Eagles vs. Chargers: Preview, score prediction for Week 4
By Derek Snyder
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Chargers will be meeting up in a sneaky-exciting football game this weekend in the StubHub Center. While these two franchises don’t meet on the gridiron too often, I expect a ton of emotion and desperation on Sunday for both of these teams, resulting in one of the best games of the weekend.
Yes, every game is played with emotion and some sense of desperation, but these two teams will do everything they can to come out with a victory on Sunday. While the Chargers are still looking for their first win of the year, Philly is currently in first place in the NFC East, looking to extend their lead.
Again, if you’re looking for a low-key exciting game to watch among the late-afternoon games this weekend, keep an eye on this one. That said, here are the keys to victory for both teams in Week 4.
Chargers Keys to Victory
Stop The Run: If the Chargers want any of their fans to show up to another home game at the StubHub Center this season, they cannot let the Eagles run wild on Sunday. All kidding aside, it’s completely unbelievable just how bad this Los Angeles defense has been against the run this year. However, they aren’t even the worst in the NFL, it’s actually the New York Giants — go figure.
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The Chargers have given up a whopping 146.7 rushing yards per game over the first three weeks of the season. That said, it’s not a surprise they’re losing football games in heartbreaking fashion. The Bolts simply haven’t been able to get off the field. If that doesn’t change against Philly, they will drop to 0-4.
Stay Committed To Running The Football: The most successful path to the Chargers winning their first game of 2017 is by staying committed to running the football, regardless of which running back is available. I think by now we all realize that Melvin Gordon will be on and off the field due to injuries for a while. Heck, that may even be his career-long reputation before too long.
That said, Los Angeles isn’t built to abort every plan to run the football and have Philip Rivers throw 40 passes per game. Needless to say, that simply doesn’t work for this team. Do yourself a favor Los Angeles, feed your running backs this weekend and see how much the passing game opens up.
Eagles Keys to Victory:
Don’t Get Beat Deep: While the Eagles are currently sitting in first place in the NFC East, I wouldn’t go as far to say it’s because of their solid effort on defense. After facing the Redskins, Chiefs and Giants, Philly statically has one of the worst defensive secondaries in all of football. Needless to say, that doesn’t bode well for a road game against a wideout group as talented as the Chargers’.
The Eagles have also give up the third-longest touchdown pass of the season and are giving up, at least, 10 yards per reception. With receivers like Keenan Allen, Travis Benjamin, Hunter Henry and Antonio Gates healthy for the game this weekend, the Eagles must not give up big-plays if they want to leave the west coast victorious.
Keep Forcing Turnovers: For as many passing yards the Eagles have given up each weekend, they’ve made up for it in forcing turnovers. Philly is currently fifth in the NFL in total takeaways, forcing three interceptions and three lost fumbles. Needless to say, they have an opportunity to add to that total against Philip Rivers on Sunday afternoon.
There’s nothing quite like watching film of a defense that is great at forcing turnovers, while also knowing you just threw three interceptions yourself the weekend before — such is the case for Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers heading into Week 4. If he doesn’t learn from his many mistakes a week ago, the Eagles could make life miserable for Los Angeles and their fans, yet again, this weekend.
Odds
Point Spread: Los Angeles -1.5
Moneyline: Philadelphia +115, Los Angeles -104
Over/Under: 47.5
Odds via Sportsbookreview.com
Prediction
If you’re a fan of the Chargers, then you will be fairly pleased knowing the Chargers have a great shot of getting their first win of 2017 against the Eagles this weekend. I truly believe that the tests against Denver, Miami and Kansas City will prove to be the biggest difference in this football game for Los Angeles.
Next: NFL 2017: One burning question for each team, Week 4
After only averaging 16 points per game through the first three weeks of the season, the Bolts will finally explode against an average Philadelphia defense on Sunday afternoon.
Pick: Philadelphia Eagles: 28, Los Angeles Chargers: 31