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The Eagles-Redskins line was coming in at Philadelphia -1.5 for this Week 6 2011 regular season game. 70 percent of the betting public were backing the Eagles on the spread here.
Sportsbook.com Line & Total: Philadelphia -1.5 & 47
Opening Line & Total: Pick ‘em & 48
The Eagles are staring at an early-season must win when they visit division rival Washington on Sunday.
A month ago, many experts would’ve guessed this would be a matchup of the NFC East leader versus the division cellar-dweller, but with the reverse scenario in mind. The Eagles are coming off four straight losses as their defense struggles and their offense turns the ball over. The Redskins are coming off a bye week with a 3-1 record thanks to a surprisingly strong defensive unit. Eagles QB Michael Vick torched the Skins in D.C. last November, en route to a 59-28 victory. Philly’s offense should be able to put points on the board, and finally put a stop to its losing streak.
Vick was phenomenal the last time he played in Washington, becoming the first player in NFL history to rush for 50+ yards (80) and two scores, while throwing for 300+ yards (333) and four more TD. Vick has not enjoyed a great 2011 season under center. His 267 passing YPG is strong, but 8 TD and 7 INT is not a good ratio. He threw four of those picks in last week’s 31-24 loss to Buffalo. RB LeSean McCoy averaged 105 rushing YPG on 19.0 carries per game in Weeks 1-3, but has only carried the pigskin 20 total times (for 98 yards) in the past two games.
The Eagles defense ranks 26th in scoring (26.4 PPG), 30th in rushing (140 YPG) and 30th in passing touchdowns allowed (11). Despite its high-priced secondary. Philly has picked off only three passes all season.
The matchup of Washington’s resurgent running game against Philly’s inconsistent defense will likely be the difference in this game. But who exactly will run the ball for the Redskins remains a bit of a mystery. Tim Hightower (probable with a shoulder injury) has more than half the team’s carries, but Ryan Torain had a huge last game in St. Louis, galloping for 135 yards on just 19 attempts (7.1 YPC). Rookie Roy Helu has also been running strong with 126 yards on 24 carries (5.3 YPC). Washington will need its ground game to thrive as QB Rex Grossman has completed just 58% of his passes and has thrown five picks in the past three games.
The Redskins defense has been sound in all facets, placing among the league’s top six in scoring (15.8 PPG), yardage (297 YPG), First Downs (15.5 per game) and passing touchdowns (three).
- Carrie Stroup, Gambling911.com Senior Reporter
