Eagles earn No. 2 spot in ESPN’s projected starting lineup rankings, and it feels right
Philly finally received the respect it deserves by the national media, and it says a lot about how the roster has been built by Howie Roseman.
The Philadelphia Eagles landed at No. 2 on ESPN’s projected best starting lineups in the NFL for the 2026 season, slotting in behind only the Los Angeles Rams. And for once, a national ranking actually gave Philadelphia the respect it deserves. The Rams took the top spot, followed by the Eagles, Seahawks, Bills, Ravens, Lions, and Patriots. I think this is a pretty fair list, and before anyone says I’m being biased, let me explain why.
The Eagles’ offensive firepower is still elite
Look, the Eagles lost A.J. Brown. That’s real. Plugging in a combination of rookie wide receiver Makai Lemon alongside Devonta Smith, Dontayvion Wicks, Hollywood Brown, and others means there will be some transition. But when you step back and look at the full picture, Philadelphia still has one of the best offensive personnel groupings in the entire NFL. Saquon Barkley is a game-changer in the backfield. Dallas Goedert remains one of the most complete tight ends in football. Jalen Hurts is still the engine that makes everything go. And the offensive line still has anchors up front who can dominate at the point of attack.
I think people just forgot how good this Eagles offense can be because of what happened under the previous play-calling. The scheme held this group back, not the talent. When offensive coordinator Sean Mannion gets his hands on these weapons and starts running creative designs, getting guys open, and letting playmakers run after the catch, this offense is going to remind people why Philadelphia belongs in the conversation with anyone.
The Rams earned the top spot, but the Eagles can make a case
The Rams at No. 1 is fair. LA made a massive defensive surge, they still have a ton of offensive firepower, and quarterback Matthew Stafford signed an extension. He seems to be aging like fine wine. But if we’re talking strictly on paper, I think the Eagles could make a legitimate argument for the top spot. Philadelphia’s roster depth on both sides of the ball, the continuity they’ve built up front, and the ceiling of a Hurts-Barkley-Devonta Smith combination should not be overlooked.
The Seahawks at No. 3 feels a little generous, but I can see the argument. Buffalo at No. 4 is interesting. Josh Allen is incredible, and nobody is disputing that. But DJ Moore as the prized offseason acquisition? I don’t think that puts the Bills over the top of a team like the Rams or the Eagles on this list. Allen elevates everyone around him, sure, but the supporting cast still has questions.
Baltimore rounds out the top five, and the Ravens are loaded with vertical threats, speed, and a power back like Derrick Henry who can wear defenses down. But there are real injury concerns with Lamar Jackson, and consistency has been a question mark for that offense when it matters most in January. I think the Ravens belong in the top tier, but slotting them behind Philadelphia feels right.