Washington Redskins (6-5) @ Philadelphia Eagles (5-6) (0115 GMT)
It’s crunch time for the Super Bowl champions as they begin what will be the defining stretch of their season in their troubled pursuit of the NFC East title.
The Dallas Cowboys have come from nowhere to lead the standings, with the Eagles in third behind the Redskins but with two games against Washington and one against Dallas yet to play – and those will decide how this division plays out.
The Redskins have crumbled from 6-3 with two bad defeats and the loss of Alex Smith at quarterback – but the hope is that back-up Colt McCoy will improve after a week of preparation after being thrown in at the deep end in Dallas.
The Eagles kept their season alive with a comeback victory against the Giants last week but five defeats in their last eight sees the defending champs really in a hole – especially with games against the Cowboys, Rams and Texans on the schedule.
Washington have a healthy 5-2 record in recent meetings but are finding it hard to cope with their injury problems mounting up, and they’ll be tested to the limit in front of national television away at their near rivals.
Carson Wentz has struggled just as his Eagles tame have, but his connection with tight end Zach Ertz could be their saving grace. He’s on for a record season for his position, and has three 100-yard games against Monday’s opponents and 59 catches for 620 yards overall.
Neither side is particularly adept at defending the pass so that looks the obvious route to success, which should give Wentz the edge given his credentials against McCoy’s relative inexperience.
In the ground game, both Washington’s veteran Adrian Peterson and Philadelphia’s exciting rookie Josh Adams are nursing injuries but both could have success if fit – especially Adams with the Redskins yielding 100-plus scrimmage yards to running backs in their last five games.
In what is a must-win for the Eagles, their need should be enough to keep their season alive for at least one more week.
Verdict: Philadelphia Eagles to win (-3 handicap) at 8/13
Touchdowns: Zach Ertz & Josh Adams both to score TDs at 100/30
RequestABet: Over 45 pts, Ertz to score a TD, Wentz 2+ passing touchdowns, Josh Adams 60+yards rushing.
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