Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins
Week 1 of football is finally here! The Philadelphia Eagles travel to take on the Washington Redskins in an NFC East matchup to kick off the season. The New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys also play week one, on Monday Night Football, but the Eagles and Redskins play at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sept. 10, 2017.
Both teams added big name free agent wide receivers this offseason. Washington added converted quarterback Terrelle Pryor to the mix while the Eagles added Alshon Jeffery. Both of these players will look to make a statement in their first game with their new team.
This game will ultimately come down to quarterback play, and we have two good ones going at it. Second-year quarterback Carson Wentz will look to get his Eagles in the win column right away to start the year. He has a bunch of new weapons this year, so it is time for him to take the next step. Washington’s quarterback Kirk Cousins may get disrespected by some, even by his team, but this guy can play the game.
More from Philadelphia Eagles
- Philadelphia Eagles just won the offseason NFL uniform competition
- 2023 NFL Predictions: Every Divisional Winner for the 2023 Season
- Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts keeps things in perspective
- 2023 NFL Season: Way too early picks for division winners
- Biggest Strength and Weakness for each NFC East team in 2023
It will be interesting to see which quarterback shines the brightest on Sunday.
Eagles Keys To Victory
Carson Wentz: It is no secret that this team will go as far as he will take them. The Eagles need to make sure they keep him clean all day and allow him to pick apart the Redskins defense.
Run the ball well: Philadelphia struggled to run the ball in 2016, but that needs to change this year. And it starts in Week 1 with LeGarrette Blount giving the Eagles offense a new element.
Get after Kirk Cousins: If there was one knock on Cousins, it is his ability when he is pressured. The Eagles need to make sure they get constant pressure on him and find out if he has fixed that aspect of his game.
Redskins Keys To Victory
Get after Carson Wentz: Just like the Eagles, getting pressure on the opposing quarterback is always good. Washington needs to get after Wentz so that he can’t get into a rhythm.
Cover Zach Ertz: The last time these two teams met, Eagles tight end Zach Ertz caught 10 passes for 112 yards. Washington needs to make it a priory covering Wentz’s safety blanket tight.
Feed you guy (Terrelle Pryor): They signed Pryor for a reason this offseason, and they should give him a healthy dose of targets on Sunday. Outside of Ronald Darby, the Philadelphia cornerbacks are not very good right now. Washington needs to make sure they are getting the ball to their big time wide receiver.
Odds
Point Spread: Philadelphia -1
Moneyline: Philadelphia -115, Washington -105
Over/Under: 47.5
via SportsbookReview.com
Next: NFL 2017: 20 Bold predictions for Week 1
Prediction
Philly gave Wentz the weapons he needs to succeed and they will be too much for the Redskins on Sunday. Pryor will still have a big day, but Jeffery is the difference maker for the Eagles as they pick up a huge Week 1 victory.
Pick: Philadelphia Eagles 35, Washington Redskins: 28