The Philadelphia Eagles are positioned as favorites to win the NFC East and hold the third-best odds to win the conference in the upcoming 2026 NFL season. A key factor in their potential success lies in revitalizing their offensive strategy, which ranked 19th in scoring last year after a three-season run in the top 10. The team has brought in new offensive coordinator Sean Mannion to help achieve this goal.
To address the departure of wide receiver A.J. Brown, the Eagles have signed Hollywood Brown and Dontayvion Wicks. However, the team's offensive identity historically performs best when the running game is a central focus. The league's decision to allow the tush-push play to remain legal is seen as a significant advantage, particularly for quarterback Jalen Hurts, who excels in goal-line situations with his offensive line's support.
Since becoming a full-time starter in 2021, Hurts has consistently been a strong rushing threat, recording double-digit rushing touchdowns in all but one season and leading the NFL in red zone touchdowns in both 2023 and 2024. Last season, however, his rushing touchdown total decreased to eight as his rushing attempts saw a significant drop. Throughout his first four seasons as a starter, Hurts averaged 152.8 rushing attempts per season, a number that fell to 105 in 2025.
To recapture past offensive efficiency, the Eagles need to leverage Hurts' dual-threat capabilities. While the passing game may require time to develop, Mannion is expected to prioritize the run from the outset. It is anticipated that the Eagles will learn from their previous season's shortcomings and position Hurts to increase his rushing attempts back towards the 150 range. Should this occur, Hurts is projected to return to scoring over 10 rushing touchdowns this season.
Sports betting markets are offering Hurts at plus money for 10 or more rushing touchdowns, presenting a perceived value for bettors looking to wager on the over.