Through four games, the Arizona Cardinals are 2-2 and are coming off a thrilling, albeit sloppy, overtime win over the 49ers in Glendale.
Their next matchup is in Philadelphia against the 3-1, NFC East-leading Eagles on Sunday morning.
The Cardinals have notoriously struggled in East Coast games in recent years, and the Eagles might be the best team they've faced so far this season. Can they pull the upset on the road? Here are ABC15's predictions for the game, which begins Sunday at 10 a.m. Arizona time.
ABC15.com sportswriter Shane Dale
The Cardinals could have their best game of the season Sunday and still not win. They just have so much going against them heading into this game: An East Coast game with an early start, key injuries (especially on the offensive line), and a second-year Eagles quarterback who's off to an outstanding start.
One reason for hope for the Cardinals: The Eagles' pass defense stinks. Despite being hit more than any other quarterback through four games, Carson Palmer has looked pretty good throwing the football for most of the year, and Larry Fitzgerald has 11 touchdowns in eight career games (including the playoffs) vs. Philly.
But the Eagles are simply a better, more balanced team playing at home. All things considered, a win for the Cards on Sunday is likely just too big a hill to climb right now.
Eagles 27, Cardinals 17
ABC15 real-time editor Clayton Klapper
A lot of stats lead toward Philadelphia pulling off the win at home this weekend, but there are still a few that suggest the Cardinals might be poised for an upset.
The Cardinals' defense has been strong against the run, and Philadelphia relied heavily on LeGarrette Blount in its win last week against the Chargers. If the Cardinals can eliminate the run, they may be able to force Carson Wentz into making a few mistakes.
Carson Palmer was able to put up 357 yards passing last week against the 49ers, and the Eagles have one of the worst passing defenses in the league, so the Cardinals offense could finally have a breakout game. The Eagles will also be without Fletcher Cox, which should give the Cardinals a better chance to protect Palmer up front.
Yes, the Eagles are 3-1, but those three wins came against the Redskins, Giants and Chargers, who are a combined 2-10. The Cardinals' two wins came against the Colts and 49ers, who are a combined 1-7, so this game is a bit of a clean slate for both teams.
Cardinals 27, Eagles 21
