It has been four years since Washington has been able to beat the Eagles. These two are meeting up in Week 1 for the second straight season after a close battle last year which the Eagles pulled out 32-27.
Philadelphia Eagles
DeSean Jackson looks to be the Carson Wentz‘s top receiver and replicate his performance from last season. In that one, he burned the Washington defense twice for touchdowns of 51 and 53 yards. Washington looks to start off the Ron Rivera era on a good note and pull this one out.
The key for the Eagles in this game will be the offensive line stopping the second overall draft pick Chase Young from getting to Wentz. Philadelphia reworked a new deal with Jason Peters worth up to $8 million on Thursday. Peters will shift back to starting left tackle with the season-ending injury to Andre Dillard. He will have to be on his A-game on Sunday and prove his worth. Giving Wentz time in the pocket will be important for him to get going. In the backfield, Miles Sanders is still listed as questionable for the game. However, he returned to practice this week so he should see action, even if limited. If he is limited, the Birds have a second formidable back in Boston Scott to lead the run game.
In the passing game, in addition to Jackson, Wentz has tight ends Zach Ertz and Dallas Goedert to lean on, as well as receivers JJ Arcega-Whiteside and Greg Ward. Jalen Reagor is expected to play while Alshon Jeffery has been ruled out for the game. Arcega-Whiteside hopes to vastly improve on his abysmal rookie season and become a big part of the offense. The Eagles’ receiving corps will have to improve from their 2019 7.6% drop percentage on catchable passes.
Washington Football Team
Washington has a tough task at hand versus the Eagles’ front seven as they will need to keep Dwayne Haskins upright to have any shot. Geron Christian is set to start at left tackle as he has a huge void to fill left by the future Hall of Famer Trent Williams. He has a huge test right away to see if he can step up for the Washington offensive line. The Eagles’ front seven could definitely give him fits all game.
One of the best matchups to watch will be the Eagles’ new top cornerback Darius Slay versus Terry McLaurin. Last season in the Washington-Detroit matchup, McLaurin collected five catches for 72 yards against Slay. If McLaurin can create separation, it will be huge for the success of the Football Team’s offense. In the run game, J.D. McKissic and rookie Antonio Gibson will have a tough time running up the middle against the Eagles’ stout front. But they could work well on outside runs and in the passing game.
Game Info
Date: Sunday, September 13th
Start time: 1:00 PM
Location: Landover, Maryland
Stadium: FedExField
TV Info: Fox
Betting Odds
Point Spread: PHI: -5.5 (-110) | WSH: +5.5 (-110)
Moneyline: PHI: -250 | WSH: +205
Over/Under: 43
The Eagles very well may blow the point spread away this week, but Washington could also cover in a close divisional matchup. The best bet here is to bet on the Eagles’ Moneyline and I’ll take the over on the point total all day.
Prediction
This game has the makings of a very close battle, but the Eagles will pull it out in the end. The Eagles win on a last-minute drive down the field capped by a touchdown pass to Ertz.
Final Score: Eagles 37 Washington 31
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Main Credit Image: Embed from Getty Images
