NFL Picks Week 6: Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins, NFC East Betting Preview

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins
Sunday, 10/16/11, 1:00 PM EST, TV: FOX
Opening Point Spread: Philadelphia -1.5
Current Betting Line: Philadelphia -3
Opening Total: 47.5
Current Total: 47
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Cowboys vs. Eagles Betting Preview — It hasn't been all fun and games for quarterback Michael Vick and the Philadelphia Eagles this season

Philadelphia is 1-4 on the season and is hoping that Sunday’s opponent will help turn things around due to the team-record 592 yards its racked up in last year’s 59-28 win on Nov. 15, 2010. “The thing that myself, our coaches, and our players, we’re going to work our tail off to get it right,” commented head coach Andy Reid. “That’s what we’re going to do.” The Eagles have lost four consecutive games since a season-opening 31-13 win over the St. Louis Rams as 4-point road favorites. Philadelphia is 18-21 ATS over the last two-plus seasons with the ‘over’ being 24-14 in those contests.

The Eagles will be led offensively by the talents of quarterback Michael Vick, who became the first player in NFL history to accumulate 300 pass yards, 50 rush yards, four passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns in the same game in last year’s meeting on this field. His main target will likely be wide receiver DeSean Jackson, who has five touchdowns versus the Washington Redskins, averaging 63 yards per score. Philadelphia is third in total offense this year in averaging 445.6 yards per game, which includes 165.6 rushing yards per contest.

Washington comes in off its bye week feeling good about itself due to opening with a 3-1 record through four games, as the locker room has a much different feel than last year’s 6-10 record. “I think you’re always more relaxed in your second year,” commented Redskins coach Mike Shanahan. “I think, first year, you have so many things going on.” One player that will have to step it up and slow down Philadelphia’s attack is Brian Orakpo, who has come away with just a half-sack in 14 career games against NFC East rivals. Washington is 3-0 ATS already this year when the line is between a field goal on both sides.

The Redskins defense is definitely improved, allowing just 15.8 points per game, as the defensive line and linebackers have gotten after opposing quarterbacks. “We need to pressure whether it’s four, five, or six man front,” commented Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett. It could serve the unit well due to Vick throwing seven interceptions and fumbling three times. On the other side of the ball, Washington is still looking for more from signal-caller Rex Grossman, who is ranked 26th in the league with a 78.7 passer rating.