Monday Night Football Betting Preview: Redskins at Eagles
Washington Redskins at Philadelphia Eagles (-4.5, 49)
When the Philadelphia Eagles step onto the field for Monday's prime-time clash against the visiting Washington Redskins, they will own the best record in the NFL and have a chance to take total control of the NFC East. The Eagles have ripped off four consecutive victories to open a two-game lead on the Redskins as they vie for a sweep of the season series.
Philadelphia won its first three games last season under rookie quarterback Carson Wentz before going into a tailspin, but the team seems better equipped to continue its success this time around. "Having a year together with this team, under Coach, myself, everything, we're just built differently," Wentz told reporters. "We have a different character makeup in that locker room, and we just have a bunch of guys that believe that, no matter the situation, we can find a way to win a ballgame." Washington, which won five straight in the series before dropping a 30-17 decision to the Eagles in the season opener, held on for a 26-24 victory over winless San Francisco last weekend after building an early 17-point lead. The Redskins' only other loss was a 29-20 setback at then-unbeaten Kansas City, which also handed Philadelphia its only defeat.
POWER RANKINGS: Redskins (0) - Eagles (-3) + home field (-3) = Eagles -6
LINE HISTORY: The Eagles opened as 5.5-home chalk and early money on the road team has brought that number down a full-point to 4.5, where it currently stands. The total hit the betting board at 48.5 and has been bet up at an even 49.
INJURY REPORT:
Washington - OT Trent Williams (Probable, Knee), LB Ryan Anderson (Probable, Back), LB Mason Foster (Questionable, Shoulder), G Tyler Catalina (Questionable, Concussion), RB Rob Kelley (Questionable, Ankle), S Deshazor Everett (Questionable, Hamstring), CB Bashaud Breeland (Questionable, Knee), S Stefan McClure (Questionable, Knee), CB Josh Norman (Doubtful, Ribs), OT Jonathan Allen I-R, Foot), K Dustin Hopkins (I-R, Hip).
Philadelphia - DT Beau Allen (Probable, Foot), DT Destiny Vaeao (Probable, Wrist), DE Brandon Graham (Probable, Shoulder), LB Jordan Hicks (Probable, Ankle), RB Wendall Smallwood (Probable, Knee), OT Lance Johnson (Probable, Concussion), DT Tim Jernigan (Questionable, Ankle), CB Ronald Darby (Questionable, Ankle), S Jaylen Watkins (Questionable, Hamstring), LB Nigel Bradham (Questionable, Upper Body), WR Mack Hollins (Questionable, Leg)
ABOUT THE REDSKINS (3-2 SU, 2-3 ATS, 3-2 O/U):Quarterback Kirk Cousins had his worst performance in the season opener, but he is coming off a strong three-game stretch and leads the NFC with a 106.4 passer rating. Running back Rob Kelley is dealing with an ankle injury, which could mean the bulk of playing time will go to rookie Samaje Perine and Chris Thompson, who already has recorded two 100-yard receiving performances and made four catches for 52 yards and a touchdown in Week 1. With wideouts Terrelle Pryor and Jamison Crowder continuing to struggle, the tight-end tandem of Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis has combined for 29 catches. Linebacker Preston Smith has registered 4.5 of the team's 15 sacks, including one in the season opener.
ABOUT THE EAGLES (5-1 SU, 4-2 ATS, 4-2 O/U):Wentz entered the weekend fifth in passing yards (1,584) with 13 touchdowns and three interceptions, and during the four-game winning streak has thrown nine scoring passes against only one pick. Moving to the slot has provided a boost for third-year wideout Nelson Agholor, who has recorded four catches and a TD reception in each of the last two games. However, Wentz's top target is tight end Zach Ertz, who hauled in a pair of touchdown passes last week and has been a nemesis for the Redskins - evidenced by an eight-catch, 93-yard performance in Week 1. Philadelphia ranks No. 1 in the league against the run, allowing an average of 65.7 yards, but is surrendering a generous 273.5 passing yards.
TRENDS:
* Redskins are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games following a ATS loss.
* Over is 8-0 in Redskins last 8 games following a ATS loss.
* Over is 9-2 in Eagles last 11 vs. NFC East.
* Redskins are 6-1 ATS in their last 7 meetings.
CONSENSUS: The home fave Eagles are picking up 55 percent of the action on the spread and Over is grabbing 64 percent of the totals selections.