SAINTS (10-1)
AT COWBOYS (6-5)
Thursday, 8:20 p.m. ET,
AT& T Stadium, Arlington, Texas
TV: Fox, NFL
Network
SAINTS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: The
two teams have a few similar traits defensively. Just as teams avoid throwing
at New Orleans CB Marshon Lattimore, teams pick on Cowboys CBs
Chidobe Awuzie and Anthony Brown instead of testing Byron Jones. QB Drew
Brees is completing an all-time league high 76.4 percent of his
throws, and every member of Dallas’ secondary is yielding a high catch
percentage. The Saints defense will look to get through Dallas’ backup
offensive linemen and pressure QB Dak Prescott, who is just as likely to cower
as he is to make an electric escape.
COWBOYS’ KEYS TO VICTORY:
They want to exploit WR Amari Cooper ’s route-running instead of
having QB Dak Prescott try to throw guys open; Dallas is 21-1
in games where Prescott throws a touchdown pass but not an interception. The
Saints haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher since Week 11 of 2017, and RB Ezekiel
Elliott is aiming for his fourth100yard game in a row.
The Cowboys are one of the
worst teams in defending against passes to running backs, so stopping the
screen and dump-off game is paramount.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: SAINTS RB
ALVIN KAMARA VS. COWBOYS LB LEIGHTON VANDER ESCH. The defensive rookie
of the year candidate’s sure tackling against Kamara’s elite elusiveness will
be key. Dallas invested heavily in hybrid linebackers for matchups like this.
Who wins? This
feels like the 2014 matchup between the Cowboys and Denver Broncos — but
without the Tony Romo interception at the end. Cowboys, 45-41
RAVENS (6-5) AT
FALCONS (4-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET,
Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
TV: CBS
RAVENS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: Coach John
Harbaugh must decide whether to start veteran QB Joe Flacco, who
hasn’t been the same since winning the Super Bowl six years ago, or rookie QB Lamar
Jackson, the team’s first-round pick and the future of the franchise. Under
Harbaugh, the Ravens have always been a defense first team, though, and they’ll
rely heavily on a pass rush featuring future Hall of Fame OLB Terrell Suggs and
promising LB Za’Darius Smith.
FALCONS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: Atlanta
is reeling from three consecutive losses, which have wrecked any realistic
chance of making the playoffs. The Falcons will have to do a much better job of
protecting QB Matt Ryan, who is on pace for the most sacks in
his career. Turnovers will be key, so keep an eye on FS Damontae Kazee, who
already has six interceptions this season. The Falcons also will need to pay
close attention to Ravens QB Lamar Jackson, a solid rushing threat. Third-year
strong-side LB
De’Vondre Campbell might
be their best candidate to play the role of quarterback spy.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: FALCONS
WR JULIO JONES VS. RAVENS CB JIMMY SMITH. Jones got off to a slow
start this season but has scored three touchdowns and averaged 123 receiving
yards in his last four games. Smith is the Ravens’ best hope of containing him.
WHO WINS? The
Falcons have been playing below their potential all season. Even with
home-field advantage, it’s hard to see them beating a well-coached Baltimore
team.
RAVENS, 24-20
BRONCOS (5-6)
AT BENGALS (5-6)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Paul
Brown Stadium, Cincinnati
TV: CBS
BRONCOS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: Run
heavy and target the middle of the field. The Bengals have reshuffled an
injured linebacker unit and can’t guard intermediate passes or tackle well. RB Phillip
Lindsay is one of the most effective young rushers in the league, and
working WRs Emmanuel Sanders and Courtland Sutton over
the middle will help retain balance and possession in a way similar to what
Cleveland did last week while blowing out the Bengals.
BENGALS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: A
poor offensive line, which was without LT Cordy Glenn last
week because of a back injury, should struggle vs. Denver’s Bradley Chubb and
Von Miller. QB Andy Dalton is out for the season with a thumb
injury. Jeff Driskel gets his first start. Either he or Tom
Savage, acquired off waivers from the 49ers, must move the chains.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: BENGALS
RB JOE MIXON VS. BRONCOS LINEBACKERS. Regardless of the quarterback
situation and WR A.J. Green’s status, Mixon is the
lifeblood of the offense at this point. If he’s used in the
passing game and capitalizes on holes in the middle of the field, it keeps the
Broncos honest, accomplishes the fast pace necessary to neutralize the Denver
pass rush and keeps the Bengals defense off the field.
WHO WINS? The
Bengals have coughed up 34 or more points in four of their last six games while
losing five of them. A defense that underwent a change at coordinator continues
to flirt with worst-ever status, so a strong cast of skill players surrounding
Broncos QB Case Keenum shouldn’t have a problem doing what it
wants. BRONCOS, 30-21
RAMS (10-1) AT
LIONS (4-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Ford
Field, Detroit
TV: Fox
RAMS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: The
Rams are coming off a bye after their intense shootout win over the Kansas City
Chiefs, and their Week 14 opponent is the first-place Chicago Bears. That makes
this a classic trap game. The offense should find success using the swiftness
of WRs Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods to attack a
Lions secondary that lacks speed. An early lead would allow the Rams defense,
led by DT Aaron Donald, a Player of the Year candidate, to tee
off against an inconsistent Lions passing attack. This will be DT Ndamukong Suh’s first
game against his original NFL team.
LIONS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: QB Matthew
Stafford has to come out sharper and more aggressive in attacking the
Rams secondary down the field. The Lions have an advantage with WR Kenny
Golladay on the outside. Getting dual threat RB Kerryon Johnson
back in the lineup would be a big boon for the offense. Impressive rookie LG Frank
Ragnow and his linemates must stop the Rams’
aggressive defensive front from dictating the game. The Detroit defense
sorely needs someone to create big plays and takeaways. The Lions have just
four takeaways in the last six games and a -5 turnover margin over that
span.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: RAMS WIDE
RECEIVERS VS. LIONS CORNERBACKS. The Rams have several playmaking
receivers, even with Cooper Kupp sidelined. The Lions have
struggled to cover teams with more than one weapon.
WHO WINS? Los
Angeles has too many paths to victory for the inconsistent Lions to handle. RAMS,
38-21
CARDINALS (2-9)
AT PACKERS (4-6-1)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Lambeau
Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin
TV: Fox
CARDINALS’ KEYS TO VICTORY:
Run the football, win the turnover battle and get a few big plays. Beating the
Packers at Lambeau Field will require a heavy dose of RB David Johnson, who
could help the Cardinals control the ball and keep QB Aaron Rodgers off the
field. The Arizona defense will need two or three takeaways to steal
possessions and give the offense short fields. Rookie QB Josh Rosen must
protect the ball and avoid big mistakes. The Cardinals also might need a
field-flipping play on both offense or special teams from rookie WR Christian
Kirk.
PACKERS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: Contain
Cardinals RB David Johnson, produce turnovers and feed RB
Aaron Jones. Johnson
is a dangerous runner and talented receiver, and the Packers
must force the game into the hands of rookie QB Josh Rosen, who
has struggled to protect the football in his first eight NFL starts. On
offense, the Packers should attack relentlessly with Jones, a dynamic
playmaker who could expose Arizona’s struggling run defense.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: CARDINALS
WR CHRISTIAN KIRK VS. PACKERS CB JAIRE ALEXANDER. Alexander has emerged as
the Packers’ best cornerback, and Kirk might be the Cardinals’ most potent weapon
in the passing game. The two rookies figure to line up head-to-head often.
WHO WINS? The
Packers are unbeaten at Lambeau Field this season, and the Cardinals aren’t
nearly good enough on offense to seriously threaten an upset. With its playoff
hopes on life support, Green Bay gets back on track. PACKERS, 30-14
BILLS (4-7) AT
DOLPHINS (5-6)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Hard
Rock Stadium, Miami
TV: CBS
BILLS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: Rookie
QB Josh Allen returned last week from an elbow injury and had
a big day (99 yards rushing), but the Bills still need to rely on RB LeSean
McCoy against the Dolphins, who have one of the worst rushing defenses in
the NFL. Instead of throwing the ball 30-plus times, the Bills need McCoy and
RB Chris Ivory to run the ball effectively if they’re going to
win.
DOLPHINS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: The
Dolphins will win as long as QB, Ryan Tannehill takes care of the
ball. Tannehill’s return from a shoulder injury was critical after the Dolphins
went 2-3 with backup QB Brock Osweiler starting. However,
though Tannehill didn’t throw an interception in the 27-24 loss
to the Indianapolis Colts, he passed for only 204 yards and might
be playing for his future in Miami if he can stay on the field
for the final five games. He is 30 and has not taken the Dolphins to
the playoffs in his first five seasons (he was injured when
they made it in 2016). Also, he has played in only
19 of a possible 40 games in
the last three seasons.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: BILLS QB
JOSH ALLEN VS. DOLPHINS DEFENSIVE LINE. The Dolphins defensive line
hasn’t generated a lot of pressure on quarterbacks and needs to pressure Allen
into mistakes on the road. Miami also will need to slow the Bills’ running game
to get Buffalo in third-and-long situations.
WHO WINS? The
Dolphins have their flaws, but they’re good enough to beat a Bills team that
has a tough time moving the ball. The Dolphins will score enough to keep their
playoff hopes alive. Dolphins 27-17
BEARS (8-3) AT
GIANTS (3-8)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, MetLife
Stadium, East Rutherford, New Jersey
TV: Fox
BEARS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: In
recent weeks, teams have gotten away from playing a two-deep safety look
against the Giants, which is a partial product of RB Saquon Barkley’s success
up the middle. Chicago wants its front seven to close up the middle of the
field, allowing its safeties to stay deep and take away WR Odell Beckham Jr.
and TE Evan Engram over the top. It also will force QB Eli Manning to take
chances in the face of pressure, which is not exactly his forte.
GIANTS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: The
Bears are one of the stingiest run defenses in the league and the toughest test
RB Saquon Barkley will face as a rookie, but that shouldn’t change
New York’s game plan. Barkley must continue gaining “dirty yards” as opposed to
trying to bounce each play outside hoping for a home run. If he can get going,
it would open things up for QB Eli Manning, WR Odell
Beckham Jr. & Co. downfield. For the Giants defense, it’s all
about forcing turnovers.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: BEARS LB
KHALIL MACK VS. GIANTS’ OFFENSIVE LINE. Mack is capable of ruining any
offensive game plan. That’s a scary thought for LT Nate Solder and
RT Chad Wheeler, who have struggled at times this season against
lesser talent. If the Giants can’t get the run game going, Mack will be a
four-quarter nightmare.
WHO WINS? The
Giants have been substantially better since returning from their bye week, but
it’s been a long time since they’ve gone up against a defense like the one the
Bears will bring to town. BEARS, 23-20
PANTHERS (6-5)
AT BUCS (4-7)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, Raymond
James Stadium, Tampa, Florida
TV: Fox
PANTHERS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: QB Cam
Newton is one of the league’s most dynamic playmakers, and the
Panthers will have to take full advantage of his rare skill set against a Tampa
Bay defense that lacks depth and experience in the back seven. Carolina beat
the Buccaneers earlier in the season by getting creative with its play-calling
and taking full advantage of two versatile weapons, RB Christian
McCaffrey and WR Curtis Samuel.
BUCCANEERS’ KEYS TO VICTORY:
Tampa Bay’s 27-9 win over the San Francisco 49ers in Week 12 was a blueprint
for how to approach the rest of the season. QB Jameis Winston topped
300 yards through the air and didn’t turn the ball over, the defense had four
sacks and two takeaways (its first forced turnovers since Week 3), and new K Cairo
Santos nailed all of his kicks.
MATCHUP TO WATCH:
BUCCANEERS WR MIKE EVANS VS. PANTHERS CB JAMES BRADBERRY. Evans is already
over 1,000 yards for the fifth consecutive season and has eclipsed the 100-yard
mark in six games this year. He also has had at least three receptions and 50
yards in every game this season except one — in Week 9, when Bradberry held him
to one catch for 16 yards.
WHO WINS? The Bucs
are coming off a rare dominant win, while the Panthers are looking to bounce
back from a crushing home loss to the Seattle Seahawks on a last second field
goal. The Bucs have momentum, but their lack of depth and experience on defense
will prevent them from containing a healthier, more experienced team. PANTHERS,
34-27
COLTS (6-5) AT
JAGUARS (3-8)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, TIAA
Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida
TV: CBS
COLTS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: The
Colts come into Week 13 as one of the leagues’s ascending offenses — they rank
fourth in scoring with an average of 29.5 points per game. The catalyst has
been the revival of QB Andrew Luck, who completed 30 of 37
passes last week against the Miami Dolphins for 343 yards (his fifth 300-yard
game of the season). He will need to duplicate his Week 10 performance against
the Jaguars, in which he racked up 285 passing yards and three touchdowns using
a combination of big plays to TE Eric Ebron and WR T.Y.
Hilton. He won’t have TE Jack Doyle, who is out for
the season with a kidney injury.
JAGUARS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: The
Jaguars have fired offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett and QB
Blake Bortles has
been benched for Cody Kessler, who has not started an NFL
games since 2016. His lone appearance this season came in a Week 7 loss to the
Texans. Quarterbacks coach Scott Milanovich will handle the
play-calling but he will be without RB Leonard Fournette, who
was suspended one game after leaving the bench and throwing punches at Bills DE
end Shaq Lawson. Pressure falls on the defense to limit big plays by a Colts
offense that averaged 13.6 yards per pass completion in the teams’ previous
game.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: Colts TE
Eric Ebron vs. Jaguars secondary. Ebron had only three receptions against
Jacksonville in Week 10, but they were for 69 yards (23 yards per catch)
and two TDs.
WHO WINS? The
Jaguars are skidding out of control while the Colts are improving. COLTS,
27-24
BROWNS (4-6-1)
AT TEXANS (8-3)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, NRG
Stadium, Houston
TV: CBS
BROWNS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: The
emergence of rookie RB Nick Chubb has given legitimacy to the
big-play threat of the running game. The Browns need to emphasize the run, even
if the stout defense they’re facing has a few early victories. Another rookie,
QB Baker Mayfield, will need to realize hero ball could lead
to giveaways more often than big plays. DE Myles Garrett will be
going against an offensive line and a quarterback that have consistently ranked
in the top five in sacks allowed this season. If he can’t get to QB Deshaun
Watson, then rookie CB Denzel Ward and S Damarious
Randall will have to step up with an interception or two.
TEXANS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: QB Deshaun
Watson had a three game stretch with zero interceptions going into the
Week 10 bye but then threw two picks against the Washington Redskins. The
second-year player will need to emphasize ball security both in the pocket and
through the air. Houston has proved it can win games through a war of attrition
with its ferocious defense led by DE J.J. Watt and CB Kareem
Jackson. The Texans defense has gotten a boost with LB Zach Cunningham
returning from a knee injury.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: Texans LT
Julién Davenport vs. Browns DE Myles Garrett. Garrett has 10 sacks and
three forced fumbles. Davenport has performed admirably, but he faces one of
his biggest challenges of the season.
WHO WINS? The
Texans are a dark horse to earn a first-round bye, and their veterans won’t let
them overlook the Browns.
TEXANS, 27-20
JETS (3-8) AT
TITANS (5-6)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET,
Nissan Stadium, Nashville, Tennessee
TV: CBS
JETS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: They
have averaged 11.2 points per game in their last five games, all losses, so
it’s clear what the Jets must do to win — score some points for a change. Their
Week 12 loss to the New England Patriots followed a familiar script. The Jets
kept it close and pulled into a tie with New England late in the third quarter,
only to allow the Patriots to score the game’s last 14 points. The New York
defense hasn’t been much better; the Jets have given up nearly 30 points per
game in their last six outings.
TITANS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: They
are the better team at most positions and should be able to control this game
by running the ball, just as New England did last week (215 yards, 6.0 yards
per carry). The Titans’ passing game can be among the worst in the league, but
their rushing attack can be solid and they have two quality running backs in Dion
Lewis and Derrick Henry. Lewis also is a frequent and
reliable target in the passing offense.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: TITANS WR
COREY DAVIS VS. JETS CB TRUMAINE JOHNSON. While Johnson hasn’t exactly
been money for the Jets this season, he’s the best they have within a thin
secondary. It’s likely he’ll be matched up against the Titans’ rising star.
Selected in the first round of the 2017 draft out of Western Michigan, Davis
already has passed his reception total for all of last season.
WHO WINS? The
Titans have been inconsistent this year, but the Jets don’t pose much of a
threat. Look for Tennessee to keep its playoff hopes alive. TITANS, 23-17
CHIEFS (9-2) AT
RAIDERS (2-9)
Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET,
Oakland- Alameda County Coliseum, Oakland, California
TV: CBS
CHIEFS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: Kansas
City should have no problem scoring at will as long as it protects the ball.
Turnovers were the biggest reason the Chiefs lost to the Los Angeles Rams in
Week 11. Sound tackling will be vital for the Chiefs defense because the
Raiders’ dink and- dunk offense forces opponents to make tackles in open space.
If the Chiefs can contain RB Jalen Richard and TE Jared Cook in the passing
game, they can shut down the Raiders offense.
RAIDERS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: To
stay competitive, they need to be more consistent on offense. QB
Derek Carr has had
an up-and down season but usually has been accurate. If the Raiders can avoid
having to convert long third downs, they should be able to move the ball
against the Chiefs’ porous defense. Conversely, the Raiders defense is going to
be at a severe disadvantage. To have any chance, Oakland needs two rookies, DT Maurice
Hurst and DE Arden Key, to get pressure on QB Patrick
Mahomes.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: CHIEFS WR
TYREEK HILL VS. RAIDERS CB GAREON CONLEY. Hill is arguably the most
dynamic playmaker in the NFL today. A good showing by Conley would be
meaningful for the second-year cornerback from Ohio State.
WHO WINS? The Chiefs
are one of the best teams in the NFL and the Raiders are one of the worst. This
game shouldn’t be close, but division matchups can be a tossup. Expect the
Raiders to hang around for a quarter or two before the Chiefs pull away. CHIEFS,
35-10
VIKINGS (6-4-1)
AT PATRIOTS (8-3)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET,
Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Massachusetts
TV: Fox
VIKINGS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: The
Vikings would be wise to use RB Dalvin Cook in an effort to reduce
the number of plays run by the Patriots offense, but if that’s not working they
shouldn’t hesitate to air it out with QB Kirk Cousins. The Patriots
defense has been inconsistent, and their pass defense has struggled enormously
at times. The Vikings defense should challenge Pats QB Tom Brady to spread the
ball beyond WR Julian Edelman and TE Rob Gronkowski.
PATRIOTS’ KEYS TO VICTORY:
There’s no easy way to attack the Vikings defense. They’re one of the league’s
best units at defending both the run and the pass. The Patriots might look to
RB Sony Michel to establish a running game, but they won’t expect
him to find much production considering the little success other backs have
had. Instead, Brady might need support from TE Rob Gronkowski and
WRs Julian Edelman and Josh Gordon. In theory, all
three players should be able to beat the best defenses, though that hasn’t
always been the case this season. Vikings WRs Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs,
meanwhile, have been consistently unstoppable. The Patriots must limit them.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: PATRIOTS
QB TOM BRADY VS. VIKINGS DE DANIELLE HUNTER. Against the Tennessee
Titans in Week 10, Brady felt pressure even when it wasn’t there. Hunter can
help the Vikings do the same.
WHO WINS? The
Patriots are still hunting for consistency on the road. But at Gillette
Stadium, they can handle the Vikings.
PATRIOTS, 34-27
49ERS (2-9) AT
SEAHAWKS (6-5)
Sunday, 4:25 p.m. ET,
Century-Link Field, Seattle
TV: Fox
49ERS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: Not
surprisingly, they’ve struggled since losing starting QB Jimmy Garoppolo in
Week 3, but facing their division rival should revive the pride factor. CB Richard
Sherman will face his old team for the first time and hopes to
frustrate Seahawks QB Russell Wilson. San Francisco will have to find a way to
stop Seattle’s formidable run game, the best in the league. But with the
release of linebacker Reuben Foster after a domestic violence allegation, the
49ers will have an even bigger challenge in Week 13.
SEAHAWKS’ KEYS TO VICTORY:
While the Los Angeles Rams are in firm control of the NFC West, the
Seahawks are eyeing a wild-card spot after their big victory over the
Panthers at Carolina. Coming off a string of five tough games,
Seattle needs to be careful to not overlook San Francisco. The
Seahawks will need to continue their rushing attack to keep the
49ers defense in check. Minimizing penalties, forcing
turnovers and capitalizing on home-field advantage will earn
Seattle a win.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: SEAHAWKS
WR DOUG BALDWIN VS. 49ERS CB RICHARD SHERMAN. Sherman’s first game in a
49ers uniform in front of the Seattle crowd will be interesting enough, but
squaring off against Baldwin makes this matchup even more enticing. Sherman
will look to prove he’s still one of the best shutdown corners in the NFL.
WHO WINS? The
Seahawks are clearly the better team and, with the playoffs in sight, won’t
stumble against a team that hasn’t beaten them since 2013. SEAHAWKS, 34-17
CHARGERS (8-3)
AT STEELERS (7-3-1)
Sunday, 8:20 p.m. ET, Heinz
Field, Pittsburgh
TV: NBC
CHARGERS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: It
starts with QB Philip Rivers’ ability to distribute, which makes
Los Angeles hard to defend. TE Antonio Gates looks as if he will
keep making plays. The Chargers defense, led by DE Joey Bosa and
S Derwin James, was swarming again in Week 12 in the rout of
the Cardinals. Rivers has spent years playing from behind, but this defense is
making his life easier. RB
Melvin Gordon’s MCL
sprain must be monitored.
STEELERS’ KEYS TO VICTORY: Pittsburgh
must find a way to be more consistent on both sides of the ball. The Steelers
got away with some mistakes during their six-game winning streak, but it
finally came back to bite them last week in the loss to the Broncos at Denver.
The Steelers still don’t use RB James Conner enough and keep trying
to use the pass to set up the run. The Steelers secondary still struggles with
smart assignment football, and players such as S Sean Davis and S Terrell
Edmunds have to be better in run support.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: CHARGERS
QB PHILIP RIVERS VS. STEELERS QB BEN ROETHLISBERGER. These two have
been linked since both were selected in the first round of the 2004 draft. The
comparisons have come and gone, but Big Ben is the one with the Super Bowl
rings. They both are headed to the Hall of Fame and will square off in one of
the biggest games of the season.
WHO WINS? The
Chargers have won seven of their last eight, and Pittsburgh was rolling before
its loss at Denver. The Steelers are just too hard to beat at home and in prime
time. STEELERS, 28-21
REDSKINS (6-5)
AT EAGLES (5-6)
Monday, 8:15 p.m. ET,
Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
TV: ESPN
REDSKINS’ KEYS TO VICTORY:
Look for Washington to attack the Eagles’ vulnerable secondary. The Redskins
will attempt to feature TEs Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis and
WR Josh Doctson in matchups, hoping the Eagles’ cornerbacks
continue to miss tackles and blow coverages. The Redskins defense will need to
get after Eagles QB Carson Wentz, which would force rookie RB Josh Adams to
step up.
EAGLES’ KEYS TO VICTORY: The
offense will have to carry the load for a walking-wounded defense that simply
doesn’t have the parts to stop a potent offense. The Eagles will look to get
some help back in the secondary with the possible return of CBs Sidney
Jones and Jalen Mills. Look for the Eagles to stack the
box against Redskins RB Adrian Peterson and force QB Colt McCoy to beat them.
McCoy was 24-for-38 for 268 yards in the Thanksgiving Day loss to the Cowboys
but threw three crucial interceptions.
MATCHUP TO WATCH: REDSKINS
WIDE RECEIVERS VS. EAGLES CORNERBACKS. The Eagles likely enter Sunday’s
game without CB Ronald Darby and possibly Mills and Jones.
Look for Washington coach
Jay Gruden to
feature a package that gets Reed and Doctson in situations where they can gain
extra yardage after the catch.
WHO WINS? The
Eagles’ playoff hopes remain in the balance after their come-from-behind
victory over the New York Giants in Week 12. The Redskins have lost three of
their last four and have too many issues to turn it around to stay in the
playoff hunt. EAGLES, 24-17
