Charlie Cummings takes you through his preview, prediction, and pick for NFL Week 16’s game between the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Commanders on Saturday.
It’s a rare Saturday slate in the NFL, and we have a potential division-deciding clash to kick off the evening. The Philadelphia Eagles are traveling to take on the Washington Commanders, hoping to walk out with an NFC East-clinching win. Once again, these division rivals are playing in a high-stakes game. Will the defending Super Bowl champs roll to a win and secure their playoff berth? Or can the Commanders play spoiler?
The Eagles are seven-point road favorites on the DraftKings Sportsbook. If you’re confident in a Commanders upset, they’re priced at +270 on the Moneyline. The total for this game is set at 44.5 points. Let’s get into a pick and prediction for this Eagles vs. Commanders game.
Eagles vs. Commanders prediction, preview
Philadelphia’s title defense has not gone as planned. After having an unstoppable offense last season, the Eagles suddenly feel very stoppable. Saquon Barkley has lost his explosion, the wide receivers are struggling to make plays, and Jalen Hurts is more turnover-prone than ever. We’re a long ways away from the Super Bowl run; now there are fans throwing eggs at the offensive coordinator’s house.
But the defense remains strong. GM Howie Roseman nails draft pick after draft pick on the defensive side of the ball and they have developed one of the best secondaries in the league behind Quinyon Mitchell. The run defense has struggled, in part due to injuries. That impact is felt with Jalen Carter’s absence on Saturday.
Any edge Washington can get is welcome. The injuries have taken a brutal toll on the Commanders all season long. Once again, they’ll turn to Marcus Mariota under center with Jayden Daniels on the sidelines. He’s been strong for a backup quarterback and will be working with a full complement of weapons this Saturday for a change. The running backs and wide receivers are finally healthy.
Eagles vs. Commanders pick, best bet
This Commanders offense should be a surprise to some people who expect a 4-10 team with their backup quarterback playing to put up a stinker. The floor of their run game provides them with an edge in this game. However, we saw last week what the Eagles can do against a subpar defense, hanging 31 points on the Raiders. I expect Philly to rip off chunk plays through the air and on the ground all night, covering the spread in a high-scoring game.
Best Bet: Eagles -7 and Over 44.5 Total Points Scored SGP (+236)