Week seven may be over for most teams in the NFL, but it’s only just beginning for the Philadelphia Eagles. That of course means it’s time to turn it over to our writers to get their takes and predictions on what’s going to transpire in a few hours time.
Liam “Cup of Tea” Jenkins: 4-1
After battling a short week, the Eagles are raring to go. Ronald Darby’s return is nearly upon us and with six home games remaining, the team are only building on the momentum that explodes through the locker room each and every week. Overcoming injuries has been a huge factor in the Eagles’ early success, as has their ability to push through adversity and remain grounded.
As for Washington, the losses of Josh Norman and Bashaud Breeland paint a worrying picture for their secondary. The Eagles don’t really care who scores or how many yards a particular wideout amasses so long as the team wins. This “team-first” mentality has seen breakout years from Zach Ertz and Nelson Agholor, but Washington will struggle to contain Alshon Jeffery without an all-pro to follow his every move…opening a gaping whole for a high-scoring offense to burst through.
The Birds’ are at home, healthy and hungry. Kirk Cousins may do a great job of protecting the ball, but I have a feeling the tenacious front four will thrive given that this is the healthiest they’ve been since that week 1 win. It’s a must-win for Washington. But every game is a must win for the Eagles…and it’s that kind of mentality that has pushed them so far ahead of the rest of the division. We’ll learn tonight just how high the ceiling on this team really is.
Eagles 42 Redskins 20
Brenden “my picks are” Pedigree 3-1
The Eagles are feeling rested as they head into their second matchup against the Washington Redskins Monday night after playing on Thursday night a week ago.
To win this game, linebackers Nigel Bradham and Jordan Hicks will be paramount. Redskins WR/RB Chris Thompson is leading his team in both receiving and rushing yards and has averaged 103 total yards per game. Outside of Thompson, the Redskins offense has a very limited roster of weapons. Terrelle Pryor has been a major free agent signing bust and is just third on the team in receiving and has only caught one touchdown pass.
The Redskins will be without cornerback Josh Norman, giving the Eagles and MVP front-runner Carson Wentz the upper hand on offense. Receivers Nelson Agholor, Alshon Jeffery and tight end Zach Ertz could have a field day and the Redskins will have to pick their poison.
Kirk Cousins is 0-5 in his career on Monday night. The Eagles look like the best team in the league. I think the Eagles win this one comfortably, Redskins fans go into hibernation for the rest of the year and the Eagles solidify their standing as best team in the NFC East and the Super Bowl talk ramps up again.
Eagles 34 Redskins 20
Chris “Has the best sounding name of any of our writers” Coviello 4-1
After an 11 day mini bye week, the Eagles are back in action to take on the Redskins in Philly. The Eagles climbed the Redskins hurdle earlier in the year and now can use this game to finally put them in the rear-view. I’m not quite sure that the non-Eagles fan public believes that this team is for real. On Monday night, on the big stage, Carson Wentz is going to make everyone a believer. Be prepared for a slow start but the Eagles are rested and relatively healthy. Lane Johnson is back. We may even see the return of Ronald Darby. The Redskins on the other hand are quite banged up, especially in the secondary with Josh Norman expected to miss the game. The Redskins are still a formidable foe and can still put up their share of points. I just feel like the Eagles roll in this one. Carson is going to silence any doubter left. Zach Ertz is going to eat as he usually does against the Skins. The defense will shut down the run and cause Kirk Cousins fits all night. There won’t be much left to criticize after this one.
Redskins 20 Eagles 41
Quentin “Not LeGarrette” Blount 3-1
After the eleven day break, the Eagles have had plenty of time to get healthy and game plan for the Redskins. The Redskins of course, will be missing star corner Josh Norman, and their secondary is just banged up in general. If the Eagles manage to run the ball and protect Carson Wentz long enough for him to make his reads, he should be able to shred Washington’s wounded defense. The Eagles will move to 6-1 and 3-0 in the NFC East.
Eagles 31 Redskins 20
Ant “The new guy” Brinkley 3-0
With Josh Norman out and the Eagles getting healthier each day to pick against them this week. However, there are many positional battles the Eagles must win if they want to keep and an undefeated record in the division. I believe the Eagles win these matchups and win in a very close game at home.
Eagles 24 Redskins 21
Tyler “The need for Steege” 3-1
Divisional matchup typically means close games. Think Eagles have Redskins number, though.
Eagles 27 Redskins 20
Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
