Washington (6-9) at Eagles (4-10-1)
Sunday, 8:20 ET, Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia TV: NBC
Danny Sheridan’s line: Washington by 2
Washington’s keys to victory: Win and they’re in. Look for QB Alex Smith to try return from a calf, giving Washington the boost of the energy so desperately missing in the 20-13 loss to Carolina that saw QB Dwayne Haskins benched. He was released Monday. Antonio Gibson is needed in the running game. Star wideout Terry McLaurin should be back from injury. Defense needs to just be itself and contain Jalen Hurts.
Eagles’ keys to victory: Ride Hurts and the Eagles young group of weapons. They’ll look to exploit the Washington secondary, while scheming to keep Chase Young and his game-wrecking running mates from collapsing the pocket. On defense, the Eagles will look to pressure Smith or new backup Taylor Heinicke should he have to play.
Matchup to watch: Eagles RT Matt Pryor vs. Young
Pryor allowed 4 sacks in the Eagles loss to the Cardinals and he’s given up 6 sacks total in the 2 games that he’s started at right tackle, with 12 pressures. For Washington, Young has shown early on that he’s an elite NFL pass rusher, leading all rookies in sacks (5.5) and forced fumbles (three), while also playing the run like a linebacker.
Who wins? The Eagles are deflated and will likely give younger guys increased reps after an extremely stressful season. Washington seems to rally around Smith and should bring enough pressure on defense. Washington 21, Eagles 14.