Week Four Clash of the NFC Undefeated
This Sunday, September 28th, the Philadelphia Eagles head south to Florida to take on the Buccaneers. It will be another NFC showdown that will leave one team undefeated and the other with its perfect record shattered. Although the Eagles have won 19 of their last 20 games with Jalen Hurts at the helm, it is the Buccaneers who have walked away victoriously in six of their last seven meetings. Something will have to give when these two teams collide, and the result will tell if history or momentum has the upper hand.
Buccaneers
When it comes to the Buccaneers, Baker Mayfield has come in clutch late, with winning drives in the final minute of regulation in each of the three games of 2025. Heading into Week Four, Vic Fangio has noted that Mayfield’s scrambling ability is a threat. Last week, he had 44 rushing yards over four carries and 233 passing yards, averaging eight yards per attempt. His top two receivers in the last game were Emeka Egbuka, who brought in six of his eight targets for 85 yards, and Sterling Shepard, who caught four of his five targets for 80 yards. Mike Evans is questionable after a hamstring injury, but Chris Godwin is likely to return after missing since Week Seven of the 2024 season due to an ankle injury. Defensively, Tampa has been exceptional at containing the run under Todd Bowles, where they haven't allowed more than 100 rushing yards in the last 11 games. Their pass rush also found success sacking Jets QB Tyrod Taylor four times, the same number that Hurts took against the Rams.
Eagles
As for the Eagles, last week's win proved the passing game is back in rhythm. Hurts threw for 226 yards with three touchdown passes. AJ Brown had his first great game of the season, with 109 receiving yards and a touchdown. DeVonta Smith also delivered for the offense, catching all four of his targets and securing the touchdown to put them ahead late in the fourth. Hurts has also done a good job at scrambling when needed, and has put up 117 rushing yards so far. However, it seems that after a standout season last year, Saquon Barkley has been stifled. He is averaging less than four yards per carry over the past three weeks, making him due for a breakout game. This Sunday could be the performance that ends Tampa's streak. Philadelphia allowed 26 points to LA in Week Three, but still held them to only three of 10 third-down conversions and only one of four in the red zone. The defensive unit’s depth will be tested as many starters have injuries, and their weakest link remains the secondary—a matchup that Tampa's WRs have the skillset to expose.
Key Matchups to Watch
When these two undefeated teams meet, it usually comes down to individual battles, and this matchup offers several that are worth watching. On the outside, AJ Brown’s speed, precise route running, and physicality will test Tampa’s top corner, Jamel Dean, whose ability to prevent big plays could determine the tempo of the game. On the other hand, veteran Sterling Shepard is expected to go head-to-head with the young corner Cooper DeJean, a duel that could either extend Tampa's drives or give Philly timely stops. Perhaps the most interesting matchup lies in the special teams. Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis blocked two kicks for the Birds last week, and Tampa's Chase McLaughlin had one of his own blocked by the Jets. Each of these matchups has the potential to swing momentum in what is expected to be a tight contest between unbeaten teams.
Once again, it seems NFC bragging rights are on the line, as the winner of this battle will walk away undefeated. A major storyline in this game is depth, with both teams battling extensive injury reports and searching for ways to exploit those weaknesses. The Eagles and the Buccaneers will each have to adapt to find success this week, as the smallest details could determine the outcome of this game. Tampa has historically had the Eagles’ number, but Philly proved last week that they should never be counted out.
