The Eagles are staring down a pivotal Week 14 matchup against the Los Angeles Chargers, and make no mistake - this one carries serious weight. After back-to-back losses, Philadelphia is looking to steady the ship and keep control of the NFC East.
At 8-4, they’re still clinging to first place in the division and holding onto the No. 3 seed in the NFC. But with the Rams and Packers breathing down their necks, the margin for error is shrinking fast.
To walk out of L.A. with a win, the Eagles will need more than just a solid team effort - they’ll need key performances from a few players who haven’t consistently delivered this season, or who are stepping into bigger roles due to injuries and roster changes. Here’s a closer look at four names who could swing this game in Philly’s favor.
Saquon Barkley, RB - Time to Break One Loose
Let’s be honest: this hasn’t been the kind of season Saquon Barkley envisioned when he joined the Eagles. He’s been grinding, but the explosiveness we’re used to seeing just hasn’t shown up on a consistent basis. With only one 100-yard game and an average under four yards per carry, Barkley hasn’t been the game-changer he’s capable of being.
That said, this could be the week he flips the script. The Chargers defense is giving up just over 100 rushing yards per game - not exactly a soft target - but Barkley’s not just any back.
He doesn’t need 25 carries to make an impact; he just needs one crease, one missed tackle, one moment. And with Jalen Hurts needing more support to keep the offense balanced and unpredictable, Barkley breaking a few big runs could be the difference between a bounce-back win and a third straight loss.
Jalyx Hunt, EDGE - Quietly Dominant, Ready to Feast
If you haven’t been paying close attention to Jalyx Hunt, it’s time to change that. While the Eagles’ pass rush has been inconsistent, Hunt has been a steady force off the edge.
Over the past month-plus, he’s been one of the most disruptive defenders on the field - 20 pressures, 15 quarterback hits, two sacks, two interceptions (including a pick-six), and a forced fumble. That’s not just productive; that’s playmaker status.
Now, with Justin Herbert nursing an injury, Hunt has a golden opportunity to make his presence felt early and often. The Chargers’ offensive line has had its ups and downs, and if Hunt can get home a few times or force Herbert into rushed decisions, it could swing the momentum in Philly’s favor. He’s been heating up - this might be the week he boils over.
Adoree' Jackson, CB - Spotlight’s On
The Eagles’ cornerback room has been through the wringer. After Jaire Alexander retired and Darius Slay was scooped up by the Bills off waivers, the secondary has been scrambling for stability. That puts a big spotlight on Adoree' Jackson, and so far, the results have been shaky.
Jackson has only six pass breakups this year and ranks near the bottom of the league among cornerbacks in overall grade. That’s not going to cut it against a Chargers receiving corps that can stretch the field and win contested catches.
The Eagles don’t need Jackson to be perfect - they just need him to hold his own and not give up the back-breaking plays. If he can tighten up his coverage and play with confidence, it’ll go a long way toward keeping Herbert and company in check.
Moro Ojomo, DT - The Underrated Anchor
With Jalen Carter sidelined, the Eagles are leaning on their depth up front - and that means Moro Ojomo is stepping into a bigger spotlight. While Jordan Davis often gets the headlines, Ojomo has quietly been one of the most efficient interior linemen in the league. According to PFF, he’s ranked 12th among all defensive tackles, thanks to a strong 75.3 grade backed by 36 pressures, 30 hurries, and four sacks.
Ojomo might not have Carter’s flash, but he brings a steady, disruptive presence that anchors the line. Against a Chargers offense that likes to get the ball out quickly and keep the pocket clean, Ojomo’s ability to collapse the interior and disrupt timing could be crucial.
He doesn’t need to be spectacular - just consistent. And based on what we’ve seen, he’s more than capable of delivering.
The Bottom Line
This game isn’t just about ending a losing streak - it’s about proving the Eagles are still contenders in a loaded NFC. To do that, they’ll need their stars to play like stars, and their role players to rise to the moment. Barkley, Hunt, Jackson, and Ojomo all have something to prove, and if they deliver, the Eagles could walk out of SoFi Stadium with a statement win - and a firm grip on their playoff path.