Eagles-Chargers Game Preview: Who Will Win in Week 14?
After back-to-back losses, the Philadelphia Eagles will have a chance to silence all of the doubters that are comparing this season to the collapse that took place in 2023. Similar to that debacle, the Eagles are once again traveling across the country to visit a team with an injury at quarterback following two losses.
Can the Philadelphia avoid another disaster like the one that took place against the Seattle Seahawks in 2023? We’ll see. The Eagles will look to bounce back on the road as they’ll visit the Los Angeles Chargers under the bright lights of Monday Night Football.
Here’s my full game preview for a primetime matchup in Week 14.
Three Storylines To Follow
Can Eagles Slow Down Chargers Rushing Attack?
The Eagles were absolutely embarrassed on the ground against the Chicago Bears in Week 13. The Bears had 281 rushing yards and averaged 6.0 yards per carry as Philadelphia’s defense appeared helpless on Black Friday.
Now the Eagles will be tasked with trying to slow down the Chargers running game without All-Pro defensive tackle Jalen Carter. Los Angeles is also expected to welcome back standout rookie running back Omarion Hampton, who had 314 rushing yards in his first five career games in the NFL.
Since their bye week in Week 9, the Eagles have allowed just 3.7 yards per carry on runs inside the tackles, according to NFL Next Gen Stats. Yet Philadelphia has also allowed 5.9 yards per carry outside the tackles during that same span.
With Carter ruled out for the Eagles, I’d expect the Chargers to continue to test Philadelphia’s struggling run defense. Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will have to adapt and prove that their performance on Black Friday was a fluke and not who the defense truly is.
Saquon Barkley Could Repeat Success at SoFi Stadium
Eagles star running back Saquon Barkley isn’t exactly shining bright in 2025. Barkley has averaged just 3.7 yards per carry this season, as he had crashed back down to earth after a historic debut season with the Eagles.
Yet Barkley will return to SoFi Stadium on Monday night, the scene of the greatest game of his NFL career. On November 24th, 2024, Barkley had a career-high 255 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium.
Barkley could replicate his success on the road in Los Angeles once again. While Barkley has averaged just 2.7 yards after contact per carry this season, the Chargers have allowed 3.5 yards after contact per carry, the seventh-highest in the league, according to NFL Next Gen Stats.
A few Eagles players, including Jordan Mailata, have also hinted at new wrinkles being added to the running game this week. If Barkley has another big performance on the ground at SoFi Stadium, they might have to consider changing the venue’s name to SaFi Stadium.
How Will Justin Herbert’s Injury Limit Los Angeles?
Despite undergoing surgery for a fracture in his left, non-throwing hand, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert is still expected to play on Monday night. Yet Los Angeles offense could look drastically different with a compromised quarterback running the show.
While Herbert remained in the game for the Chargers following his injury last week, he did not have a single dropback from under center. If Herbert is unable to throw from under center, it could hinder the Chargers offense.
According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Herbert has averaged 8.6 yards per pass attempt from under center. Yet when Herbert is operating from shotgun, that number dips down to just 6.9 yards per pass attempt.
Meanwhile, the Eagles have excelled against quarterbacks in shotgun and struggled to stop play action from under center. Herbert’s injury could give Philadelphia the upper hand on Monday night, pun intended.
Two Underrated Players To Watch For
Marcus Epps
Once Eagles starting rookie safety Andrew Mukuba suffered an ankle injury, Philadelphia was forced to start Sydney Brown in recent weeks. While Fangio certainly doesn’t appear to be Brown’s biggest fan, help could be on the way in Week 14.
After being a full participant in practice all week long, 29-year-old veteran safety Marcus Epps could be activated in time to start on Monday night. Epps has 45 career starts in the NFL and would bring much-needed experience in place of Brown.
Prior to landing on injured reserve, it seemed like Epps already leaped ahead of Brown on Philadelphia’s depth chart. Now he’ll likely get a chance to start for the first time this season and could have a major impact back in his home state of California.
Tuli Tuipulotu
Chargers third-year edge rusher Tuli Tuipulotu has quietly grown into one of the best pass rushers in the NFL. Through the first 12 games of this season, Tuipulotu has already recorded 10 sacks and three forced fumbles.
Tuipulotu has recorded 52 total pressures in 2025, which is the 10th-most in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus. The Chargers have been able to scheme up unblocked pressures for the 23-year-old, yet the Eagles can’t let that happen on Monday night.
Eagles fans might remember his younger brother, Marlon Tuipulotu, who played for three seasons in Philadelphia. Yet Tuli is a far better player and is certainly capable of giving the Eagles issues all night long in Week 14.
One Key Matchup To Monitor
Jalen Hurts vs. Jesse Minter
If Philadelphia’s offense is going to turn things around, Jalen Hurts will need to improve. The former Super Bowl MVP simply hasn’t lived up to the expectations that many placed upon him heading into this season.
Yet things won’t get any easier for Hurts in Los Angeles against Chargers defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. He is regarded as one of the most promising coordinators in the NFL and a future head coaching candidate.
Minter’s defense utilizes a ton of split safety coverage and cover 4, two looks that Hurts has struggled against. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Hurts has thrown just one of his 19 passing touchdowns against cover 4 in 2025.
If the Chargers are going to lean on their split safety looks and play cover 4, Hurts needs to find the holes in Los Angeles defense. If not, this could be the game where we finally see Hurts utilized more as a runner to capitalize on the Chargers using two deep safeties.
Underdog Pick’em Plays for Eagles-Chargers
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Final Score Predictions
Josh’s Pick: Eagles 22, Chargers 19
Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me. I’ve continued to think “this is the week” the Eagles turn it around and we’ve yet to see it on offense. Unfortunately, the Chargers don’t present the best opportunity for Kevin Patullo. Can Philly find a miracle in LA? Personally, I don’t think so but I do see Vic Fangio being able to do just enough to give the Birds a win.
Anthony’s Pick: Eagles 24, Chargers 20
The Eagles have lost back-to-back games but the vibes have never been higher in Philadelphia thanks to the “positivity bunny.” In all seriousness, I can appreciate the attempt to shift the energy in the City of Brotherly Love, including Nick Sirianni taking on a bigger role with the offense. Philadelphia will get back on track with a much-needed win in Los Angeles.