Washington Redskins vs. Philadelphia Eagles
The Washington Redskins and the Philadelphia Eagles meet for the second time this season on Monday night in the City of Brotherly Love. On opening weekend, the Eagles beat the Redskins 30-17 in a close and sloppy contest that was much closer than the final score indicated. Washington made mistake after mistake, yet was still one drive away from defeating the Eagles.
Philly, at 5-1, could almost eliminate the Redskins (3-2) from NFC East contention this week. A win would give the Eagles what is essentially a 3.5 game lead in the division by sweeping the Redskins. Washington, meanwhile, is a different team than it was in Week 1. The Redskins are much better on both sides of the ball, specifically on offense. It was a mistake-filled performance by Washington and quarterback Kirk Cousins in the season-opener. Since that time, Cousins has been terrific.
Carson Wentz is playing like an MVP candidate for the Eagles. Philadelphia head coach Doug Pederson loves to throw the football and Wentz is thriving with his new weapons. This week, he faces a Washington defense that could be without both starting cornerbacks in Josh Norman and Bashaud Breeland. While the Redskins have terrific cornerback depth, losing both corners against the Eagles would be a tough blow.
Washington’s Keys to Victory
With all of the injuries on defense, the Redskins need to possess the ball on offense. That means running the football. Unfortunately for Washington, the Eagles have the NFL’s second-ranked run defense. So, if the running game isn’t clicking, we should see a heavy dose of the short passing game with Jordan Reed, Chris Thompson, Vernon Davis and Jamison Crowder.
The Eagles’ outside cornerbacks aren’t very good. Opposing passers often target them. The Redskins must find the right medium in being too aggressive, while also keeping their offense on the field for long drives.
Philadelphia’s Keys to Victory
The Redskins are a banged-up bunch on defense. That means Wentz should go right at Washington’s secondary, whether Norman and Breeland play or not. If Norman and Breeland play, they will be less than 100 percent. So, you should expect the Eagles to take plenty of shots down the field, especially early in the game.
Defensively, the Eagles did a good job against Cousins and the Redskins in the opener. Cousins will play much better this time around. Defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz did a good job of keeping the pressure in Cousins’ face in Week 1. He must follow that same template this week.
Odds
Point Spread: Philadelphia -4
Moneyline: Washington -113, Philadelphia -107
Over/Under: 49
Betting odds provided by BookMaker via Sportsbook Review
Prediction
The Redskins need this game. They really need this game. Not only is their upcoming schedule tough, Philly’s upcoming schedule is anything but tough. So, if the Eagles pull out the win on Monday night, the Redskins have a lot of work to do to contend in the NFC East. Unfortunately for Washington, the injuries on defense may be too much to overcome on Monday night.
Next: 2017 NFL Power Rankings: Week 8
However, expect a strong performance by Cousins. He will throw for over 300 yards and multiple scores and take care of the football. He will have the Redskins in this game until late in the fourth quarter until the tired, beat-up defense gives up a late score and leads the Eagles to the season sweep over the Redskins.
Pick: Philadelphia Eagles: 27, Washington Redskins: 21