Washington
3rd NFC East0-1
Philadelphia
2nd NFC East1-1
Washington @ Philadelphia preview
Lincoln Financial Field
Last Meeting ( Oct 23, 2017 ) Washington 24, Philadelphia 34
The Philadelphia Eagles are coming off what may have been a season-saving victory while the Washington Redskins are trying to shake off back-to-back losses that cost them the lead in the NFC East. As the division rivals prepare to clash on Monday night in Philadelphia, the Redskins will hold a one-game edge on the Eagles for the conference's sixth and final playoff slot.
Reigning Super Bowl champion Philadelphia appeared on the verge of absorbing a knockout blow last weekend before erasing an early 16-point deficit and rallying for a 25-22 victory over the New York Giants. "This was a big game for us," Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz said. "Obviously in terms of the division standings and all that fun stuff, but really mentally to show the resilience that we did. To get down early like we did, then to battle back, just really builds a lot of confidence." Washington is trying to maintain its confidence and a victory over Philadelphia could provide a huge boost in that department, particularly with the teams squaring off in the regular-season finale. "I think there should be a sense of urgency without a doubt," Redskins coach Jay Gruden said. "Anytime you can go on the road and get a key victory is very, very critical. It is also important for our confidence and our psyche down the stretch."
TV: 8:15 p.m. ET, ESPN. LINE: Eagles -6.5. O/U: 45
ABOUT THE REDSKINS (6-5): Washington is hoping the additional time off will pay dividends for Colt McCoy, who had only three days to get ready for his first career start in four years after Alex Smith suffered a season-ending leg injury. McCoy, who was picked off three times in a 31-23 loss to division-leading Dallas on Thanksgiving, and the offense could receive a boost with the return of running back Chris Thompson, who practiced fully for the first time Friday since suffering broken ribs on Oct. 28. Thompson also would alleviate the workload on Adrian Peterson, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury. The Redskins were burned for a pair of long touchdown passes against the Cowboys.
ABOUT THE EAGLES (5-6): Wentz bounced back from a three-interception performance in a debacle at New Orleans by throwing for 238 yards and a touchdown in the comeback win over New York. Once again his favorite target was tight end Zach Ertz, who had seven catches for 91 yards and a score to boost his season totals to a career-best 84 receptions and 895 yards. Running back Josh Adams provided much needed balance to the offense and lifted a running game in dire need of a spark with 84 yards rushing on 22 carries -- both season highs -- while scoring for the second week in a row. Philadelphia held New York to three second-half points last week but ranks 28th against the pass (276.5 yards).
EXTRA POINTS
1. Wentz has six TD passes and two interceptions in a sweep of the Redskins last season.
2. Peterson needs two rushing touchdowns to move past Jim Brown (106) for fifth place on the all-time list.
3. Ertz has 59 receptions for 620 yards in 10 games against Washington.
PREDICTION: Eagles 25, Redskins 20