2017 NFL Philadelphia at Washington Preview and Prediction

This is an interesting match up between two teams seemingly headed in opposite directions. The Redskins had a very dysfunctional off-season, losing Pierre Garcon and DeSean Jackson. And then the controversy arose about starting QB Kirk Cousins and if he even wanted to be with the Redskins. The Eagles had a very good off-season and seemed poised to make a run at the playoffs. So, while this might not be one of the marque match ups of week one, it is most certainly one of the most intriguing.

Keys to the Game

How badly will the Skins miss Garcon and Jackson?

It has to have some negative effect, but on the bright side for Redskins fans the Washington offense runs through the tight end position and that is manned by Jordan Reed, who maybe the best tight end in the game. The Skins also have Jamison Crowder who is an excellent slot receiver. The wild card to this all maybe Josh Doctson. He was hurt most of last season and a lot of the Redskins hopes will hinge on Doctson at the receiver position.

Can the Redskins defense hold up?

If you look at the starting eleven there aren’t many notable names on it and this group has to scare Redskins fans just because of how unknown they are.

Can Carson Wentz take his game to the next level?

Wentz was the king of the short pass last year and for the Eagles to be considered a contender he needs to be able to stretch the field. If he does the Eagles could become a serious threat to anybody they play.

Prediction: This game will come down to if the Redskins can defend the Eagles, and I do not think they can. Now, the Skins are talented enough to score some points on offense, but the defense will be the death of them. Eagles 31  Redskins 24