Redskins at Eagles preview and predictions

The Eagles host the Redskins today as two teams who need a win to get their season back on track meet with much different reasons for the same goal.

For the Eagles, a win can change the narrative surrounding them the last few weeks of a team that is lacking in effort and that is steadily declining as the season progresses. Thankfully for them, the Redskins are a matchup that could be advantageous. The Eagles are 26th in 3rd down conversions and 19th in the red zone, unsurprising rankings for an offense starved of playmakers. Meanwhile the Redskins defense is 32nd in 3rd down stops and 30th in the red zone. This, along with being 18th in turnovers, has contributed to making the Redskins defense 20th in points and 23rd in yards. They are 20th in pass DVOA and 30th in run DVOA, they are a struggling unit. With Jordan Matthews and Ryan Mathews expected to play, the Eagles offense will have the opportunity to have a strong game.

But the Redskins, who need a win to stay in the hunt for a playoff spot, must be thinking the same. Jay Gruden is 4-1 against the Eagles, his only loss by 3 points in the third game of his head coaching career. In the previous meeting the Redskins offense had one of their best games of the seasons against the Eagles: 27 points and 493 yards were their 4th most, and their 230 rushing yards was the eight most in the league, though most of that damage was done after Bennie Logan was injured before halftime. Washington is two games removed from back to back 500 yard games, that those were their only games this year without a turnover is not a coincidence.

Both teams will be looking for their offenses to have a big day, which would indicate a shoot out could be in the works. But this is a divisional game, and divisional games are a strange beast. Both teams have their backs against a wall, but the Eagles appear to have galvanized behind the questions surround their effort. That might be the difference needed today.

Predictions

Score: Eagles 27 Redskins 23

Bold Prediction: Zach Ertz gains yard(s) after a catch

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