Week 4 staff predictions: Jacksonville Jaguars at Philadelphia Eagles

The Jacksonville Jaguars got the attention of the NFL when they shut out the Indianapolis Colts two weeks ago, but many still questioned if it was a fluke, or if this team is for real.

The Jaguars made many naysayers believers last week in thrashing the Los Angeles Chargers 38-10.

This week could go a long way in the Jaguars quickly shedding the loser tag they've been stuck with for the past decade as they go to Philadelphia to play the undefeated Eagles.

Doug Pederson won a Super Bowl with the Eagles in 2017, and he returns to his old stomping ground to see if he can keep his new team's momentum going in the right direction.

The Eagles opened as a 6.5-point favorite.

More Jaguars coverage:

• Rookie of the Year?: Jaguars LB Devin Lloyd has made his case with stellar play

• Leading the way: Jaguars QB Trevor Lawrence earns AFC Offensive Player of the Week honor after Week 3 performance

• Fan Friday: Answering your questions about the Jacksonville Jaguars ahead of Week 4

No word on what the odds are if the Eagles crowd cheers or boos its former coach.

But considering they booed Santa Claus in 1968, a label of angry fandom that has stuck for more than five decades, it might lean toward scorn rather than brotherly love. But you never know.

Last week our expert pickers went a season-low 1-6, as only one incredibly wise person chose the Jags over the Chargers. (That incredibly wise person is the one typing these words!)

At just 6-15 for the season, this group needs to pick up the pace.

NOTE: These predictions are as of Friday morning; injuries and other developments may occur after these have been submitted.

DEMETRIUS HARVEY

Jaguars beat writer

Jaguars 24, Eagles 20

I can't seem to figure out what the Jaguars will do, but this week they head into Philadelphia with a clear plan against a team that Doug Pederson will be highly motivated to defeat. The Jaguars defense is legit and Trevor Lawrence's ascension is promising.

Season: 0-3

MIKE DiROCCO

ESPN

Jaguars 28, Eagles 27

Win the city's first Super Bowl with a backup QB and then get fired three years later? Yeah, this game means a ton to Doug Pederson.

Season: 1-2

GENE FRENETTE

Times-Union Sports columnist

Jaguars 24, Eagles 23

This could be the Jaguars' most challenging game left on the schedule outside of the Kansas City Chiefs for one reason: the Eagles' lines on both sides of the ball are really good. Plus, quarterback Jalen Hurts seems to have found a groove like Trevor Lawrence. All that said, I think Doug Pederson's first-hand knowledge of the environment and some aspects of the Eagles' roster will give the Jaguars just enough of an edge. A win here might make the Jaguars the AFC South favorite.

Season: 1-2

GARRY SMITS

Times-Union Sports reporter

Eagles 27, Jaguars 19

Yeah, I've picked against the Jags four weeks in a row but each time I felt like I had valid reasons. Twice they surprised me. But they're on the road for the second week in a row, their game-week routine may have been affected in some manner by Hurricane Ian, they're facing the NFL's No. 1-ranked offense and the most important players for the Eagles are healthy, unlike the last two opponents.

Hey, don't fret Jags fans. You would have taken 2-2 before the season started and not looked back.

Season: 1-2

JUSTON LEWIS

Times-Union Sports reporter

Eagles 28, Jaguars 24

Jalen Hurts has played at an MVP caliber early this season. Keeping the pocket clean will be especially important against a pass rush who picked up nine sacks last week. The Jaguars are playing in an emotionally charged game for head coach Doug Pederson and company.

I think this’ll be a tight contest with the Eagles coming out with a narrow home victory.

Season: 1-2

CLAYTON FREEMAN

Times-Union Sports reporter

Eagles 27, Jaguars 23

Are the Jaguars ready to end their four-year stretch of NFC woe? Maybe, but not necessarily in Philly, where the Eagles lead the NFL in total offense (447 yards per game) and stand fifth in defense. Expect Jalen Hurts to take better care of the football than Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan, and unlike Justin Herbert, he's fully healthy. One thing's for sure: If Doug Pederson does hand the Eagles their first loss in his Philadelphia return, the Jaguars' NFL buzz will start to grow into a roar.

Season: 1-2

TIM WALTERS

Times-Union Sports Editor

Jaguars 24, Eagles 21

I could do the easy thing and take the undefeated home team with a 6.5-half spread advantage in the Philadelphia Eagles. But the NFL is all about parity. To start Week 4, only two teams — the Eagles and Miami Dolphins — were undefeated. The Dolphins lost Thursday night, so the Eagles are the only unbeaten remaining.

The Jaguars are as locked in and focused as any team in the league and I think their young athletic defense will force Jalen Hurts into mistakes. They also want to win this one for their coach in his old stomping grounds.

Trevor Lawrence, James Robinson and company will do their part to keep the Jags in it and a late field goal will send Eagles fans home angry.

Season: 1-2

This article originally appeared on Florida Times-Union: Jaguars vs. Eagles predictions: Florida Times-Union picks NFL Week 4