Redskins Eagles Betting – ‘Skins Hold Eagles In Check In McNabb’s Homecoming
Online betting players watched the Brett Favre saga last year and were especially interested in his return to Green Bay. This year, it’s Donovan McNabb’s turn to go back to the team where he spent his entire career prior to this year, when he leads Washington into Philadelphia. The Redskins’ defense has been awful this year, but they’ll do enough to help McNabb and company to keep the Eagles from covering.
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, October 3rd, 4:15 PM ET
- Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
- Pick: Washington Redskins +6
What’s On The Line
The Redskins (1-2) got off to a bad start and couldn’t recover in a 30-16 loss at St. Louis, while the Eagles (2-1) rolled to a 28-3 rout of Jacksonville on the road. But none of that matters in the game that everyone will be watching, NFL betting player or not. Philadelphia shipped Donovan McNabb (who spent 11 years in Philly) to Washington to give a chance to Kevin Kolb, who has been replaced by Michael Vick, who is playing like the guy who was on the cover of Madden 2004. Oh yeah, did we forget to mention that they’re bitter NFC East rivals? There isn’t enough room to cover all the storylines here.
Offensive Matchups: Redskins Eagles Betting
McNabb is actually fitting in nicely in Washington as the Redskins are seventh in the league in passing, but it’s the ground game that is hurting them. Clinton Portis has struggled, and now Ryan Torain is taking some of his carries. The play-calling in the second half was puzzling as the Washington Redskins went away from the ground game, but with McNabb playing well and building a connection with Santana Moss, that can be somewhat forgiven. Still, the Redskins need a running game, and fast.
If you haven’t heard, Vick has been awesome lately. Against the Jacksonville Jaguars, he threw for 291 yards and three touchdowns with no picks, then ran for 30 yards and another score. Vick adds an element to the offense that Kolb doesn’t with his ability to scramble, but of course, McNabb was also known to run in Philly. Vick is surprising people with his arm, and he’s currently second, only to Peyton Manning in terms of passer rating. However, he’s played against the Detroit Lions and Jacksonville: they’re ranked last in the league, but Washington is a far better unit than either of them.
Betting Edge: Draw
Defensive Matchups: Redskins Eagles Betting
Speaking of the Washington defense, why are they so bad? Well, for starters, they’re awful against the pass, but those numbers were a bit inflated because of a shootout with Houston, another terrible defensive team. They got just one sack on St. Louis Rams rookie Sam Bradford, and they look like they’re still getting used to new coordinator Jim Haslett, who has failed to use a very good group of linebackers.
On the other hand, Philadelphia is seventh in the league against the pass, but 22nd against the run. They were excellent against the Jaguars, but again, Jacksonville is terrible. They also received a boost with the return of linebacker Stewart Bradley, who is the key to the group: the injured Bradley has helped the Eagles allow just 16 points when he plays, and they’ve given up 49 when he doesn’t. He’ll be key in spying on his old friend McNabb this week.
Betting Edge: Eagles
Notable Injuries: Redskins Eagles Betting
Punter Josh Bidwell (hip) may be out, which is dangerous as kicker Graham Gano had to punt for the first time in his career, and he had his first one blocked. Rookie tackle Trent Williams (knee, toe) is also a worry for the Redskins.
End Brandon Graham (ankle) will be limited in practice, but is expected to play for the Eagles.
Betting Edge: Eagles
Outlook and Pick: Redskins Eagles Betting
The Eagles are a 6-point NFL betting favorite in what could be the contest of the week, but the Redskins are 3-2 SU and 4-1 ATS in their last five trips to Philadelphia. McNabb is veteran enough to not put too much on his homecoming game, and everything the Philly fans will yell at him, he’s probably already heard when he played there. The Redskins know how much this game means to McNabb, and the defense will step up enough to keep this game within a field goal. Not to mention, it’s a divisional game and no one wants to lose to their rivals. We’re wagering on the Redskins to prevent the Eagles from covering in your sports betting book.
Stan’s Pick: Washington Redskins
