The NFL schedule makers wouldn't have imagined that the Philadelphia Eagles would be in such a bad spot eight weeks into the season. In Week 7 on Monday Night Football, Philadelphia came out with a purpose and at first looked like they might hang with their rival or even get a win. But after a valiant first half, the Eagles again found themselves stuttering offensively and unable to hold the line on defense. Dallas ended up dropping 38 points and completely controlling the contest in the second half. After Philly’s first second-half drive resulted in a touchdown, Dallas’ defense held them to just 76 total yards and no points. In total, the “Boys” outgained the Eagles 416-321 in total yards.
It's tough to see how things are going to get any better for a Philadelphia program that recently won a Super Bowl. Almost everything has changed since their heyday. Jalen Hurts is out for the season, Saquon Barkley continues to deal with a nagging hamstring injury, their wide receiving corps has been banged up off and on all year, and their offensive line has been completely reshuffled. In short, all the factors that made the Eagles’ offense dangerous have dissipated. And while their defense still has plenty of stars and one of the better coordinators in the league, they are bending and breaking more often as the offense struggles to stay on the field. The one bright spot is Tanner McKee, who looked lifeless in weeks prior, but was finally a formidable QB in Week 7 (23-35, 211 yards, one touchdown, one interception).
Now just six days later, they will take on another rival, on the road, and the Commanders are coming off their bye week. Washington has seen better days and better seasons. A 1-4-1 start certainly isn't what they were anticipating, but rest helps. In Week 6, their star wide receiver, Terry McLaurin, tore his patellar tendon and will miss the rest of the season. That’s a big loss. Otherwise, they are far healthier and in a far better spot than their foe.
Love him or hate him, Jayden Daniels adds an element to the Commanders’ offense that they desperately need, a group that posts just 22 points per game (20th). Washington's defense, which has had some admirable moments and clearly some talented new pieces (rookie Sonny Styles has 22 solo tackles, one forced fumble and one interception), also has an inherent advantage against an opponent that can barely move the ball this season. Everything about this situation says the Commanders have the edge, even with a spread that’s hard to believe.
Eagles vs Commanders prediction: Commanders -5.5 (-110) available at time of publishing. Playable to 6 (-110).
