Two NFC East teams will square off in Week 15 as the Washington Football Team take on the Philadelphia Eagles at the Lincoln Financial Field. Who will record the much-needed victory in this Washington vs Philadelphia clash? Here's a breakdown of this divisional matchup.
Washington Football Team installed as +2.5 underdogs
Washington had its four-game winning streak snapped in Week 14 with a gut-wrenching 27-20 loss to the Dallas Cowboys. It was a costly defeat for Washington, who lost more ground to Dallas in the race for the NFC East title. They now trail the Cowboys by three games ahead of Week 15.
The good news for Ron Rivera's men is that they are still inside the playoff picture. They are currently in seventh place in the NFC standings with a 6-7 record. They hold the tiebreaker over the Minnesota Vikings, Philadelphia Eagles, Atlanta Falcons, and New Orleans Saints, who all carry similar 6-7 slates.
For Washington to return to the win column against Philadelphia, they need to get a much-improved showing from Taylor Heinicke. He struggled mightily in the Week 14 loss to the Cowboys, completing just 11 of 25 passes for 122 yards with one touchdown and one interception.
Heinicke was not given enough time in the pocket during this contest as he was sacked four times by the Cowboys. He even had a fumble that was returned for a touchdown. It is crucial for Washington to establish the run game against Philadelphia. They racked up just 100 yards rushing in the loss to the Cowboys.
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Philadelphia Eagles enter Week 15 as -2.5 favorites
The Philadelphia Eagles headed into their bye week feeling good about themselves after defeating the New York Jets on the road in Week 13. The Eagles pulled off a 33-18 victory over the Jets to improve their record to 6-7. It was a significant win for the Eagles, who are now tied for the seventh spot in the NFC following Washington's loss to Dallas in Week 14.
Gardner Minshew starred in the Week 13 win, completing 20 of 25 passes for 242 yards with a couple of touchdowns. It was an impressive performance by Minshew, who made his first start for the Eagles. Dallas Goedert was Minshew's favorite target, with the 26-year-old tight end making two touchdown receptions.
Minshew Mania may just be for one game, with the Eagles expected to name Jalen Hurts as their starting quarterback for Week 15. Hurts' ankle injury forced him to miss the game against the Jets, but head coach Nick Sirianni has made it clear that he would be Philadelphia's starter when healthy.
Hurts has completed 60.1 percent of his passes through 12 games for the Eagles this season, racking up 2,435 receiving yards with 13 touchdowns and eight interceptions. Hurts also has been a major threat on the ground, with 695 yards rushing and eight touchdowns this campaign.
Writer's Prediction
Philadelphia wins and covers the spread.
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