The Redskins gave up their spot on top of the NFC East after a 31-23 loss to the Cowboys on Thanksgiving. They face another divisional rival this week although surprisingly the defending Super Bowl champions are sitting third in the East after a horrible season. If the Eagles lose it’s almost certain they won’t make finals. The Redskins need a win to keep them in the playoffs picture.
With plenty on the line, the Wolf takes a look at the Monday Night Football action!
| MATCH/TIME (AEST) | NFL BEST BETS |
| PHILADELPHIA EAGLES v WASHINGTON REDSKINSLINCOLN FINANCIAL FIELD TUE 4 DEC 1215PM | Washington Redskins +6.5 ($1.91) |
FORM
Philadelphia Eagles (5-6)
What the Eagles need to do to win this game:
- Pressure Colt McCoy
- Quick start
For the love of Philly cheese steak, can someone organise a score for the Eagles in the first quarter? In 7 of their last 8 games, Philadelphia have not scored in the first quarter. That’s a big fat total of zero points. Incredibly the Eagles defence has only been blown out recently against the Saints who scored 48 points against them in Week 11. The Redskins are actually one of the best 1st quarter defences in the NFL, giving up just over 3 points per game this season. The Eagles could be headed for another opening shutout.
The Eagles averaged 29 points last season which has plummeted to just 20.9 this year. If they played to that average they would be 10-1 and the equal best team in the NFL, but they have stopped scoring.
Washington Redskins (6-5)
What the Redskins need to do to win this game:
- Colt McCoy needs to reduce his turnovers
- Stop the Eagles running game
The Redskins were right in the match against the Cowboys, but interceptions by backup quarterback Colt McCoy gave the Cowboys good field position. McCoy needs to be careful with the football and whilst he has good awareness in the pocket, once he moves outside that area it starts getting a bit dangerous. The Wolf thinks we will see a more patient, cautious McCoy in this week’s game.
The Redskins defence has struggled against the run in the last few weeks. This is not a huge red flag when you consider they played RB Ezekiel Elliott who leads the NFL in rushing yards but it does highlight an opportunity for the Eagles RB’s Josh Adams and Corey Clement.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The Eagles are averaging just 20.2 points per game at home this season and whilst the Redskins were punished by the Cowboys last week the defence was also put in difficult positions by Colt McCoy and his three interceptions. The Wolf knows that there is nothing wrong with the Washington defence, it is still one of the better units in the NFL, ranked 7th in the competition for opponent points per game.
The Wolf expects a better performance from McCoy who will have had a full week to practice with his receivers. The Eagles secondary is ranked 28th in the NFL so the opportunities should be there for McCoy to keep it close.
There is still plenty of fight left in the Redskins.
HOW IT’S SHAPING UP
Redskins by 3+
BEST BETS: Washington Redskins +6.5 ($1.91)