After picking up their first win of the season last week, the Eagles head to Landover, Maryland, for an NFC East battle with the Washington Redskins (see scouting report).
Will Sam Bradford finally break out? Will the Eagles get their second win? Our experts give their predictions:
Reuben Frank (0-3)
There are a lot of similarities between these two teams. Shaky quarterback, decent run defense, inconsistent offense. Both are 1-2. The Redskins run the ball better, the Eagles are stronger against the pass. Neither has proven it's very good. So consider this more of a statement against the Eagles than a statement for the Redskins.
Until the Eagles put together a complete game on both sides of the football, I can't pick them to win on the road. If this game were at the Linc, I'd pick the Eagles. Against this Washington secondary, Sam Bradford should have a big game. But until he does actually have a big game, it's all a projection. I think it's a 17-13 game either way, and am going Washington only because the game is in Landover.
Redskins 17, Eagles 13
Derrick Gunn (0-3)
I don't trust Sam Bradford and I certainly don't trust Kirk Cousins. Sloppy field conditions could make for a turnover fest. The Eagles run defense is the best in the league, allowing 3.1 YPC, but the Redskins' run D is not to shabby allowing just 3.6 YPC.
The 'Skins have two bruising backs in Alfred Morris, who averages 4.1 YPC, and rookie Matt Jones with a 5.3 YPC. I'm interested in seeing if Ryan Mathews can find success on the ground similar to what he did in the first half against the Jets. I feel more comfortable about the Birds' secondary than I do the Redskins' because I believe the Eagles' D will force more turnovers than the 'Skins' D. I'm leaning the Eagles' way in this one.
NFL
Eagles 20, Redskins 17
Ray Didinger (0-3)
This should follow the same script as last Sunday's game with the Jets. Last Sunday the Eagles shut down the Jets' ground game and forced Ryan Fitzpatrick to throw and throw and throw — 58 times in all. Result: Three interceptions, four turnovers in all and an Eagles victory. If the defense is once again stout against the run — and Washington will definitely try to run it — Kirk Cousins will be chucking the ball around and that's bad news for Jay Gruden.
Also, Washington is lousy on special teams. It already has allowed a punt return for a touchdown and had another punt blocked. I can see the Eagles making a big play here as well.
Eagles 20, Redskins 13
John Gonzalez (1-2)
It occurs to me that if I pick the Eagles each week, my record can’t be any worse than their record.
Eagles 20, Redskins 10
(Alternate prediction: Hurricane Joaquin 1, East Coast 0)
Corey Seidman (1-2)
I don't see how the Eagles lose this one. The offensive line appears to be gaining steam, and with Chip Kelly adjusting his play-calling for more runs under center, those drive-killing losses should continue to decrease.
The 'Skins have a porous pass defense and a true liability in CB Bashaud Breeland. This feels like the game that either Nelson Agholor or Josh Huff comes up with a deep ball.
Washington doesn't have a downfield passing game without DeSean Jackson and won't be able to rely on the run against the top-ranked rush defense in the NFL.
Eagles 27, Redskins 16
Andrew Kulp (1-2)
It's difficult to predict what the weather will be like, let alone what type of performance we'll get out of the Eagles' offense. However, I tend to believe the players and coaches when they say it's closer to getting in sync. The ground attack was better last week. There were opportunities through the air as well. Eventually, I think it will click — maybe as soon as this week.
The key is to get just enough of a running game going against another tough front to give Sam Bradford a chance. A wet field plays to the receivers' advantage, while Washington's secondary will be shorthanded. If there are high winds, Bradford is probably better equipped to sling the ball in those conditions than Washington quarterback Kirk Cousins.
It could be another ugly one, but the way the Eagles' defense is playing, they're built to win that way. And should the forecast happen to improve, this might be the week the offense finally opens up.
Eagles 24, Redskins 14
Andy Schwartz (1-2)
For the second straight week, the Eagles face a team with subpar QB. And this time, they don't have to worry about a receiver the caliber of Brandon Marshall. DeSean Jackson is still out with an injured hamstring.
So long as the offense doesn't take a step backward and Caleb Sturgis doesn't miss everything, the Eagles should scratch out another W.
Eagles 20, Redskins 16