Look for a terrific 13-3 season from the Eagles this season

WHEN I STARTED doing Eagles "Post Game Live" on Comcast SportsNet, some sports journalists said I had no business talking about sports because I wasn't an "expert" and never played football beyond high school.

Of course, their complaints were off base because I never held myself out to be an expert - just a longtime fan and I was clear that I would try to present the fans' perspective on TV - and that's also been my goal with this column.

Having said that, let me crow a little bit. Last year in this column, I predicted the Eagles would be 9-3 going into the last quarter of the season. I was right on (I did have the Birds losing to the Colts and beating the 49ers, so I wasn't perfect up to that point). I had them going 2-2 down the stretch to finish 11-5 and make the playoffs. Though I did have them beating Dallas, which turned out to be dreadfully wrong, I actually predicted that the Birds would suffer a letdown against the Redskins with DeSean Jackson grabbing two TD passes. So, all in all, not bad for a non-expert.

So, here we go again as the Birds prepare for another season. Fans can hardly contain their excitement over the possibility of a recordsetting offense and a much-improved defense.

Let's start with the fact that the schedule is much easier than last year's and, thankfully, does not include matchups with the Seahawks or the Colts. Next, we can all agree the defense should be much better, with DeMeco Ryans back and the addition of Kiko Alonso, Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond. The front three and linebackers are as good as any in the NFL, and the secondary also seems to be improved (though Eric Rowe's play in the last preseason game against the Jets makes me nervous).

I believe Sam Bradford is every bit as good of a passer as Chip Kelly told us he was. But will he stay healthy? Who knows, but the Eagles have so many weapons - a three-pronged running attack, rookie wide receiver Nelson Agholor, and an improved Jordan Matthews and Zach Ertz (once he gets healthy) - that I think they can still win, even if Mark Sanchez has to take the helm.

And don't forget special teams, which were very good last season and could be great this season with the addition of Kenjon "The burner" Barner.

Though there are always some question marks, all of the above are reasons to be optimistic and lead me to believe we are in store for a magnificent, 13-3 season and a deep playoff run.

Here's how I think it will unfold, game by game:

At Atlanta Falcons: 38-17 win. Eagles' high-powered offense torches the Falcons' porous defense in the battle of the Birds.

Vs. Dallas Cowboys: 31-21 win. Eagles get Cowboys with defensive end Greg Hardy suspended and cornerback Orlando Scandrick out for the season with a torn right ACL, and win their home opener fairly easily.

At New York Jets: 27-10 win. While Pope Francis preaches mercy on the Parkway, the Eagles show none to the Jets.

At Washington Redskins: 34-10 win. Sam Bradford is on fire while the "D" shuts down quarterback Kirk Cousins.

Vs. New Orleans Saints: 30-24 win. Tough game as Saints QB Drew Brees torches Rowe, but the Birds win, thanks to Barner taking one all the way.

Vs. New York Giants: 41-17 win. Injured Victor Cruz makes it an easy day for the Birds.

At Carolina Panthers: 28-27 win. Always tough to win on the road against the Panthers, but running back DeMarco Murray puts the Eagles on his back and Maxwell makes a big pick.

At Dallas Cowboys: 24-28 loss. With Hardy back, the Cowboys are fired up for Birds, and Eagles' hopes of matching the undefeated 1972 Dolphins die.

Vs. Miami Dolphins: 30-17 win. This year's version of the Dolphins are no match for the men in midnight green.

Vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 44-24 win. Bucs rookie QB Jameis Winston plays very well but not good enough.

At Detroit Lions: 27-24 win. The Lions can be tough in their traditional Thanksgiving home game, but the Birds win this one on a last-minute TD pass from Bradford to Ertz.

At New England Patriots: 28-31 loss. Tom Brady is better than Bradford, but not by much.

Vs. Buffalo Bills: 27-14 win. The Birds' "D" stifles Shady McCoy.

Vs. Arizona Cardinals: 30-20 win. Cards can't keep up at frigid, snowy Lincoln Financial Field.

Vs. Washington Redskins: 34-17 win. No letdown this year, as the Birds romp.

At New York Giants: 24-30 loss. Birds have already clinched the NFC East, so Sanchez plays QB. Giants' tandem of Cruz and Odell Beckham Jr. lead meaningless upset.

On Twitter: @GovEdRendell