Are Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles Legitimate Super Bowl Contenders in 2025-26?

As the 2025 NFL regular season winds down on January 1, 2026, the Philadelphia Eagles sit at 11-5, having clinched the NFC East title for the second straight year. Fresh off their Super Bowl LIX victory in February 2025—where they defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 40-22, with quarterback Jalen Hurts earning MVP honors—the Eagles entered this season as defending champions. Despite an up-and-down campaign marked by streaks of brilliance and frustration, they remain firmly in the playoff picture, likely slotted as the No. 3 seed heading into Week 18. The question on everyone’s mind: Can Hurts and this Eagles team repeat as Super Bowl contenders, or even win back-to-back titles—a feat not accomplished since the New England Patriots in 2003-04?

To answer that, we dive deep into Hurts’ performance, the team’s strengths and weaknesses, key matchups (including insights from Logan Paulsen’s film breakdowns against the Washington Commanders), roster dynamics, and playoff outlook. Drawing from stats, expert analysis, and on-field evidence through late December 2025, the verdict is clear: Yes, the Eagles are legitimate contenders, but their path to Super Bowl LX hinges on unlocking a more consistent offense while leaning on their elite defense and run game.

Jalen Hurts: From Super Bowl MVP to Perpetual Doubter

Jalen Hurts, now in his age-27 season, has solidified himself as one of the NFL’s premier dual-threat quarterbacks. In the 2024 playoffs en route to Super Bowl LIX, he posted a 71.4% completion rate, 108.6 passer rating, 10 total touchdowns, and just one turnover. His Super Bowl performance was historic: 221 passing yards, two touchdowns, one interception, plus a record-breaking 72 rushing yards and a score—avenging the Eagles’ loss to the Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII two years prior.

This season, however, has been more grounded. Through 16-17 games, Hurts has thrown for approximately 3,114 yards, 24 touchdowns, and six interceptions, with reduced rushing output (around 329 yards on 84 carries, down from his usual 600+). His passer rating hovers around 101-103, solid but not elite. Critics, including Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon, have labeled Hurts the Eagles’ “fatal flaw” for a potential three-peat, citing inconsistencies in the passing game and reliance on surrounding talent.

Yet, the numbers tell a story of efficiency and winning. Hurts has led the Eagles to playoffs in all five seasons as primary starter, with two Super Bowl appearances and one ring. He’s one of only three QBs (alongside Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes) with 25+ total touchdowns in each of the last four years. His ability to extend plays, evade pressure, and convert in the red zone—especially via the infamous “Tush Push”—remains unmatched. In big moments, like the NFC Championship blowout over the Commanders (55-23), Hurts tallied four touchdowns and zero turnovers.

The criticism feels overblown, as Sky Sports noted in November: The Eagles beat top contenders like the Chiefs, Rams, Buccaneers, Packers, and Lions while facing scrutiny. Hurts blocks out noise, continually improves, and wins games. As head coach Nick Sirianni said post-Super Bowl, “He knows how to win.” If Hurts elevates his passing in the playoffs—as he did last year—he’s capable of carrying this team deep again.

The Eagles’ Rollercoaster 2025 Season: Streaks and Resilience

The Eagles’ 11-5 record reflects inconsistency: They started 4-0, dropped two, won four, lost three (including upsets), then rebounded with three straight wins, including a gritty road victory over the Buffalo Bills (13-6) in Week 17. They’ve clinched the NFC East but missed a first-round bye, likely resting starters like Hurts in the Week 18 finale against the Commanders.

Strengths shine brightly:

• Run Game Dominance — Led by Saquon Barkley, who set a single-season rushing record (including playoffs) last year, the Eagles boast the league’s top rushing attack. Their counter and power schemes terrorize defenses.
• Defense — Under Vic Fangio, they’ve been stout, forcing turnovers and limiting points (around 19.3 PPG allowed, top-5). Players like Cooper DeJean (iconic Super Bowl pick-six) and Josh Sweat dominate.
• Trenches — Elite offensive line protects Hurts and opens lanes; defensive front disrupts QBs.

Weaknesses persist:

• Passing Inconsistency — The offense has sputtered at times, ranking mid-pack in yards. Chemistry issues, particularly with A.J. Brown, have surfaced.
• Mid-Season Slumps — Three-game losing streaks exposed vulnerabilities against balanced teams.

Power rankings place them around 8-12 entering playoffs, behind teams like the Seahawks, Bears, and Rams. Betting odds have them at +1000 for Super Bowl LX—respectable but not favorites. Still, their playoff experience (two recent Super Bowls) and home-field potential make them dangerous.

Film Breakdown Insights: Logan Paulsen on Hurts vs. Commanders

Former NFL tight end Logan Paulsen, now an analyst for the Washington Commanders, provided compelling film breakdowns highlighting Hurts’ impact, particularly in matchups against Washington.

In a December 2025 segment titled “Drama in Philly Showing Up on Film? + Jalen Hurts Deep-Dive,” Paulsen dissected the “odd relationship” between Hurts and star receiver A.J. Brown, noting how frustrations occasionally appear on tape—missed connections, body language. Yet, he praised Hurts’ processing and decision-making, especially in RPO (run-pass option) schemes that exploit defenses fearing the run.

Paulsen highlighted plays where Hurts’ pocket presence and accuracy shine: Quick releases on slants to DeVonta Smith, play-action boots exploiting over-aggressive fronts, and designed QB draws in the red zone (e.g., Barkley as lead blocker). Against the Commanders in Week 16 (a 29-18 Eagles win), Hurts flipped a halftime deficit with efficient third-quarter drives, linking run and pass seamlessly.

Earlier breakdowns (from prior seasons but relevant) emphasized Hurts’ devastating RPO game, forcing defenders to choose wrongly. Paulsen noted: “Hurts makes it look easy—reading blocks, escaping pressure, and punishing mistakes.” In the 2024 NFC Championship rematch vibe, Hurts dominated Washington again, proving his command against divisional foes.

These insights underscore Hurts’ growth: Better pre-snap reads, improved ball placement, and lethal mobility without over-relying on rushes this year.

Roster and Coaching: Built for January

The supporting cast is championship-caliber: A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith as elite WRs, Dallas Goedert at TE, Barkley in the backfield, and a reloaded defense with young stars like Jalen Carter. Nick Sirianni’s staff adapts mid-season, as seen in offensive tweaks post-slumps.

Cap flexibility allows extensions (rumors of Hurts’ deal revisit), and playoff rest prioritizes health—learning from past injuries (e.g., A.J. Brown’s knee in 2023).

Playoff Outlook and Path to Super Bowl LX

As likely No. 3 seed, the Eagles host a Wild Card game, potential Divisional vs. Rams/Bears, and NFC Championship at home if top seeds falter. Matchups favor them: Run-heavy style grinds cold-weather games; defense travels.

Challenges: NFC loaded with Rams (Stafford MVP-caliber), Bears, Seahawks. Repeating requires Hurts’ playoff elevation and avoiding turnovers.

Experts split: Some see “fatal flaws” in passing; others view them as scariest under-the-radar team, per The Athletic.

 Yes, Contenders—With Championship Pedigree

Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles are unequivocally Super Bowl contenders. Defending champs with a proven QB, dominant run game, stifling defense, and playoff poise don’t fade easily. Inconsistencies exist, but history shows they peak in January—blowing out contenders when it matters.

Hurts, forever underrated despite MVP hardware, thrives on doubt. As he proved in Super Bowl LIX, he’s special. Back-to-back titles are rare, but this roster has the tools. Fly Eagles Fly—contention is real, and another Lombardi is within reach.