McNabb Returns to Philly to Take on Vick (Betting Preview)
Sure, this is a pretty significant early season NFC East match-up. However the real story here is Donovan McNabb’s return to the City of Brotherly love in addition to the resurgence of Philly’s new starting QB, Michael Vick. Sportsbook.com has your betting preview for this game.
Kickoff: Sunday, 4:15 p.m. EDT
Sportsbook.com Betting Odds: Philadelphia -6, Total: 43
Donovan McNabb faces his former team for the first time, while the Eagles are flying high under Michael Vick (750 pass yds, 7 total TD, 0 INT). Vick should continue to thrive against a Washington pass defense that ranks second-to-last in the league this year (326 YPG). Philly’s aggressive pass rush will have McNabb (833 pass yds, 2 TD, 1 INT this year) in the crosshairs against an injury-plagued Washington o-line.
Washington’s injuries extend elsewhere too. Clinton Portis has a bad wrist, but he will play Sunday. Portis has gained 873 total yards with eight touchdowns in 10 career games against the Eagles. The ’Skins also have special teams issues. Punter Josh Bidwell went down during warm-ups last week, and kicker Graham Gano punted four times with a miserable 24.0 net average.
Philadelphia has no significant injuries to report. TE Brent Celek has a bruised wrist, but he will not be affected much, if any, by the ailment. All the focus has been on Vick’s arm this year, but he has also rushed for 170 yards. The Eagles rank seventh in the NFL with 417 rushing yards, and LeSean McCoy has 209 of those yards on a whopping 6.1 yards-per-carry average. McCoy gained 168 total yards in two games against Washington last season.
The Eagles are 24-12 against the Redskins since 1992, but the teams have been more evenly matched recently with Philly holding a 5-3 edge SU and Washington with the upper hand ATS (4-3-1) in the past eight meetings. This NFL betting trend favors Washington:
Play On - Underdogs of 3.5 to 10 points (WASHINGTON) - an average offensive team (18 to 23 PPG) against an excellent offensive team (>=27 PPG), after a loss by 14 or more points. (28-8 since 1983.) (77.8%, +19.2 units. Rating = 2*).
While those that plan on betting the ‘total’ should consider the following:
PHILADELPHIA is 26-8 UNDER (+17.2 Units) in home games in October games since 1992. The average score was PHILADELPHIA 20.6, OPPONENT 14.7 - (Rating = 2*).
Head over to Sportsbook.com now to get your 20% sign-up bonus and then spend it on the Redskins vs. Eagles NFC East showdown.
