Monday Night Football heads to the Linc in Philadelphia, as the Philadelphia Eagles (8-0) host the Washington Commanders (4-5) in an NFC East showdown. These two sides squared off in week 3, with the Eagles cruising to a 24-8 victory in Washington. The Commanders have had a change in quarterback since this time, with Taylor Heineke taking over under center. Heineke has injected some life into this Commanders team with his moxie, who were sputtering at 2-4 before he took over in week 7. It’ll be interesting to see how he performs when the lights are brightest.
Thursday Night Football proved profitable, as we went 2-1, with the best bet and Panthers ML cashing. We now sit at 16-12-1 (+7.26u) in primetime matches this season.
Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles Preview & Betting Tips
Lincoln Financial Field, Tuesday 12:15pm AEDT
Last Week
The Commanders were in another dog fight last week, in a game that went down to the wire against the Vikings. The Commanders led 10-7 heading into the 4th quarter, and had chances to win the game, however, were ultimately beaten 20-17. The Commanders rush defence, which has been solid of late, was again brilliant in this one, allowing only 56 rushing yards on 22 attempts from the Vikings. Given how much the Eagles rely on the run, if the Commanders can match the intensity they have displayed recently, they have a real shot at keeping this one close.
The Eagles featured on Thursday Night Football last week, where they travelled to Houston to take on the Texans. Whilst not at their best, the Eagles still comfortably came out on top 29-17, to maintain their 100% winning record for the season. They were led on the ground by Miles Sanders, who carried the ball 17 times for 93 yards and a touchdown, and through the air by Dallas Goedert, who had 8 receptions for 100 yards and a touchdown. On defence, DT Javon Hargrave managed 3 sacks.
Injury Report
Washington Commanders
J.D. McKissic (RB) – OUT
Cole Holcomb / David Mayo (LB) – OUT
Phidarian Mathis (DT) – OUT
Tariq Castro-Fields (DB) – OUT
Carson Wentz (QB) – OUT
Wes Schweitzer (OG) – OUT
Andrew Norwell (OG) – QUESTIONABLE
Philadelphia Eagles
Josh Jobe / Avonte Maddox (CB) – OUT
Jordan Davis (DT) – OUT
Derek Barnett (DE) – OUT
Janarius Robinson (LB) – OUT
Jaeden Graham (TE) – QUESTIONABLE
Match Preview
Another Monday Night Football contest that doesn’t exactly scream excitement, however it’s another opportunity to see the Eagles in primetime. After cruising by the Texans last Thursday, the Eagles get a tougher opponent this week at home, in divisional rival the Washington Commanders. The NFC East has turned from the worst division in football to one of the best, with all 4 teams still in playoff contention. I would guess the Commanders are probably done with a loss here, so the season could be on the line.
I’m struggling to find an angle on the side in this matchup, with my number coming to Eagles -11. The lookahead was Eagles -10, opened at -10.5, and has been bet to -11. I would only bet the Commanders at this number; however, I’d prefer 13. If this number gets to Commanders +13 by kick off, that’s the side I would take. Backing this up is the Commanders run defence, currently rated 2nd in the league per DVOA. This matches up well with the strength of the Eagles, so it’ll be an interesting strength on strength matchup.
Despite losing last week with this angle in Thursday Night Football, I’m going back to the well with the Eagles to start strongly here. Before last week, the Eagles had averaged 18.3 points per 4th quarter, whilst only conceding 4.3. The second quarter ended 7-7 last week but being back at home I’ll back the Eagles to get it done this week. Smaller staking, given the lack of success I’ve had with this bet previously. I also like the Eagles to have a touchdown lead at the main break.
Alternate Bet: Eagles -3.5 (2nd quarter line) - $1.90 @ Bluebet (1u)
Eagles -6.5 (1st half line)
$1.83 (1.5 Units)
