The 2-4 Philadelphia Eagles are on the road this weekend to clash with the 4-2 Las Vegas Raiders in what promises to be an exciting matchup. Here is everything you need to know.
Injury report
Both teams come into this matchup relatively healthy. The only player ruled out for Vegas is third-string TE Nick Bowers, although this could be key as star TE Darren Waller was a late addition to the injury report. He hasn’t actually missed a game in three years so it’s easier to assume that he will be active. If not, Foster Moreau will be the man over the middle.
As far as the Eagles go, Lane Johnson makes his return after a few weeks off with mental health hurdles, while Dallas Goedert was activated from the COVID-19/reserve list earlier in the week. This was just as well considering that Zach Ertz was traded earlier in the week.
Safety Anthony Harris is the only player potentially absent, which means Marcus Epps will be next in line to see some snaps in his place.
Tale of the tape
The big thing here surrounding the Eagles is the offense. Can Nick Sirianni follow through on his words and actually begin running the ball? Will the offense now finally feature some release valves over the middle for a struggling quarterback as opposed to leaving him nothing but deep shots, which he has notoriously struggled with all year long? It’s been a series of teething problems for Nick Sirianni this season, but this game is absolutely an opportunity to buck the trend now that the offensive line is getting healthier.
This is just as well considering that the Raiders have a devastating pass rush headlined by Maxx Crosby. They lit up Teddy Bridgewater last week for 33 hurries and 17 QB hits. Las Vegas has 17 sacks on the season and the Eagles have been bleeding pressure over the past few weeks. This will hopefully change with Lane’s return, but if there is ever a time to scheme up short throws and bring back the screen game, this is it. Get the ball out quick and give Hurts as many lifelines as possible.
On the other side of the field, the Eagles need to be wary of a resurgent Derek Carr. The defense has looked porous at best over the past month and despite some notable improvements, have still leaked plenty of easy yards to the upper echelon of QB’s thanks to some soft coverages.
Carr actually ranks second in total passing yards this season. Completing 64% of his passes, he’s thrown for 10 touchdowns and 4 picks. With a strong receiving corps at his side and the return of Josh Jacobs, Carr could have a fairly easy day at the office unless players like Javon Hargrave and Josh Sweat can step up and make their mark.
The lines
The Eagles are +3 underdogs going into the matchup, with the over-under sitting at 48.5.
Photo by Andy Lewis/Icon Sportswire
