Philadelphia fell from the ranks of the unbeaten with a last-minute 24-23 loss at Detroit last week. Washington won for the 3rd-straight week with a tough 16-10 win at Baltimore last Sunday.
The Eagles offense continues to ride the arm of rookie QB Carson Wentz. While he did throw his first interception last week (last-minute desperation toss) he remains a poised QB who avoids sacks and TOs. WR Jordan Matthews is his favorite target but he spreads the ball around very well and rarely gives plays away by focusing on his primary receiver. The Redskins did a nice job of containing QB Joe Flacco last week but I think they will face a stiffer test in this matchup. Philly ran the ball only 21 times last week but gained 116 yards (5.5 ypc). Washington allows more than 5.0 ypc and look for the Eagles to make the run a bigger part of their game plan this week. The Redskins have an average pass rush while Wentz was sacked 3 times last week after being dropped only 4 times in the first 3 games.
Washington’s offense didn’t do much last week but just enough to get the victory. QB Kirk Cousins has a mediocre 7-5 TD/INT ratio and faces a defense this Sunday that allows fewer than 200 yards passing per game. TE Jordan Reed already has 33 receptions and he’ll be the focus again in this contest. Philadelphia has to secure the middle of the field as Cousins will continue to target Reed if he sees any opening at all. WR Pierre Garcon scored his first TD of the year against the Ravens and with WRs DeSean Jackson and Jamison Crowder, gives Cousins lots of options on the outside. The Eagles have 14 sacks on the year and can bring the heat behind new DC Jim Schwartz. Cousins has been sacked 8 times this year and will need to make quick decisions against this d-line. The running game is averaging a little better than 4.0 ypc but Washington averages only 21 attempts per game.
Public Money Consensus
It appears this week’s NFL matchup between Philly and Washington is garnering over 70% of the betting public to the Eagles to cover the 3 point spread. On the over/under it looks like the key bet on this side according to the public is the over 45 at more than 70% as well.
