vs. Bucs; plus prop bets for Jalen Hurts, A.J. Brown, Baker Mayfield, and more

National media predictions

Now, here’s a look at how the national media feel about Sunday’s matchup …

  1. ESPN: ESPN’s analysts are split. Six of their 10 panelists picked the Eagles.

  2. NFL.com: Four of the five NFL.com analysts are taking the Eagles.

  3. CBS Sports: Five of their eight panelists picked the Birds straight up.

  4. Sports Illustrated: Their experts are split on Sunday’s game. Three of seven panelists are taking the Eagles.

  5. USA Today: There’s a lean toward the Eagles at USA Today. Five of six panelists like the Birds.

  6. Bleacher Report: Similarly, five of seven Bleacher Report experts are picking the Eagles to win.

  7. Sporting News: Bill Bender has the Eagles winning 30-24.

» READ MORE: Bucs coach Todd Bowles is a Tush Push fan, but don’t call him a ‘hero’

Local media predictions

Here’s what some media members around Philadelphia think will happen in Tampa.

  1. PhillyVoice: Jimmy Kempski is picking the Eagles.

  2. Delaware Online: Nine of 12 panelists like the Birds.

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By all accounts, Zach Ertz is one of the most beloved players in modern Eagles history. Not only does he rank statistically as the top tight end to ever play for the team, he caught the decisive touchdown to bring Philadelphia its first Super Bowl victory, earned multiple Pro Bowl selections, and was regarded as a locker room leader. But for as strong a mark as he left on the city, Ertz had a couple tough moments with the franchise, experiences that caused him to look inward and face his demons. During a recent visit with The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane, the 35-year old Ertz reflected on how finding strength through faith helped him overcome an embarrassing mistake and bring greater balance to his life. Listen here.

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    Ariel Simpson
    I'm a trending sports reporter for The Inquirer, focusing on the stories that take place off the field.
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