It’s a game shockingly ripe with playoff implications and, like me, you have nothing better to do on a Saturday night, right? Right??
The Washington Redskins (7-7) can clinch the NFC East and a playoff spot tonight with a victory over the Philadelphia Eagles (6-8). There’s only one problem with that, the Eagles can’t clinch with a win, but can set up a clinching game next week with one. So basically this is just your regular every day late-season playoff game to get into the playoffs.
Scroll on down for the live blog. Keep reading for preview information.
First up here’s my pick from this week’s FAQ.
Saturday Night
Washington at Philadelphia (-3)
Neither team has a winning record and neither team has been eliminated from the NFC playoff picture. One of those facts will change Saturday night. Redskins 31, Eagles 28
And here’s our own GMS Preview.
In this NFL Game Previews and Picks, the Washington Redskins (7-7) head to Lincoln Financial Field to square off with the Philadelphia Eagles (6-8) this week. Philadelphia has won two of its last three, showing signs of life in what has been a relatively disappointing season. The game will air Saturday, Dec 26 at 8:25 p.m. ET on NFLN.
The last time the Eagles and Redskins met was in Week 4, when Washington won a close one over Philadelphia 23-20. Sam Bradford had a good outing through the air in that game, connecting on 15 of 28 pass attempts for 270 yards and three TDs. Kirk Cousins had a solid outing passing for Washington, connecting on 31 of 46 pass attempts for 290 yards and one TD.
Philadelphia is a three-point favorite against the Redskins. According to the oddsmakers, the Over/Under (O/U) is currently at 47 points.
Sitting at 6-8 for both Straight Up (SU) and Against The Spread (ATS), the Eagles will look to improve heading into Week 16. In their five most recent matchups, the Eagles went 2-3 for both SU and ATS. Philadelphia faces a Washington run defense that ranks 28th in the league with 129.8 yards allowed per game. As for the Philadelphia defense, a few key matchups could decide this game. An important aspect of the game will be if the Eagles can benefit from Washington’s propensity to give away the football. The Redskins currently lead the league with 2.5 turnovers per road game. The Eagles hope to continue the trend of striking early against Washington’s defense during the first quarter, when it allows a league-worst 7.8 points per road game. With an average of 72.3 plays per game, Philadelphia has one of the most dynamic offenses in the NFL., ranking first this season.
Across the field, the Redskins head into Week 16 with records of 7-7 for both ATS and SU. Over their last five games, the Redskins have a SU and ATS record of 3-2. The Redskins average the best completion percentage in the league at 69.6%. Moving on to the Washington defense, it has some favorable matchups that it may be able to take advantage of as well. The Redskins can do damage if they force turnovers from the Eagles. The Eagles rank 30th in the league in turnovers with two per game. It shouldn’t be too hard for the Redskins to start fast this week with Philadelphia’s defense allowing 5.9 points in the first quarter of home games. When they play on the road, Washington’s special teams excels. A league-best, the team averages 122.7 return yards per away game.
Predictions: SU Winner – Phi, ATS Winner – Was, O/U – Under
The game is on the NFL Network at 8:25 p.m. Watch it with me.
