How are you feeling about this matchup?
Here’s something I’m not sure I’ve ever said before: the Washington Commanders deserve your respect.
They’re a very legitimate team.
The Commanders rank seventh in DVOA, one spot ahead of the Eagles.
The Commanders rank third in point differential, one spot (and one point) ahead of the Eagles.
Jayden Daniels is the real deal. He’s going to test a Vic Fangio defense that’s been excellent since Philly’s Week 5 bye. Daniels will not beat himself with rookie mistakes; the Eagles must force the issue.
There’s reason to believe they can do just that. The Eagles’ defense has been pretty great in coverage. This unit could present some of the biggest challenges that Daniels has faced to date. While Terry McLaurin is playing with the best quarterback he’s ever had against the Eagles, he’s also arguably facing his steepest competition. Quinyon Mitchell has been a lockdown corner thus far and he’ll be making McLaurin work for his production tonight.
While the Commanders’ defense under Dan Quinn has been respectable, it should not be able to rise to the level of shutting down the Eagles’ offense. Only three teams are allowing more yards per rushing attempt this season, so, it could another great opportunity to hand the ball to Saquon Barkley over and over until the Commanders prove they can stop it. Washington also doesn’t have the horses to consistently lock down A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.
The feeling here is that the Eagles have great vibes going on right now. Then again, the Commanders are also having a special kind of season relative to low expectations. I’m wary of betting against that and Daniels.
I think it’s going to be a really competitive game that comes down to the wire. Ultimately, I like the Commanders to just barely cover but the Eagles to win on a last-second Jake Elliott field goal.
Really, the Birds must win this one. With a loss, there’s no guarantee they can catch the Commanders down the stretch. A win puts the Eagles in the driver’s seat for the NFC East crown.
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Suggested format:
Score prediction:
Bold prediction:
My predictions:
Score prediction: 30 to 27, Eagles win.
Bold prediction: Jahan Dotson scores his first touchdown as an Eagle against his former team AND Zach Ertz scores the first touchdown the Eagles have allowed to a tight end this season.
Your predictions:
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