The Eagles are getting too much respect heading into this week’s Bengals game

The Philadelphia Eagles are 0-2. They’re the NFL’s worst team in terms of DVOA. Only one team ranks lower in point differential. Carson Wentz owns the NFL’s second lowest passer rating.

Despite all this, the Eagles are somehow 6.5 point favorites to beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 3.

My question is: why?

Sure, the Bengals aren’t good. They’re 0-2, too, and they only rank 27th in DVOA. Their offensive line — ranked 31st by Pro Football Focus heading into the season — is gettable. Cincy’s run defense has surrendered 370 yards (5.0 yards per attempt) and four touchdowns.

So, perhaps the Eagles will be able to take pressure off a struggling Wentz by riding Miles Sanders to victory. Wouldn’t entirely rule it out. Philly’s offensive line did play better in Week 2 after struggling against the Washington Football Team.

But it’s just not easy to give the Eagles the benefit of the doubt right now. They don’t deserve it. Who’s to say Jim Schwartz’s defense won’t struggle for the second week in a row? Joe Burrow might be a rookie but he was the No. 1 overall pick for a reason. He’s shown promise thus far; PFF has him as their 20th graded quarterback. For context, Wentz is 38th.

Don’t get me wrong, I think the Eagles can win this game. But to assume they can do it so easily? I don’t get how you could. Easy decision to take the points here.