Katie Stratman-Imagn Images What do you think about their assessment? As the 2024 NFL season reaches its midpoint, many are looking ahead to the future. ESPN+ recently released a ranking of the 2025 NFL free agency class, highlighting players who will be free agents once this season concludes. Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins topped the list. “Just entering his prime playing years, Higgins is our top free agent for the 2025 class at the moment,” wrote Matt Bowen. “At 6-foot-4 and 219 pounds, he has the ability to win on the boundary or create matchups from inside alignments. And despite playing alongside Ja’Marr Chase in Cincinnati, Higgins has the makeup of a No. 1 receiver. Injuries have limited Higgins to five games this season, but he still has 29 receptions for 341 yards and three touchdowns.” Bengals fans have long viewed Higgins as a true WR1, who just happens to share the field with a top-three wide receiver. Despite his injury history, Higgins has shown enough over the last three and a half seasons to prove he could be a major asset to any team in need of help at the position. The Bengals signaled their intention to use the franchise tag on Higgins in 2024 rather than pursuing a long-term extension. Jeremy Fowler believes this will be Higgins’ final season in Cincinnati. “There’s little to no chance Higgins is in Cincinnati beyond 2024,” he wrote. “People I’ve talked to feel pretty strongly about that, barring a major surprise. A second franchise tag would cost the Bengals around $26.2 million on a one-year rental. Higgins wanted out of Cincinnati last offseason, and the Bengals will likely allocate resources for a Chase contract. Higgins will have a strong market because of the number of receiver-needy teams and his WR1 traits.” The Bengals began extension negotiations with Chase this offseason, though reports suggest they were not earnest in their approach. If the front office isn’t fully committed to locking up Chase, the prospect of keeping both wide receivers in Cincinnati seems unlikely, especially as the Bengals offense has been moving the ball and scoring over 30 points per game even with Higgins sidelined due to a quad injury. With Joe Burrow now signed and Chase likely next, there may be no room in the budget for another offensive weapon of Higgins’ caliber.
ESPN names Higgins No. 1 free agent in upcoming class, says he won’t be back with Bengals
Colts QB Anthony Richardson explains his side of the story and what he’s learned during his demotion
Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images “I’m thankful for these past two weeks and I’m lowkey glad it happened,” a grateful yet determined Anthony Richardson said. The rollercoaster known as the Anthony Richardson experience has taken yet another hard turn, this time in favor of the young quarterback. After the whirlwind that was the past few weeks, Richardson has been reinstated as the team’s starting quarterback for not just Week 11 but for the remainder of the 2024 season. While the reason for his benching was expressed as Joe Flacco giving the Colts its best chance to win and not at all influenced by Richardson’s infamous play off, the previous claims and/or rumors that suggested a lack of professionalism led to the benching appear to be true. Colts head coach Shane Steichen opened up Wednesday’s media availability with the bombshell of an elevation and provided a deeper explanation of the ‘process’ surrounding Richardson’s benching that he so frequently yet vaguely mentioned in recent weeks. “I’ve said the process for a long time and what I mean by that is the attention to detail in everything that he does. From the classrooms, to the walkthroughs, to practice, to the weight room. All of those little things, right? It’s just got to be at a higher standard. That’s what was talked about, and that’s where we went with it. That was discussed with him two weeks ago, and those are the conversations that took place,” Steichen said. “Over the last two weeks, he’s made strides over those areas, big-time strides, Becoming a pro’s pro. And is he a finished product? No, he’s not. And it’s my job to help him get there, along with the rest of the coaching staff, but he’s a hell of a talent. Like I’ve said, we’ve never lost faith or belief in him or his abilities. And he has shown strides, he really has… Everyone has a different journey. Everyone has a different way of development and how you go about the process, but everyone wants instant gratification right now, and sometimes it doesn’t work like that.” While Steichen and Co.’s handling of the situation may seem like an all-time botch job on the surface, it’s completely fair that the Colts kept this as close to the vest as possible. Richardson was already being kicked while he was down for tapping out, and while that could’ve very well been a last straw of sorts that led to said benching, what matters now is that he has learned enough while benched and from his media availability today, it appears that he’s on the track Steichen had hoped he’d get back on sooner rather than later. Shane Steichen mentioned that Anthony Richardson has made some big-time strides that were required of him before he would regain the starting role. Richardson spoke about these strides, explaining that, “[I wanted to] show that I’m willing to be a pro and I’m willing to sacrifice anything that I need to do for the team. I feel like these past two weeks definitely opened my eyes and allowed me an opportunity to do that and take a deeper dive, look into myself, and see what I’m really made of. I’m thankful for these past two weeks, and I’m lowkey glad it happened.” A lack of maturity and/or professionalism is what got Richardson benched in the first place, but how one responds is ultimately what dictates how a player will rebound, if at all. For Richardson, taking a step back wasn’t easy with being a competitor first and foremost. However, self-reflection has allowed him to see the bigger picture more clearly, offering a second chance of sorts that he is grateful for. “As a competitor, you never want to be on the sidelines. You always feel like there’s an opportunity to go out there and help the team. Sitting on the sidelines allowed me to just look and see certain things I could correct about myself, certain things that the team needed help with. I’m just forever grateful for the opportunity. I’m glad that Shane [Steichen] felt like I’m the guy once again. Like I said, I’m just forever grateful and thankful.” While Richardson mentioned how he progressed as a backup during this time, he didn’t talk as much about the off-the-field or in-the-building things that he worked on given that his entire demotion was centered around such aspects. Richardson’s on-the-field play was by no means hitting an adequate level prior to his demotion, but it certainly wasn’t poor enough to warrant the silent two-week suspension that followed it. When asked whether or not he was surprised to learn that there were things that he didn’t know and needed to learn, Richardson replied earnestly. #Colts QB Anthony Richardson on if he was surprised that there were things he hadn’t known yet: “Not necessarily because I’m new to this, I’m still learning information…but there’s always more to sacrifice like time.. so being a pro & learning more about that.” : @Colts pic.twitter.com/PsMLUTeFG4 — Noah Compton (@nerlens_) November 13, 2024 Richardson has, by all accounts, taken this demotion seriously and is still not satisfied with where his product on the field stands. While practice makes perfect, practice does not begin on the field. Practicing one’s craft begins the moment you step into the facility, and for a quarterback, it begins as soon as you wake up each day. There’s been much to learn for the 22-year-old face of the franchise, but Anthony Richardson believes that he’s learned enough in the past two weeks to right his wrongs and get back on track. “I feel like there’s still room for improvement all around, but lately I’ve been working on consistency. That’s always been a thing of mine, you know just trying to perfect that and get better at that. Just being consistent in all aspects. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve been trying to focus on sacrificing more. If the guys ask me to do certain
Raiders injury report: Jackson Powers-Johnson at center again
Jackson Powers-Johnson | Photo by Katelyn Mulcahy/Getty Images Andre James has ankle injury Coming off an impressive performance at his natural position, Las Vegas Raiders rookie center Jackson Powers-Johnson is expected to remain at center Sunday when the team plays at the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Kickoff is set for 10 a.m. PT. Las Vegas head coach Antonio Pierce indicated Wednesday that starting center Andre James will remain out in Week 11. He also missed the Raiders’ last game, a Week 9 41-24 defeat at the Cincinnati Bengals. James injured his ankle in a Week 8 27-20 home loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Powers-Johnson is a starting guard, but center is considered his long-term position and the second-round pick starred at Oregon. Powers-Johnson was a bright spot at center in the Cincinnati loss, so the Raiders are confident in him playing well at Miami. Jordan Meredith will likely play guard for Powers-Johnson. Left tackle Kolton Miller reportedly is practicing Wednesday as the team took the bye week off from practice to let the banged-up roster heal. The #Raiders‘ Wednesday injury report: pic.twitter.com/CKOX111OWm — Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) November 13, 2024 In addition to James, cornerback Nate Hobbs (ankle), tight end Harrison Bryant (ankle) and guard Cody Whitehair (ankle) didn’t practice Wednesday. Meanwhile, as expected, interim offensive coordinator Scott Turner will also serve as the quarterback coach, filling in for the fired Rich Scangarello. Pierce is hopeful tight end Michael Mayer can be ready to play soon. He missed six games due to a personal reason and he returned to practice this week. #Raiders TE Michael Mayer spoke to the media for a bit. Wouldn’t elaborate on the personal reasons that kept him away from the team, but he thanked the franchise, NFLPA and his family and friends for supporting him along the way. He spent some time back home in Cincinnati. — Tashan Reed (@tashanreed) November 13, 2024
Bills vs. Chiefs: 5 storylines to watch for in Week 11
Bills vs. Chiefs: 5 storylines to watch for in Week 11 The Buffalo Bills will turn to the next page of their 2024 NFL regular season. Following a 30-20 win over the Indianapolis Colts in Week 10, the Bills (8-2) will take on the Kansas City Chiefs (9-0) at Highmark Stadium. But before we even get to kickoff, there will be a lot of discussions and conversations to be had throughout the coming days. Here are five storylines to watch for during the lead-up to Bills vs. Chiefs Game of the Week Getty The Bills and Chiefs are the Game of the Week for the NFL’s Week 11 slate. Everyone around the football world will be saying that throughout the coming days, so you can bet similar discussions will be had in Buffalo and Kansas City with all the players and coaches. Josh vs. Pat USAT Bills vs. Chiefs? Even after all this time, that still highlights the quarterback battle between Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. Allen is 3-1 against KC in his regular season career. It’s been different in the postseason… Improved defenses? USAT While the offenses will always take the headlines with Allen and Mahomes in the fold, both sides actually have improved defensive units in 2024 as well. The Bills allowed 19.3 points per game, ninth-best in football. Their 19 takeaways ranks second. The Chiefs allow 83.2 rushing yards per game, third-best, and allow 17.9 points per game (5th). Just a few metrics to prove that these are a pair of solid units. Looming injures Imagn We already know rookie wide receiver Keon Coleman will not play against the Chiefs because of a wrist injury. Against any NFL, you want to be a full go… a top tier one like KC? Of course. Along with Coleman, the likes of wide receiver Amari Cooper (wrist), offensive lineman Spencer Brown (ankle), and others have landed on a long injury report for Buffalo this week. Can the Bills get to full health in time for the Chiefs? Postseason picture USAT We’re still weeks away from the true playoff picture coming together, but the Bills and Chiefs will undoubtedly both be near the top of that as the dust starts to settle. Having said that, this Week 11 contest and its outcome is going to loom very large in a few weeks time.
J.J. McCarthy Did NOT Have Knee Surgery This Week
Photo by David Berding/Getty Images Though some reports initially said that he did With the excitement of the Minnesota Vikings having gotten off to a 7-2 start this NFL season, we haven’t really talked very much about rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy. McCarthy suffered an injury to his meniscus in the team’s first pre-season game this season and wound up having surgery that put him on season-ending injured reserve. Well, earlier today there was quite the buzz around McCarthy on social media, but it turned out that things had been miscommunicated. To be clear: Source said it was just an injection for McCarthy. No second surgery. — Ben Goessling (@BenGoessling) November 13, 2024 Sources had originally said that McCarthy had undergone another surgical procedure on his knee, which is something that would be quite worrisome. . .if it were true. McCarthy was apparently experiencing some swelling in his repaired knee and underwent what is being called a “biologic injection” in order to assist in the healing process and ensure his rehab remains on track. To be clear, this was not a surgical procedure for McCarthy. It was nothing more than an injection. McCarthy is unable to return from IR this season based on when he was placed on the injured reserve list, but it doesn’t sound like he’d be back this season at this rate even if the team had waited to put him on IR. That plan is still, from all accounts, for him to officially take over the reigns for the 2025 season, provided nothing else happens between now and then. I’m sure we’ll be getting more progress reports on J.J. McCarthy as his recovery continues, but for now he has not had any more surgery on his knee.
The Las Vegas Raiders are riding with Gardner Minshew against the Miami Dolphins
Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images The Raiders return from the bye week on a five-game losing streak and a 2-7 record. The Las Vegas Raiders have fallen off a cliff after a 2-2 start to begin the season, losing five straight games entering this weekend’s game against the Miami Dolphins. The Raiders fired offensive coordinator Luke Getsey following Week 9’s loss to the Cincinnati Bengals but will come out of the bye with Gardner Minshew calling the shots at quarterback. “I felt like Gardner gives us the best opportunity to move forward and he has every opportunity to go out there and help us get to a win,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce told reporters on Wednesday. Minshew has led Las Vegas to a 2-5 record over his seven starts this season. He’s completing 67% of passes while throwing just six touchdowns compared to eight interceptions—the Raiders average just under 19 points per game, with the team exceeding 20 points just twice. “When we brought in Gardner, we expected, obviously, the play that we had seen in the past and at some point, you’ve got to give a guy confidence,” Pierce said. “And there’s been times, obviously, with turnovers and other things that have taken place, where we made decisions to either put him on the bench or go to another quarterback.” Aidan O’Connell started two games this season, completing 63% of passes and averaging 5.5 yards per attempt. He threw for 455 yards, two touchdowns, and two interceptions before landing on injured reserve because of a thumb injury. Desmond Ridder, originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in 2022, appeared for the Raiders during their 41-24 loss to the Bengals. He completed 11 of 16 attempts and a touchdown in his only appearance this season. Considering the coaching staff shakeup — which included naming Scott Turner interim offensive coordinator and former Dolphins head coach Joe Philbin interim offensive line coach — along with bringing in former head coach Norv Turner as a senior assistant, the decision to start the more experienced quarterback gives the Raiders their best chance to snap their losing streak. The Dolphins found their second wind on Monday Night Football against the Los Angeles Rams. The 23-15 win kept Miami’s playoff hopes alive, and the Raiders are traveling cross-country and contending with turmoil on offense — this is an opportunity the Dolphins must take advantage of.
Lions LT Taylor Decker struggles with guilt when sidelined by injury
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images The latest on Taylor Decker’s injury, and why he felt guilty about missing the Detroit Lions’ latest game. There doesn’t seem much in life that makes Detroit Lions left tackle Taylor Decker feel more—in his words—”shitty” than missing an opportunity to play football with his teammates. He may be in year nine of his career, but it’s clear he still highly values every chance he gets to take the field. “Every game is important to me,” Decker said. “We only get to play 17, and, you know, all things are pointing to us being in the playoffs, of course. I have had plenty of seasons where we don’t get to ( the playoffs), so every game is important to me. “… The biggest thing when you’re used to being out there with your teammates and guys you’ve played a lot of football with, when you’re not out there, it’s just a shitty feeling. It doesn’t feel good. You want to be out there whether it’s Week 10 and you’re mathematically eliminated or it’s Week 10 and you’re rolling. That doesn’t change my desire to be out there and play.” So, naturally, last week was tough Decker. He suffered an injury during last Thursday’s practice which he described as a rotator cuff strain. It was an injury to the same shoulder that required labrum surgery in 2017 and was right next to where he had a pectoral strain earlier this season. So, out of caution, the Lions held him out for their Sunday night tilt with the Houston Texans. He had no choice but to watch from his bed at home as the Lions struggled for three quarters against the Texans before finally pulling through at the end. That’s not something Decker takes lightly. “I felt personally responsible for the first half of that game, and I’m not saying that jokingly,” Decker said. “I felt really bad, even though I know it was in my best interest and the team’s best interest to sit that one out. (But) just when you’re not out there with your guys, especially when it’s guys that you’ve played with as much as I’ve played with some of these guys on offense, it’s like a guilty feeling. It really is.” Without Decker, the Lions offensive line struggled. The Texans didn’t officially record a sack, but a few quarterback pressures resulted in Jared Goff turnovers, and Detroit managed just seven points through the first two quarters. Dan Skipper, Decker’s replacement at left tackle, made his first career start at the tackle position, and according to PFF, he was responsible for three of the Texans’ 11 pressures. That said, Decker was impressed with Skipper’s effort. “Skip did a hell of a job,” Decker said. “I texted him right after. He battled his ass off. I know they said they were trying to keep him alive out there; he had like three IVs or something. I think I saw before the game he only has had a handful of snaps at tackle, so incredible by him to go out there and be able to perform.” This week, it’s unclear if Decker will return to the lineup. Coach Dan Campbell expressed optimism on Wednesday afternoon, and Decker followed that up by saying the plan, as of now, is to play vs. the Jaguars. But Decker knows that if it’s up to him every week, he’s going to play, even to his own detriment. That’s why he’s instructed Lions medical staff to intervene, if necessary. “‘If I’m being stupid, I need you to protect me from myself,’” Decker said he has told team doctors. “That’s their job and that’s what they do.”
Injury report: Sam LaPorta sits, Taylor Decker returns on Wednesday
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images The Detroit Lions released their Week 11 initial injury report and while TE Sam LaPorta sat out Wednesday, LT Taylor Decker returned to practice. The Detroit Lions (8-1) are hosting the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-8) in Week 11 and both teams have a couple of key players injured that necessitate monitoring. Just like last week, the Lions are starting the week slow and running a walkthrough to begin the practice portion of the week. Unfortunately, these types of practices are not open to the media, and therefore, today’s injury report will be based on how the coaches estimate players would have participated, had there been a full practice. Let’s take a look at Wednesday’s estimated injury report and get you up to date with what we know. Note that any changes from last week’s report will be bolded. Injured reserve DT Brodric Martin (knee) — injured reserve, 21-day injury evaluation clock started DL John Cominsky (MCL) — injured reserve, could return in the Playoffs LB Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck) — injured reserve, eligible to return in Week 14 CB Emmanuel Moseley (pec) — injured reserve, 21-day evaluation clock started S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) — injured reserve, 21-day evaluation clock started Reeves-Maybin was injured in Week 9 against the Packers, briefly exited the game but was able to return. When practice began in Week 10, he was absent all week and eventually placed on injured reserve. After missing the game against the Texans, he’ll be out a minimum of three more weeks and is eligible to return in Week 14, ironically when the Lions take on the Packers. While Derrick Barnes suffered what was considered a season-ending injury (MCL and PCL tears, while his ACL remains intact, per Free Press’ Dave Birkett), he was in the locker room in Allen Park on Wednesday, noted that he is rehabbing with Aidan Hutchinson (per the Athletic’s Colton Pouncy), and said he’s had thoughts of a possible return—through he recognized those chances are slim: Derrick Barnes made an appearance in the locker room today. Said he got on the exercise bike today. In the very early stages of rehab. When asked if he was ahead of schedule he said, “I will be.” — Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) November 13, 2024 No practice TE Sam LaPorta (shoulder) — injured in Week 10 LaPorta was injured in the third quarter of last Sunday night’s game, exited the field for examination, and while he tried to return, he was unable to get back on the field. He’ll start the week by not participating—which is not unusual for players injured in the most recent game—and the Lions will take it slow in determining his availability. “It’ll be day-to-day,” coach Dan Campbell said on Monday. “But we don’t feel like this is something like, ‘Oh, man, this is going to be a long, nagging injury.’ I think we’ll get through it. I’m hopeful this week, but I can’t say that. He’s questionable.” The Jaguars are 32nd in DVOA when covering tight ends, which could be a big opportunity for the Lions’ tight ends, most notably, Brock Wright if LaPorta is unable to play on Sunday. Limited practice LT Taylor Decker (shoulder) — upgraded LB Malcolm Rodriguez (ankle) — upgraded Decker was injured in practice last Thursday, and like most midweek injuries, he could not be cleared in time to play on Sunday. “It happened in practice, yeah. Rotator cuff strain, and then I’ve had shoulder surgery on this shoulder before with the labrum,” Decker told the media in the locker room on Wednesday. “Just irritated the labrum a little bit, and the week prior I had a pec strain on the same side. I know the play that happened that caused it, but I don’t know if it was maybe a compensation thing or whatnot. Hopefully, it’s not too long term.” Decker returned for Wednesday’s walkthrough practice and is trending in the right direction to play on Sunday. “As of right now, I do feel better about having Decker this week,” Campbell said on Wednesday. “he was out there at walkthrough, going through (practice). I feel like he is questionable, but I’m starting to feel like—I think he’s going to be able to make it (into the game). Tomorrow will tell a lot, certainly, that’ll be a full-speed practice for us.” In the locker room following Wednesday’s walkthrough, Decker echoed Campbell’s comments, noting that his plan is to return to game action this week. Taylor Decker hates not playing. Said he felt personally responsible for the first half vs. the Texans. Says his plan, as of today, is to play vs. the Jaguars. — Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) November 13, 2024 After being injured in Week 8, Rodriguez is returning to practice this week with the hopes of being cleared to play on Sunday. For each of the last two games, practice squader Abraham Beauplan was signed to the 53-man roster to give the linebacker room some depth, but he was released on Monday—and re-signed to the practice squad—which could be a good sign for Rodriguez’s health. Full practice EDGE Za’Darius Smith (personal) DT Brodric Martin (knee) — Days remaining in injury evaluation window: 6 CB Emmanuel Moseley (pec) — Days remaining in injury evaluation window: 13 S Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) — Days remaining in injury evaluation window: 13 Za’Darius Smith is practicing in full and is expected to make his Lions debut this Sunday. Martin, Moseley, and Melifonwu continue to work through the evaluation process, and all have time remaining in their window so as to not rush a decision on their return until next week. That being said, if any are ready for return, the Lions do have an open spot on the roster after waiving Beauplan. “(Moseley) and Iffy (Melifonwu) are in the same boat. We just take it as it comes and if they’re ready, they’re ready, and if not, then they’re not,” Campbell said at his press conference. No longer listed on
Jack Stoll won’t be returning to the Eagles
Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images Philadelphia’s No. 3 tight end was claimed off waivers. Jack Stoll, who was waived by the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday to open a roster spot for the team to activate Jordan Mailata from injured reserve, was officially claimed by the Miami Dolphins on Wednesday. The Dolphins had the No. 10 spot in the waiver wire claiming order, which mirrors the current 2025 NFL Draft order. There was thought that Stoll might return to Philly on the Eagles’ practice squad if he passed through waivers unclaimed. Alas, that won’t be the case. The Eagles are moving forward with just two tight ends on their active roster: Dallas Goedert and Grant Calcaterra. They also have two tight ends on their practice squad: E.J. Jenkins and C.J. Uzomah. Jenkins is out of temporarily elevations while Uzomah still has three remaining. Waiving Stoll hardly felt like a no-brainer; he did a nice job as TE2 when Goedert missed three games. And while Calcaterra offers more juice as a pass-catcher, it’s Stoll who serves as the superior blocker. The Eagles could’ve considered some other moves to open a roster spot for Mailata. Do they really need to keep Eli Ricks around as a seventh cornerback who doesn’t really help on special teams when he’s occasionally active? Do they need to have 11 offensive linemen on their active roster like they currently do? Ultimately, what’s done is done. Stoll is starting a new chapter to his NFL career in Miami.
NFL betting advice: Eagles-Commanders pick and Week 11 props
Photo by Jess Rapfogel/Getty Images Are you going to gamble on the game? Steve Maltepes, known as “The Philly Godfather,” will impart his gambling wisdom on the Eagles and where the smart money is going on various pro football games each weekend this season. Maltepes is one of the nation’s hottest sports betting experts who appears weekly on national radio and has his own website, www.thephillygodfather.com [thephillygodfather.com]. Washington Commanders (7-3) at Philadelphia Eagles (7-2), 8:15 p.m. Thursday The Line: Eagles minus-3.5/Total: 48.5 What is the line telling you: The market opened with the Eagles originally as a 3.5-point home favorites, with the combined total set at 50. Since then, the side has fluctuated from Philly minus-3, back up to minus-3.5, where it currently stands. The total has seen a down tick in the market to 48.5. There is some sharp money on under-50. When we compare the betting slips with my friends offshore and in Las Vegas, as of right now, it is basically a 50-50 split on all tickets placed and money wagered. The public money is evenly divided. When handicapped this matchup, I believe the Commanders have the edge in coaching, with Dan Quinn over the Eagles’ Nick Sirianni, and at the quarterback position. Even though Jayden Daniels is a rookie, he has played just as well, if not better than Jalen Hurts this season. I do give the Eagles the edge in overall talent on the field. On offense, the edge goes to Washington, which is No. 4 overall in the yards-per-play metric, compared to the Eagles, who are No. 10. On the defensive side, the Eagles have a much bigger edge. They are ranked No. 2 overall in opponent-yards-per-play, while the Commanders are ranked No. 21 in the NFL. When we compare common opponents, surprisingly, the Eagles and Commanders lost by 17 points to the Buccaneers, while the Eagles struggled against the Browns at home, and Washington beat Cleveland handily by three touchdowns. Philly crushed the New York Giants, while Washington squeezed out two victories over the G-Men by a combined eight points. Bottom line: I think the Eagles are a slightly better overall team than Washington and will eventually win the NFC East. But this is a market, and the current price with a divisional game on a short week, with not much travel involved, I like the Commanders here plus-3.5 points. The Eagles have a nice five-game winning streak heading into Thursday night, but if you look at the opponents that they have played in that time span, the Browns, Jags, Cowboys, Bengals and Giants, those teams have a combined record of 13-35 record on the season. The Commanders plus-3.5 is the bet. Prop bets for the game A.J. Brown anytime touchdown, plus-105 Terry McLaurin anytime touchdown, plus-105 Jalen Hurts over 223.5 passing yards (Betting lines are subject to change.)
