The Eagles and Redskins face off in an NFC East battle to determine whether the Eagles have a chance at the #6 seed. The Redskins lead the all time series 86-77-6, but the Eagles have won 3 straight in the series including a 28-13 win earlier this month.
The Eagles defeated the Texans 32-30 on a last second field goal to stay alive last week. In week 14 they lost 29-23 to the Cowboys and in week 15 they beat the Rams 30-23.
The Redskins lost a tough 25-16 game to the Titans last week. In week 14 they lost 40-16 to the Giants, and in week 15 they beat the Jaguars 16-13.
Bovada has the Eagles as 7 point favourites on the road with an O/U total of 42.
The Eagles offense has taken off with Nick Foles at the helm. Foles has thrown for 1192 yards, 5 TDs, and 3 INTs while completing 69.8% of his passes and averaging 7.4 YPA in his 4 games this season. Tight end Zach Ertiz leads the way in the receiving game with 113 catches for 1148 yards and 8 TDs. Alshon Jeffery (60/784/5), Nelson Agholor (59/696/2), and Dallas Goedert (30/307/4) are heavily involved as well. Josh Adams spearheads the rushing attack with 109 carries for 461 yards and 3 TDs, while Wendell Smallwood (75/311/3) and Darren Sproles (22/96/1) get some work as well.
The Eagles scoring defense ranks middle of the pack allowing 23.2 PPG. Their pass defense is ranked dead last allowing 282.7 yards per game and 22 TDs through the air while their pass rush ranks just outside the top 10 allowing 40 sacks. Their run defense ranks top 10 allowing 102 yards per game and 14 TDs on the ground. Their defense has forced just 16 turnovers, and as a team they own a -6 turnover differential.
Injuries and Inactive Watch
None
The Redskins have turned to veteran journeyman Josh Johnson after losing their first 2 quarterbacks. Johnson has thrown for 499 yards, 3 TDs, and 3 INTs while completing 62.5% of his passes and averaging 7.8 YPA in his 3 games as a starter. Tight end Jordan Reed leads the way in receiving with 54 catches for 558 yards and 2 TDs. Josh Doctson (42/499/2), Chris Thompson (36/254/1) and Jamison Crowder (28/381/2) are featured as well. On the ground, renaissance man Adrian Peterson leads the rushing attack with 247 carries for 1042 yards and 7 TDs, while Chris Thompson (41/168/0) and Josh Johnson (19/117/1) are involved as well.
The Redskins scoring defense is ranked just above average allowing 22.3 PPG. Their passing defense ranks middle of the pack allowing 237.5 yards per game and 24 TDs through the air while their pass rush ranks top 10 with 43 sacks. Their run defense ranks middle of the pack allowing 115.4 yards per game and 12 TDs on the ground. Their defense has forced 25 turnovers, and as a team they own a +7 turnover differential.
Injuries and Inactive Watch
TE Jordan Reed (foot) – questionable
T Ty Nsekhe (knee) – questionable
DT Matt Ioannidis (hamstring) – questionable
The Eagles offense looks a lot smoother with Nick Foles at QB for whatever reason. The Redskins no longer have D.J. Swearinger in the back end, so the Eagles can feel more comfortable leaning on Zach Ertz and attacking downfield. Up front, the Eagles offensive line has been mauling people and if the Eagles build up a lead they should be able to lean on the run game.
The Redskins offense is decimated by injury, especially on the offensive line. Against a fearsome Eagles defensive front that could spell disaster. The patchwork Eagles secondary has also been playing much better as of late, and the Redskins don’t have anyone who really threatens defenses in the pass game. The Eagles should run away with this one and put themselves in position to slide in to the #6 seed barring a Vikings win.
Final Pick: Eagles (-7)
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