Two NFC East teams will go head-to-head in Week 17 as the Washington Football Team host the Philadelphia Eagles in a critical showdown at FedExField. Who will prevail in this Philadelphia vs Washington clash? Here's a preview of this key divisional matchup.
Philadelphia Eagles enter Week 17 as -3 favorites
The Philadelphia Eagles bolstered their playoff bid with a commanding 34-10 win over the New York Giants in Week 16. It was a huge win for the Eagles, who remained in seventh place in the NFC standings with an 8-7 record. If the playoffs begin today, the Eagles will clinch the final wild card spot in the NFC.
For the Eagles to extend their winning streak to four games against Washington, they will need another solid performance from Jalen Hurts. He completed 17 of 29 passes for 199 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions in the win against the Giants. Hurts did most of his damage in the second half, where the Eagles outscored the Giants, 31-7.
But Philadelphia's victory came at a huge price with star running back Miles Sanders breaking his right hand. He will miss Sunday's game against Washington, but the Eagles have decided not to place him on the injured reserve.
Losing Sanders is a massive blow for the Eagles as he has been playing some outstanding football of late. He recorded two consecutive 100-yard rushing performances before injuring his hand against the Giants. Sanders has rushed for 754 yards on 137 carries with no touchdowns in 12 outings this season.
The Eagles have won five of their last six games because of their ground attack. They lead the NFL in rushing yards (163.2 per game) and rushing touchdowns (22) this season.
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Washington Football Team installed as +3 underdogs
Washington stumbled to its third straight defeat in Week 16, losing 56-14 to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday Night Football. Ron Rivera's men are in danger of missing the playoffs as they dropped to 11th place in the NFC standings with a 6-9 record.
Washington can ill afford to lose another game with San Francisco and Philadelphia holding a two-game lead against them with just two weeks remaining in the regular season. For Washington to grab the all-important win against Philadelphia in Week 17, they must improve their play on the defensive end.
The Cowboys ran roughshod against Washington's defense all evening long in Week 16, racking up 497 total yards in the rout. The 56 points that Washington allowed were the most they have conceded in a game since 2010. Washington's 42-point loss to Dallas was also the most lopsided defeat in the history of their storied rivalry with the Cowboys.
One guy who needs to step up for Washington in Week 17 is Taylor Heinicke. He looked out of sorts in the loss to the Cowboys, completing just 7 of 22 passes for 121 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions.
Writer's Prediction
Washington records an upset win over Philadelphia.
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