We have a huge battle for the top of the NFC East when the Philadelphia Eagles take on the upstart Washington Commanders.
The Commanders are a half game behind the Eagles in the standings. This game could decide who ends up winning the division Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best NFL odds from the top sportsbooks.
NFL Pick: Commanders +3.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Commanders vs. Eagles
Thursday, November 14, 2024 – 08:15 PM ET at Lincoln Financial Field
Washington Commanders
The Commanders are coming off a heartbreaking 28-27 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers at home in Week 10. At one point, Washington led 24-14 but lost the fourth quarter for its first home loss of the season. It was a close loss for Washington, however, one they can learn from moving forward.
The Steelers elite defense was able to slow down rookie sensation QB Jayden Daniels. Daniels had one of his most muted outputs of the season at 17-34 for 202 yards. Daniels has been excellent as a dual threat so far this season, but only had five yards rushing against Pittsburgh. Daniels suffered a rib injury and this injury might have been one of the reasons that he did not tuck the ball and run as he has been doing all season.
The Commanders are fourth in the league in rushing yards at 153.5 rushing yards per game. However, a lot of that is due to Daniels explosive ability when he takes off and runs. Without Daniels in the fold as a rusher, the Commander’s rushing attack could suffer. The Commanders are third in the league in scoring, averaging 29 points per game.
The Commanders might debut newly acquired CB Marshon Lattimore in this game. Lattimore would become the Commanders top cornerback and could boost a defense that has struggled at times this season. The Commanders will also hope that running back Brian Robinson Jr. and right tackle Andrew Wylie return to the lineup. Keep an eye on these key injury designations going into the Thursday night showdown.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles put on a clinic against their NFC East rival Dallas Cowboys in Week 10. Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts threw for two touchdown passes and also ran two touchdowns in. This was the Eagles most dominant game this season.
The Eagles defense did their part against backup quarterback Cooper Rush in the win against Dallas. However, the ultra talented Jayden Daniels will provide a much tougher test for the Eagles. Give the Eagles credit for getting the job done against a weak Dallas team, however, they are going to need to raise their level if they’re going to defeat the up and coming Commanders.
The Eagles offense is second in rushing yards this season at 176.1 rushing yards per game. They are 7th in the league for points scored at 25.9 points per game. The Eagles ability to move the ball on the ground has been key to their offensive success this season.
The Eagles cornerback Darius Slay injured his ankle in the first half. Slay is questionable for the game and this would be a big loss if he was not able to go.
Key Matchup
Jayden Daniels has been electric through the air this season. Daniels throws an excellent deep ball, but where he impresses the most is with his touch and accuracy on underneath passes. Daniels’ elite accuracy has been one of the reasons he has been the best rookie quarterback this season and playing at a top 10 level for all quarterbacks.
The Eagles are going to need to limit Daniels’ options if they are going to be able to slow down this high-powered Washington offense. The Eagles will need to make it tough for number one wide receiver Terry McLaurin to get open. If McLaurin is able to find holes in the Philadelphia secondary, the Commanders should be able to put up points. If the Eagles can slow down the Commanders potent number one option, they will be in a good position to get the win.
NFL Pick
I like taking the points in this division rivalry. I think this should be a close game and the +3.5 is too much to pass up. The Commanders have a balanced offense attack, and should be able to keep pace with Philadelphia’s excellent offense. I’d like to see Brian Robinson Jr. back in the fold but regardless I think the Commanders can do enough to keep this close and maybe even win outright.
In the game that should decide who will win the NFC East, give me the Washington Commanders +3.5.
NFL Pick: Commanders +3.5 (-110) at Bet365
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