Washington Redskins (3-7 4-6 ATS) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (6-4 5-4-1 ATS) Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA 1 PM EST Sunday November 29, 2009 on FOX
by Jason Green at Predictem.com
Point Spread: Redskins +10 / Eagles -10
Over/Under: 40.5
This Sunday the Philadelphia Eagles host the Washington Redskins. The Eagles are still in the thick of the playoff race, as they trail the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC East by only 1 game. The Redskins’ season has been a mess and there was ray of light after beating the Denver Broncos 2 weeks ago, but they could only muster 2 field goals in last week’s loss to Dallas.
The Redskins have struggled on offense all season even though their defense has been legit. Both of their featured RB’s are injured and Jason Campbell may have to carry the offense with his arm. The Eagles are solid on both sides of the ball even though their rushing offense has had injury issues with Brian Westbrook missing a few games and he will miss this one as well.
Last week the Redskins lost to the Dallas Cowboys 7-6 while the Eagles beat the Chicago Bears 24-20.
In the Redskins loss to the Cowboys last week they held Dallas scoreless for their first 3 quarters, but gave up a 4th quarter TD and then made a costly turnover. Turnovers have killed the Redskins all season, but they held onto the ball in this game until QB Jason Campbell had a pass tipped and intercepted with only 1:46 left in the game to seal their doom. The Redskins were underdogs by 10.5 points so they did cover the spread and the posted total of the game was 41.5 and was nowhere near being reached.
In their win over the Chicago Bears the Eagles dominated the game with more passing and rushing yards, but they played a sloppy game committing 3 turnovers and they were penalized 8 times for 46 yards. Donovan McNabb had a solid game and he finally got some help, as rookie RB LeSean McCoy rushed for 99 yards and had 1 TD. The Eagles were favored by 3.5 points so they covered the spread and the posted total of the game was 47 and was not surpassed.
The Redskins’ offense only ranks 25th in the league and they are only scoring an average of 14.6 points per game. They may have to win this game on D to have any chance to win.
Jason Campbell did have 256 yards passing in last week’s loss to the Cowboys, but he could not guide the Redskins to the end zone and his late pick cost them the game. He cannot turn the ball over in this game.
The Eagles rank 11th on offense and they finally got some help from the rushing offense in their win over the Bears. Brian Westbrook is out for this game so LeSean McCoy will be counted on to move the chains on the ground.
One thing that has gone right for the Redskins this season has been their defense, which ranks 4th in the league. They have one of the best pass defenses in the league, but they are giving up an average of 128.4 rushing yards per game.
The Skins have to have good coverage on Eagles’ WR DeSean Jackson, who is now McNabb’s main target and is turning into one of the better big playmakers in the league. He is averaging over 17 yards per reception and Washington has to keep him from making the big play downfield.
Philadelphia has given up 25 sacks this season and they need to give McNabb solid protection in this game and give him time to find his targets.
The Redskins’ bread and butter is running the ball and playing solid D. To do that this game 3rd string RB Rock Cartwright has to have a good rushing day. He is averaging 4.5 yards per carry this season, but he will be facing an Eagles’ rushing defense that ranks 10th in the league.
Jason’s Pick: OK, so the Redskins are 3-7, are in Phily, and are down to their 3rd string RB. At least they still have the coolest uniforms in the league. The Eagles are coming off a win, but they did not play well in that game. This game between NFC rivals is usually a close one and this one will not be any different. While I do not think the Redskins will win this game I think they will cover the 10-point spread. Take the Redskins and the points in this game.
