Philadelphia Eagles (3-1 SU, 3-1 ATS) vs. Washington Redskins (3-2 SU, 3-2 ATS)
NFL Week 6
Date/Time: Sunday, October 16, 2016 at 1:00PM EST
Where: FedEXField
TV: FOX, DTV: 713
by Chad Holloway, Expert Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: PHI -3/WAS +3
Over/Under Total: 44.5
Big game for the NFC East this week as the Philadelphia Eagles, who were dealt their first loss of the season last week, travel to take on the Washington Redskins, who squeaked out a win against Baltimore Ravens (due in no small part to Jamison Crowders 85-yard punt return). Both teams trail the Dallas Cowboys in the division, so the implications of this game are huge. The winner will keep pace with a 2-1 record in the division, while the latter will find themselves in a hole with a 1-2 division record.
The Redskins have won the last three matchups, but lets face it, that was against a different Eagles team. Rookie quarterback Carson Wentz has reenergized both the team and fan base, though he did finally throw an interception on the 135th pass of his career (to be fair it was a Hail Mary on the last play of the game). Entering Week 6, the Eagles have the 12th-ranked offense in the league averaging 363.8 total yards per game (YPG) and 28.8 points per game (PPG).
Their passing game averages 245.2 YPG, which puts them 20th in the league, while they rush for an average of 118.5 YPG, putting them 10th in the NFL. Defensively, the Eagles are superb holding opponents to an average of just 266.8 total YPG (193.5 passing YPG; 73.2 rushing YPG) and 12.8 PPG. Thats good enough to give the Eagles the second-best defense in the entire league.
As for the Redskins, their defense is ranked a lowly 27th allowing an average of 392 total YPG (262 passing YPG; and 130 rushing YPG) and 24.4 PPG. Offensively, the Redskins rank 11th averaging 366 total YPG. Their passing game, spearheaded by Kirk Cousins, comes in 7th averaging 279.6 YPG, while their rushing game is 25th averaging 86.4 YPG.
This is going to be a great game, but one ultimately won by the defense.
Chad Holloway’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: The offenses for both these teams are young, eager, and full of playmakers. The Redskins seem to get it done through the air, while the Eagles are bolstered by an effective run game. What separates these two teams is the defense, and theres no doubt the Eagles are much better in that department.
The Redskins are going to struggle putting points on the board, while the Eagles shouldnt have much trouble moving the ball. Ryan Matthews will have the ground game moving, and that in turn will allow Wentz opportunities through the air. This will be a low-scoring affair I dont envision theyll cover the over but I like the Eagles, who are a much more balanced team, to win while covering the spread.
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