The Washington Redskins failed to capitalize on an excellent opportunity to move one step closer to a playoff spot with their 31-23 loss to the Arizona Cardinals that left them at 6-5-1. Now the Redskins will attempt to get back on track this week when they visit the Philadelphia Eagles in what amounts to a must-win game.
Moneyline: Redskins -2.5
Handicap/Spread Odds: Redskins -125
Total O/U: 46.5
Last 5 Meetings: (Road/Home – Spread/Total)
| 10/16/2016 | PHI 20 – WAS 27 | WAS 3 | O 45 |
| 11/26/2015 | WAS 38 – PHI 24 | WAS 3.5 | O 48 |
| 10/4/2015 | PHI 20 – WAS 23 | WAS 3 | U 46 |
| 12/20/2014 | PHI 24 – WAS 27 | WAS 7 | O 50 |
| 9/21/2014 | WAS 34 – PHI 37 | WAS 4 | O 50.5 |
On The Redskins Side of the Ball (6-5-1 Record, 8-4 ATS)
Washington is currently one-half game back of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the final NFC Wild Card spot and 1.5 games back of the New York Giants for the top Wild Card spot. The Redskins took a 20-17 lead in to the fourth quarter of their date with Arizona but were outscored 14-3 in the final frame with Kirk Cousins finishing with a line of 21-of-37 for 271 yards with a touchdown and an interception. A lack of consistency has been a major issue for Washington all season and it won’t get any easier for them this week as they play their third road game in a row. The defense will have to step up after allowing 31 points in each of its last two losses with a need to generate more pressure up front and do a better job forcing turnovers. Meanwhile, Cousins will need to play mistake-free football and take the Eagles’ fans out of the game. It will be a lot colder in Philadelphia this week than it was in Arizona so maybe the Redskins give a bigger commitment to the run game and try to move the ball on the ground a little more this week.
Last 5 Results:
| 12/4/2016 | @ARI | L 23-31 | L 2.5 | O 48.5 |
| 11/24/2016 | @DAL | L 26-31 | W 5.5 | O 53 |
| 11/20/2016 | GB | W 42-24 | W-3 | O 48 |
| 11/13/2016 | MIN | W 26-20 | W -2.5 | O 42 |
| 10/30/2016 | @CIN | T 27-27 | W 3 | O 49 |
On The Eagles Side of the Ball (5-7 Record, 5-7 ATS)
Philadelphia’s 3-0 start feels like a distant memory at this point as they have dropped seven of their last nine overall to fall to 5-7 on the season. Any slim hope that the Eagles have to make the playoffs will require a win this week and they have certainly done a good job at home to this point in the season with a 4-1 record at Lincoln Financial Field. Head coach Doug Pederson has acknowledged the highs and lows that rookie quarterback Carson Wentz has experienced this season following a performance in which he threw three interceptions in last week’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals. Wentz has all of the tools to be a successful franchise quarterback but he could certainly use more weapons and it will take time for him to mature and reach his potential. The Philadelphia defense will have to take advantage of an opportunity to force some turnovers and help the offense and it will be interesting to see if they can force Cousins in to making some mistakes.
Last 5 Results:
| 11/28/2016 | GB | L 13-27 | L-4 | O 42 |
| 11/20/2016 | @SEA | L 15-26 | L 6.5 | U 47 |
| 11/13/2016 | ATL | W 24-15 | W -2 | U 42.5 |
| 11/6/2016 | @NYG | L 23-28 | L 3 | U 48.5 |
| 11/28/2016 | GB | L 13-27 | L -4 | O 42.5 |
Quick Analysis
The OVER bet is 6-0 in the Redskins last six games against NFC East opponents and considering their inability to slow down opposing offenses that might be a likely result again in this game. Washington is coming off consecutive losses but they have cover the spread in four of their last five and they are 8-4 against the spread overall this season. Meanwhile, Philadelphia has trended in the opposite direction as they have failed to cover in five of their last six games.
Prediction
The Eagles have given their fans plenty of reason to cheer this season but the reality is that Washington is the better team at this point in time and desperately needs to get back on track with a win in order to get back in the thick of the NFC Wild Card race. Philadelphia has been just as inconsistent as the Redskins of late and in a close game we like Washington to bounce back and secure an important win in a high scoring game on Sunday.
Pick: Washington
Note: Lines subject to change leading up to kick-off, so please be aware of the possibility of line movements.
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