The Patriots travel to the city of brotherly love to battle the Philadelphia Eagles. Both teams are coming off of a bye and are rested and ready to go. Today’s game is pivotal for both teams both in terms of making the playoffs and seeding.

Here are five keys for the Patriots.

1. Find a way to run the ball: The Eagles have one of the top run defenses in the NFL. They only give up 87.3 yards per game on the ground. The Patriots running game has struggled this season but if the Patriots can find a way to run the ball better, it will give them some much needed balance. Look for misdirection runs today including reverses.

2. Handle their edge rushers: The Patriots are going to throw the ball more in this game. They have to given how good Philadelphia’s front seven is against the run. Handling the Eagles front four, especially their defensive ends will be key in this game. One of the ways the Patriots could slow down Fletcher Cox and company is the screen game. The other way is quality pass pro from their front five. If they don’t get that, then they will need to max protect more and take guys out of the route combination.

3. Disrupt the timing of their RPO’s: The Eagles utilize more RPO’s than any other team in the NFL. That includes the Chiefs and the Cardinals. The Patriots have to play man coverage and bluff pressure. If they do those two things effectively, they can disrupt the timing of the Eagles run, pass options and Doug Pederson to not call them.

4. Bring outside pressure on Wentz: Carson Wentz is more comfortable throwing the ball on the run. The Patriots have to keep him in the pocket. The best way to do that is varied pressure, especially off the edge. Make Wentz have to eat the ball and take sacks.

5. LET’S GET HARRY!! The ball: Rookie wide receiver N’Keal Harry is going to make his regular season debut today. The Eagles secondary is amongst the worst in the league statistically and from a talent standpoint. The Patriots will have an opportunity to generate some one on one match ups down the field. Look for them to try and get Harry involved early.

Final score: Patriots 24 Eagles 17: Yes. I am going all homer here. I think the Patriots will bounce back and play well in what is a tough environment. The Eagles are good but they have been inconsistent this season. The Patriots will take advantage of that. Patriots win a tight one on the road.