Raiders vs Eagles prediction and analysis
Game Context
The Las Vegas Raiders (2-11) travel to Lincoln Financial Field to take on the Philadelphia Eagles (8-5) on Sunday, December 14, 2025, with the Eagles installed as heavy favorites (PHI -12, O/U 38.5). On paper the gap between these clubs is large: Philadelphia sits atop the NFC East and boasts a stout defense, while Las Vegas has struggled to move the ball and finish games all season.
Recommended Sports Betting Sites
Key Factors to Watch
- Offensive disparity: The Raiders rank near the bottom of the league in scoring (15.1 PPG) and rushing (72.7 YPG), while the Eagles own a top-10 scoring defense that limits explosive plays and forces opponents into long drives.
- Quarterback matchups: Geno Smith has produced solid accuracy numbers but has struggled to generate rushing or explosive plays this year. Jalen Hurts remains the multi-dimensional engine for Philly—his ability to extend drives with his legs and convert red-zone chances elevates the Eagles’ floor.
- Run game and playmakers: Philadelphia features an efficient rushing attack with two backs capable of big games; Saquon Barkley’s presence keeps the Raiders’ front honest. Las Vegas’ leading rusher has been modest, making it easier for the Eagles to focus on limiting passing windows.
- Home-field & situational trendline: The Eagles have been reliably strong at Lincoln Financial Field in recent seasons, and Las Vegas has been one of the NFL’s worst road teams in 2025 (1-5 on the road coming in).
- Recent form: Philly arrives off a narrow loss and has motivation to bounce back; Las Vegas has lost multiple straight and faces matchup problems schematically against a disciplined Eagles defense.
Why Philadelphia Will Win
- Defense creates differential: The Eagles rank among the league leaders in points allowed. Against a Raiders offense that struggles to sustain drives and convert third downs, Philly should generate turnovers and short fields.
- Control of tempo: Expect the Eagles to lean on their run balance and short passing game to keep Geno Smith and Las Vegas’ offense off the field. That strategy both shortens the game and limits upset potential.
- Matchup advantages: Philly’s front seven can clog lanes and pressure the passer without overcommitting, forcing predictable down-and-distance for the Raiders’ conservative attack.
Why the Raiders Could Keep It Close
- Underdog incentive: As a double-digit underdog, Las Vegas can play freely and focus on quick strikes; if they catch Philly off rhythm early they could avoid a blowout.
- Big-play upside from veterans: Geno Smith still has the accuracy to hit a few chunk plays; if the Raiders win the turnover battle they can flip field position quickly.
Prediction Summary
Given the mismatch in offensive firepower and Philadelphia’s defensive consistency at home, this is a classic spot for the Eagles to reassert control. The Raiders’ inability to run the ball and finish scoring drives forces them into third-and-long repeatedly—exactly the environment where Philadelphia thrives.
Final read: I expect the Eagles to control the line of scrimmage, win time of possession, and limit Las Vegas to a low scoring output. This projects as a comfortable home win with Philadelphia covering the 12-point spread.
Projected final score: Philadelphia 24, Las Vegas 10 (Eagles cover).
Betting angle: Play Philadelphia -12. Lean the Under 38.5 as a secondary play—both teams have recent trends toward lower totals and Philly’s offense should be efficient but not shootout-level explosive.
Final Prediction
Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles -12
