Philadelphia Eagles (3-1) 3-1 ATS, 4-0 O/U at Oakland Raiders (1-4) 2-3 ATS, 2-3 O/U Sunday October 18, 2009 4:05 EST TV: CBS
By Wilson of Predictem.com
Point Spread: Philly -14/Raiders +14
Over/Under: 40.5
The Philadelphia Eagles moved to 3-1 after they beat Tampa Bay yesterday 33-14. Philly QB Donavan McNabb squashed any questions that he might be hampered from the rib injury. McNabb was 16 of 21 for 264 yards and 3 touchdowns. Michael Vick also got in on the action in the fourth quarter completing his first pass in 33 months. The Eagles were averaging 10.4 yards per pass play during this game and that showed on the scoreboard with the lopsided finish.
Eagles rookie receiver Jeremy Maclin was on the other end of two touchdown passes from McNabb. Maclin finished the game with 6 receptions for 142 yards with a long of 51. Philly has scored at least 33 points in each of their victories this season.
With the win, the Eagles only trail the New York Giants (5-0) in the NFC East. Philly is averaging 31 points per game while giving up 21 to their opponents. The Eagles will definitely look forward to facing the struggling Raiders.
The Oakland Raiders are truly hurting. JaMarcus Russell is in the hot seat again this week after another poor performance as the Raiders lost to the Giants 44-7. Russell was 8 of 13 for 100 yards but he also had three fumbles that turned into turnovers and more points for the Giants.
It will be difficult to bet on the Raiders to beat anyone this season with the way they have played thus far. Russell was slammed by ESPNs Chris Carter when he said it was the worst quarterbacking that he has seen ever in the NFL, and he added that Russell may have thought he was ready for this level but he is not, and he continued to bash Russell by saying that the QB is out of shape.
Oakland only ran 44 plays compared to New Yorks 65! The Raiders had just 124 yards of total offense which is quite pathetic especially for a professional team. You cant let the other team run 21 more plays than you and expect anything positive to occur. The Raiders are already famous for their bad guy reputation, but now its more embarrassing than ever especially when the coach is all over the headlines for nearly killing one of his assistants. Yeah Raider fans, it could be a long time before you have something worth rooting over.
Philly has won the last two meetings with the most recent a 23-20 win in 2005. The Raiders are averaging 9.8 points per game! Oakland is allowing 26 ppg to their opponents. The Eagles are putting up 32 ppg and giving up 21.5. This game should be as lopsided as Oaklands last contest with the Raiders sinking deeper into the cellar.
The Raiders will be facing the 4th ranked defense in total yards allowed, and 7th against the pass. I dont see JaMarcus Russell having a break out game anytime soon but hopefully hell stay focused, or get focused and turn things around for his team as well as himself. The Eagles are also one the NFLs highest scoring teams which is another concern for the Raiders come Sunday when they try to get a much needed win at home.
The Las Vegas sportsbooks have yet to post an opening line on this game but Im sure they will bless us later today. Most online casinos have opened the line with Philly -14 and the total at 40.5.
I see the Eagles flying away with this game as they plan on staying close to the Giants and ahead of the Cowboys in the NFC East.
Wilsons Pick: Eagles 42, Raiders 10. Take the over or the Eagles, either way youll likely win. Luck to ya.
