It’s crunch time for the Philadelphia Eagles. Chip Kelly’s Eagles lost their top spot in NFC East after a 38-27 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. They’ll need to win their last two games, both on the road, for a chance at a playoff spot. The Eagles’ first stop will put them in Washington to face a Robert Griffin III-led Washington Redskins.
Will the Eagles fold under the pressure? Read on as we give you everything you’ll need to know heading into this pivotal NFC East showdown.
Speaking of the playoffs, the Eagles are trailing Seattle and Green Bay by a game in the NFC wild-card. Those two teams are also in action in Week 16. Check out our previews for the Seahawks vs. Cardinals and Packers vs. Buccaneers games for a look at the NFC playoff race.
[sc:Football ]Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins Preview
Where: FedEx Field, Washington
When: Saturday, December 20, 4:30 PM ET
Line: Philadelphia Eagles (-8.5) at Washington Redskins (+8.5); total 50.5 – view all NFL lines
Betting on the Philadelphia Eagles
Mark Sanchez threw for 252 yards, but his two interceptions left the Philadelphia Eagles hanging.
After the 38-27 drubbing at the hands of the Cowboys, the Eagles have now lost back-to-back games with their postseason bid hanging in the balance. Their road to the postseason continues with a showdown against the Washington Redskins.
[sc:NFL240banner ]The Eagles defeated the Redskins 37-34 in Week 3, but they allowed backup quarterback Kirk Cousins to throw for 427 yards with three touchdowns and just one interception. The Eagles’ passing defense was again under fire on Sunday as the Cowboys lit them up with three touchdown passes, all under Philadelphia cornerback Bradley Fletcher’s nose.
However, the Eagles’ pass rush (47 sacks, second in the league) will have a good matchup against Washington’s offensive line which should allow them to disrupt RGIII’s rhythm. The Redskins have given up 30 sacks over the past five games. Linebacker Connor Barwin should have a big day on the blitz with 14.5 sacks this season. Defensive end Vinny Curry should also figure in the pass rush after registering a sack in each of his last three games.
Philadelphia’s offense, though, will need to show up after struggling in the last two games against the Seahawks and Cowboys. The running game has been held well below 100 yards, while Sanchez put up his two worst games according to passer rating.
But Sanchez can threaten in the air if he can find his talented receivers. Jeremy Maclin is having a career-season with 1,207 yards and 10 touchdowns. He had a big game against Washington in Week 3, catching eight passes for 154 yards and a score. Jordan Matthews is another capable weapon against Washington, hauling in two touchdown passes in Week 3.
The Eagles are 4-1 ATS in their last five games at Washington.
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Betting on the Washington Redskins
Welcome back Robert Griffin III. Subbed in for an injured Colt McCoy, Griffin threw for 236 yards and a touchdown in their 24-13 loss to the New York Giants.
Griffin also appeared to scramble for an eight-yard touchdown for a 17-7 lead. The officials didn’t agree though, as they ruled the play a touchback after a video review showed that Griffin lost control of the ball diving over the pylon. He’ll have another chance to make some key plays starting behind center against Philadelphia due to McCoy’s neck injury.
Considering Philadelphia’s sketchy secondary, Griffin may be able to impress some more. He’ll need to target leading receivers DeSean Jackson (957 yards and five touchdowns) or Pierre Garcon (638 yards and three touchdowns) depending on who gets picked up by Philadelphia cornerback Bradley Fletcher. Either of the two should be able to beat the said Eagles corner to gain considerable yardage or bring the ball into the endzone.
With Griffin a weapon with his legs as well as his arm, Philadelphia may put too much of its focus on the Washington quarterback. Doing so should open the lanes for running back Alfred Morris. Washington’s lead back has rushed for 4.1 yards per carry and a total of seven touchdowns this season, and could deal an Eagles defense allowing 113.9 yards rushing per game some damage.
On the other side of the ball, the Redskins need to disrupt Philadelphia quarterback Mark Sanchez in the passing game. Doing so may lead to timely turnovers or short, unproductive drives from Philadelphia. Linebacker Ryan Kerrigan, who has a team-high 12.5 sacks, may be able to do just that to the Sanchize.
The total has gone under in Washington’s last four home games.
Writer’s Prediction
The Eagles put on a strong effort to win, but fail to cover the spread. Take Washington to cover +8.5.
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