Remember the Eagles? Yeah, it's been awhile.
First they flew across the pond for that weird 9:30 Sunday morning game on the Wembley Stadium pitch.
They escaped with a 24-18 win over the Jags that likely salvaged their season at 4-4.
Then came the bye, and while they were on the golf course they got some good news even when they weren't playing. The Redskins got torched by the Falcons, and the Cowboys lost last Sunday night.
That leaves the Redskins just one game ahead of the Eagles, and the Birds still have two dates with D.C. The Cowboys got blown out again Monday night, leaving them in shambles and having to travel to Philly on a short week.
Sadly, Dallas Week just doesn't have the sizzle it used to feature. It's hard to hate this bumbling franchise, a sad remnant of the once dominant Cowboys of Tom Landry. Blame Jerry Jones for that.
There is no reason for the Eagles to lose this game. First and foremost, they are rested, coming off the bye, while the Cowboys have to travel coming off a short week, for their second straight prime time game.
The Cowboys have not won a game on the road this week, and this is not the week for them to start.
The key to this game, surprisingly, is not Carson Wentz. He'll be fine and should have a big game, hopefully starting a beautiful relationship with is newest target, wide receiver Golden Tate, picked up from the Lions at the trade deadline. He gives Wentz a big-time target, in addition to Zach Ertz. By the way, the addition of Tate along with a revived Alshon Jeffery should mean big things for Ertz, who likely will not get single coverage against a safety or linebacker.
The real key to this game is the Birds' defense vs. Ezekiel Elliott. The Cowboys stud running back has hurt the Birds in the past.
Dak Prescott has not done much in the pass game, in part due to the retirement of Jason Witten. He doesn't have much in the way of targets Shut down Elliott, and you pretty much shut down the Cowboys.
Look for Wentz to have another huge day, and Ertz to shine since the Cowboys will be without their best defensive player, Sean Lee.
THE PICK: Make it Eagles 29, Cowboys 16. The Eagles will build off that gutty win in London vs. the Jags and shine again in prime time. The Linc should be rocking as the Birds batter the 'Boys.
LAST WEEK: The Eagles likely had a lot on their mind as they flew across the Atlantic for that matchup vs. the Jags. Things like their season as defending Super Bowl champs being on the line after that epic meltdown vs. the Panthers. They responded and got the win, righting the ship at 4-4. Now they need to build on that, especially with the Saints looming next weekend. Backing the Birds got me just my second prognosticating win of the season, raising my lowly mark to 2-6.
Onward and upward!
GAME BY GAME: Eagles, 24, Jaguars 18 (My Pick: Eagles 24, Jaguars 23)
Eagles 18, Falcons 12. (My Pick: Falcons 27, Eagles 13)
Buccaneers 27, Eagles 21 (My Pick: Eagles 23, Buccaneers 13)
Eagles 20, Colts 16 (My Pick: Colts 23, Eagles 17)
Titans 26, Eagles 23 in OT (My Pick: Eagles 26, Titans 13)
Vikings 23, Eagles 21 (My Pick: Eagles 24, Vikings 13)
Eagles 34, Giants 13 (My Pick: Eagles 19, Giants 17)
Panthers 21, Eagles 17 (My Pick: Eagles 26, Panthers 17)
Comments