Philadelphia Eagles' 2018 NFL schedule: Defending champs won't have much room for error

Sept. 6 Falcons, 8:20 p.m.
Sept. 16 at Buccaneers, 1 p.m.
Sept. 23 Colts, 1 p.m.
Sept. 30 at Titans, 1 p.m.
Oct. 7 Vikings, 4:25 p.m.
Oct. 11 at N.Y. Giants, 8:20 p.m.
Oct. 21 Panthers, 1 p.m.
Oct. 28 vs. Jaguars (London), 9:30 a.m. ET
Nov. 4 BYE
Nov. 11 Cowboys, 8:20 p.m.
Nov. 18 at Saints, 1 p.m.
Nov. 25 N.Y. Giants, 1 p.m.
Dec. 3 Redskins, 8:15 p.m.
Dec. 9 at Cowboys, 4:25 p.m.
Dec. 16 at L.A. Rams, 8:20 p.m.
Dec. 23 Texans, 1 p.m.
Dec. 30 at Redskins, 1 p.m.

(All times ET)

Marquee game: Philadelphia has seven games against teams that reached the playoffs last season, so settling on just one is difficult. But the two toughest and most enticing matchups might be repeats of the postseason run through the NFC. The Eagles kick off their title defense by hosting the Falcons, whom they vanquished in the divisional round, and later set up an NFC Championship Game rematch with the Vikings. Atlanta's emerging defense and arsenal of offensive weapons could prove troublesome, especially if Carson Wentz isn't all the way back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament suffered last December. But with the addition of Kirk Cousins, Minnesota might be the most formidable challenger from a personnel standpoint, and the team will be eager to avenge a 38-7 drubbing.

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Stumbling block: A Week 16 tilt with the Texans is Philly's only home game in the final four weeks, and the Eagles will hit the road to face the Cowboys and Rams in the two previous weeks prior to meeting Houston. Despite a 4-12 finish in 2017, the Texans could prove to be quite a late-season test if Deshaun Watson and J.J. Watt return to form after injuries. A slip-up could have serious consequences for the Eagles. 

Noteworthy: The Eagles will play their first International Series game when they take on the Jaguars on Oct. 28 at Wembley Stadium in London. The defending AFC South champions are accustomed to the setting, having won their last three games there in the past three years. ... Philadelphia's bye comes squarely in the middle of the season at Week 9, giving the team ample time to recuperate from its overseas trip.

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Follow Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz on Twitter @MikeMSchwartz