The Eagles’ roller-coaster 2008 season involved a strange first five games. The highs — a blowout of the Rams and a 15-6 win over the eventual-champion Steelers — were doused by losses to the Cowboys, Bears and Redskins, three non-playoff teams. And it was that opening stretch that, in a way, defined the Eagles’ season. With greater expectations, the team hopes to avoid such a start this time around but has an interesting slate ahead of it. The opening duo of the Panthers (in Carolina) and Saints could be daunting, having to face one of the league’s best rushing games Week One and one of the best passing games Week Two. But if the Eagles can split those two games, the next three contests — with a bye in the middle — are against the rebuilding Chiefs, Buccaneers and Raiders before the meat of the schedule and the first division games hit them. A 2-3 record against this schedule would be a blow to a team that has serious Super Bowl aspirations.

Kickoff is coming! Be sure to buy copies of the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports 2009 NFL preview magazine, as well as the Pro Football Weekly/Yahoo! Sports Fantasy Football Guide 2009, both of which are now available at bookstores, newsstands and retail outlets where magazines are sold. Or order your copies online at PFWStore.com.