Washington Redskins (6-5) vs. Philadelphia Eagles (5-6)
Preview
The Eagles came into this season as the favorites to win the NFC East. For most of this season the Eagles have disappointed but the Redskins have been the top team in the division. Now, the Cowboys have been surging and have claimed 1st place. The Redskins will try to keep pace with Colt McCoy at quarterback after a tough loss to the Cowboys, while the Eagles will try and build upon a comeback victory against the Giants to win out the rest of their games.
Players to watch
The rest of Washington’s season is going to come down to Colt McCoy. He committed 3 turnovers against Dallas and needs to protect the ball. Adrian Peterson has slowed down since his torrid start to the season, posting under 4 yard per carry in the last 4 games. Philadelphia’s interior defensive linemen Fletcher Cox and Tim Jernigan will play an important part in containing AP. Josh Doctson showed some semblance of success against Dallas last week with 6 catches for 66 yards, and must take advantage of a Philly secondary missing Avonte Maddox and Jalen Mills. The Eagles have struggled passing the ball as well, so they would do well to get Alshon Jeffery and Golden Tate, involved. Washington’s secondary has been suffocating, however, so Carson Wentz will have to be careful against Josh Norman, Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, and D.J. Swearinger.
Keys to the game
Washington Redskins
Lean on Adrian Peterson
Don’t turn it over, Colt McCoy!
Force Philly to pass
Philadelphia Eagles
Be balanced on offense
Throw pressure at McCoy
Get at least 1 wide receiver involved.
Injury list
Washington Redskins
Zach Brown, LB - Knee (Questionable)
Jamison Crowder, WR - Ankle (Questionable)
Quinton Dunbar, CB - Shin (Questionable)
Matt Ioannidis, DL - Shin (Questionable)
Morgan Moses, OT - Knee (Questionable)
Trey Quinn, WR - Ankle (Questionable)
Jordan Reed, TE - Back (Questionable)
Philadelphia Eagles
Jordan Hicks, LB - Calf (Out)
Avonte Maddux, CB - Ankle/Knee - (Out)
Jalen Mills, CB - Foot (Out)
Darren Sproles, RB - Hamstring (Questionable)
Josh Adams, RB - Hip (Questionable)
Michael Bennett, DE - Foot (Questionable)
Top 5 Fantasy Players
Zach Ertz, TE (PHI)
Josh Adams, RB (PHI)
Adrian Peterson, RB (WAS)
Carson Wentz, QB (PHI)
Jordan Reed, TE (WAS)
Prediction
While Washington’s defense has been excellent this year, I don’t trust their offense enough to put up points. Last week we saw the Eagles defense shut down the Giants in the 2nd half, and New York has far more talent than Washington does. Philly’s offense needs to get going, but the emergence of Josh Adams could help them become balanced. This will be another low scoring game, but the Eagles will come away with a close win on another Jake Elliott field goal.
Final Score: Eagles 21, Redskins 18
Written by: Alexander Amir