Washington Redskins (5-10 SU, 7-8 ATS) at Philadelphia Eagles (7-8 SU, 7-8 ATS), Sunday January 1st, 2012. 1:00PM EST, NFL Football Week 17, Lincoln Financial Field Philadelphia, P.A.
By Jay Horne, NFL Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: Wash +9/Phil -9
Over/Under Total: 46
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Despite whipping the Dallas Cowboys for the 2nd time this season last week 20-7, the Philadelphia Eagles were eliminated from the playoffs as a result of a New York Giants victory. The Giants victory over the Jets eliminated the Eagles tie breaking possibilities in the NFC East meaning Philadelphia will play their last game of the year this Sunday when they host the Washington Redskins for a division showdown at Lincoln Financial Field.
If not for some key injuries this season, there is little doubt that the Eagles would have been much better than their 7-8 record indicates. Over the last 3 weeks since the return of QB Michael Vick, the Eagles have won 3 straight games in decisive fashion. The offense appears to be back in rhythm again and the defense is playing respectably strong at the same time. This week Philadelphia looks to keep that momentum going and close out the season with some positives as they look forward to 2012.
The visiting 5-10 Redskins will enter as 9 point underdogs against the Eagles. That betting line may indicate how hot the Eagles have been rather than stating anything negative about the way Washington is playing at this point in the year. In fact, the Redskins have played fairly well in the last 3 weeks despite two close losses to both Minnesota and New England. The Redskins offense has had major problems this year moving the football. During the middle part of the year when the Redskins went through a disastrous 6 game losing streak, the Redskins offense managed just 12.8 points per game during that stretch.
However over the last 3 weeks, Washington has averaged 25 points per game and is moving the football pretty well. Running backs Roy Helu and Evan Royster have provided some solid outings in the last few weeks to get the ground game moving. Helu rushed for 3 straight 100 yard performances before a loss to the Giants two weeks ago and was held out of last week's game against Minnesota with a foot injury. Helu should be a go this week which will definitely help the offense. Outside of the Washington rush attack, QB Rex Grossman is an enigma to say the least.
Grossman has put up some worthy games in recent weeks in terms of passing yards, but has simply turned the ball over way too often. Grossman has tossed 19 picks on the year compared to just 15 scores. To make matters worse, 14 of those interceptions have come in the last 9 games. Those turnovers have plagued the Redskins this year and ultimately been the difference in many of their close games.
Washington is currently the worse team in the NFL at a -15 turnover margin for the season. If you consider that 6 of the Redskins' 10 losses this year were by 1 score or less, then you can quickly see why those turnovers have been the difference in having a successful year. Still if Washington can limit the turnovers this week, they have the ability to test the Eagles in every aspect of the game.
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On the other side of the field, it will be the Washington defense that faces the unfortunate challenge of trying to slow down a surging Philadelphia offense. As stated before, the return of Michael Vick seems to have boosted this Eagles offense or perhaps restored confidence at least. Last week Vick completed 18 of 32 passing for 293 yards with 2 scores and 0 picks.
Both wide outs DeSean Jackson and Jeremy Maclin had respectable outings racking up 162 yards combined. It was the best performance for both receivers in at least 6 weeks and that is the big play potential that Vick brings to this offense. Like it or not the Cowboys defense, which has been very solid at times, had absolutely no answer for Vick. If that continues again this Sunday, the Eagles should be primed for another easy victory.
Jay's Pick to Cover the Point Spread: - Not so fast. The Redskins lost 20-13 to the Eagles back in mid-October and that was with 4 Rex Grossman interceptions. If Grossman does not have another horrid performance, say just 2 interceptions, then there is no reason not to think Washington cannot make this game close. The Redskins pass defense matches up fairly well and should not give up too many points. Plus if Washington continues to score points as they have in recent weeks, then the points look pretty tasty. Take Washington +9.
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