Eagles-Panthers Game Preview: Who Will Win in Week 6?
The Philadelphia Eagles will host the Carolina Panthers at Lincoln Financial Field in Week 6. Following a last-second loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars in London, the Eagles are looking to bounce back with a much-needed win at home. Yet the Eagles will have to do so without starting quarterback Jalen Hurts, who is out indefinitely due to a blood clot, along with several other key starters.
While the Eagles have lost three consecutive games, Carolina is well-rested and coming off a bye week. Despite a 2-2 start to the regular season, the Panthers currently sit atop the NFC South due to the division’s struggles. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has impressed in 2026 and will look to continue his scorching hot start against Philadelphia’s improving defense.
Here’s my game preview for the Week 6 matchup between the Eagles and the Panthers.
Three Storylines To Follow
Can Tanner McKee Be the Next Malik Willis?
Two years ago, Eagles backup quarterback Tanner McKee was viewed as a hot commodity that some valued as high as a second-round pick in trade talks. Yet fast forward to 2026 and McKee was involved in an awkward position battle with veteran quarterback Andy Dalton. McKee ultimately lost the battle and opened the regular season as Philadelphia’s emergency third quarterback.
Dalton has since been released and now McKee is QB2 in Philadelphia. He’ll fill-in for Hurts in Week 6 and if he takes advantage of the opportunity, he could be the next Malik Willis. The former Green Bay Packers quarterback impressed in a few starts working with Sean Mannion and turned it into a massive pay day in free agency. McKee can do the same thing in a contract year with a strong showing in relief of Hurts for the Eagles.
The Return of Jonathan Greenard
When the Eagles traded for (and paid) Pro Bowl edge rusher Jonathan Greenard in the offseason, he was expected to play a huge role in Philadelphia. Yet the 29-year-old has only appeared in two of the team’s first five regular season games in 2026. Greenard was limited in both of those games and now he’s ready to prove that he’s still an elite edge rusher against the Panthers in Week 6.
“I know the impact I can have on this game,” Greenard told reporters this week. “I still feel like I'm one of the best at my position. I like myself against anybody. So it's a matter of me getting out there and actually showing it and putting it on tape because I know it's there." Well Greenard is going to be out there against the Panthers. With Jalyx Hunt out, the team is going to need Greenard to show that he’s still one of the best at his position.
Ground and (Keep) Pounding
The official motto of the Panthers is “Keep Pounding.” Ironically, that’s exactly what the Eagles should try to do against Carolina’s defense on Sunday. Despite missing the team’s top three running backs, Philadelphia’s offense should try to establish the run early against the Panthers. Carolina’s defense is allowing 156.5 rushing yards per game, which is the second-most in the NFL, only ahead of the Dallas Cowboys. The Panthers are also allowing 5.4 yards per carry, the most in the NFL.
While McKee will likely be more than willing to throw the ball downfield, the Eagles can’t afford to abandon the running game against one of the worst run defenses in the NFL. Dameon Pierce will likely get the start at running back and despite struggling against the Jaguars last week, he should be able to get going against the Panthers. We could also see the Eagles get creative with designed runs for Marquise Brown or other wide receivers too.
Two Underrated Players To Watch For
Arnold Ebiketie
The Eagles will likely be without Jalyx Hunt and A.J. Epenesa at edge rusher on Sunday. Therefore, Philadelphia will rely on an edge rusher trio of Nolan Smith Jr., Jonathan Greenard and Arnold Ebiketie. When Hunt suffered an injury last week, Ebiketie stepped up and made his presence known. He played a season-high 38 defensive snaps and recorded four total pressures, including two quarterback hits.
If the Eagles are going to slow down Young and the Panthers’ passing attack, they’ll need Ebiketie to contribute off of the edge. While his defensive performance against the Jaguars was overshadowed by his blunder on the game’s final kickoff, the 27-year-old will have a big opportunity to redeem himself in Week 6. If Ebiketie plays well against the Panthers, he could earn a bigger role in the team’s edge rusher rotation moving forward.
Darren Waller
The Panthers average 301.3 passing yards per game, second-most in the NFL, only behind the Los Angeles Rams. While the Panthers rising star wide receiver duo of Tetairoa McMillan and Jalen Coker are key parts of Carolina’s passing attack, don’t forget about veteran tight end Darren Waller. While the 34-year-old may not be the player that he once was, he has already hauled in 13 receptions for 148 yards and two touchdowns in four games.
Philadelphia’s linebacker duo of Zack Baun and Jihaad Campbell has struggled at times in coverage this season. While the Eagles are expected to also rotate in Jeremiah Trotter Jr. at linebacker this week, Philadelphia’s defense needs to be aware of Waller. At 6’6” and 238 lbs., Waller is still a dangerous weapon that needs to be accounted for, especially if the Panthers reach the red zone in Philadelphia.
One Key Matchup To Monitor
Sean Mannion vs. Ejiro Evero
Eagles first-year offensive coordinator Sean Mannion has insisted to embrace life under center with heavy personnel and condensed formations. While Mannion continues to push through the team’s struggles, it’s clear that the Eagles have had a hard time against the blitz in 2026. Unfortunately, Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero loves to blitz and has several unique players that have allowed him to do so at a high level this season.
Evero has dialed up the blitz at one of the highest rates in the NFL, especially when facing under center play action plays. If Mannion is going to do so with McKee at quarterback, he’ll have to a plan in place against the blitz. The Panthers like to utilize their starting linebacker duo of Bobby Okereke and Devin Lloyd as blitzers, who have each been utilized as pass rushers on at least 22 snaps this season. Panthers defensive back Tre'von Moehrig also gets in on the action with 14 snaps as a blitzer in 2026.
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Final Score Predictions
Anthony’s Pick: Eagles 24, Panthers 17
The Eagles are 3.5 point underdogs at home against the Panthers. Philadelphia is also coming off an international game, while Carolina is coming off a bye week. Obviously, the Eagles will start Tanner McKee in place of Jalen Hurts at quarterback. It seems like all signs point towards a victory for the Panthers, yet I truly believe that McKee and the Eagles will shock the NFL world with an upset victory in Week 6.
Josh’s Pick: Eagles 20, Panthers 17
I’ve given up trying to explain what’s happening in Philadelphia with all the injuries. All I can say is prayers for Jalen Hurts. In the meantime, it’s up to Tanner McKee to try and hold things down for the Eagles while missing QB1. Yet I’m oddly optimistic that the Mormon Missile can get the job done Sunday against a gettable Panthers secondary. I expect an inspired effort from him and Vic Fangio’s defense to get the Birds back to .500.