Foote Notes: Philadelphia at Washington By William Foote

NFC East combatants Philadelphia and Washington will face off in our nation?s capitol for this week?s Sunday Night Football on ESPN. The Redskins are priced as a field goal favorite and the posted total is hovering around 41.

Both teams will look to get back on track after getting blown out last week. The Eagles were de-clawed 49-21 at Denver as a 3.5-point underdog, while Washington was skinned 36-0 at Giants Stadium as a 2-point road dog.

There is something not right about Philly this year. Heading into the season, the Green Birds were a bookie crushing 67-38-3 ATS since Andy Reid took over in 1999. But after last week?s setback, Philadelphia is just 4-3 (SU) and an overvalued 2-5 (ATS) for the season overall and a woeful 1-3 (SU & ATS) away from the City of Brotherly Love.

The Eagles are additionally 0-3 ATS their past three overall and a back-breaking 2-9 ATS their past eleven dating back to last season. Even when PHI has come away with a ?W? of late, it has hardly been in convincing fashion.

Philly needed a miracle blocked field goal-turned TD late in the 4th quarter to sneak past San Diego two weeks. This came exactly one week after the Eagles were pasted 33-10 in ?Big D?. And prior to the Dallas thrashing, they snatched victory from the Jaws of Defeat by rallying from a 17-point deficit against the Chiefs at Arrowhead.

Aside from the ongoing ?TO? saga, the Eagles primary problem is an ineffective running game that is currently ranked dead last in the NFL in yards per game. Injuries have turned McNabb into Mc-Not from a running perspective, as the Eagles signal caller has tallied just 21 rushing yards on the entire season.

Interestingly enough, however, Philadelphia still checks in at 8th in the NFL in total offense thanks to its top ranked pass attack. We should also note that the Eagles have soared to an 8-1 ATS mark in their past nine November tilts and are an eye-opening 30-15 ATS priced as an underdog under Head Coach Any Reid.

Then there is Washington, which is tied with Philadelphia in the NFC East standings at 4-3 SU. But unlike its division counterpart, the Skins are decently valued at 4-3 ATS overall, including 3-0 SU and 2-1 ATS at FedEx Field.

Washington was skinned alive in its last game though, as a comedy of errors in the form turnovers, dropped passes, penalties and an inspired opponent led to a 36-0 shutout loss at Giants Stadium. This came directly following the Skins 52-17 Beltway butt kicking of San Francisco the week prior.

Unlike last season, Washington is not a one dimensional team that relies solely on its stifling defense, which by the way ranks 6th in the NFL out of thirty-two teams. In fact, the oft maligned Mark Brunell leads an offense that is ranked 10th in the NFL. As a side note, Washington?s offense was actually ranked 2nd prior to laying a ?giant? egg vs. the G-Men last weekend.

Good luck with your bets tonight!

William Foote is a documented member of the Professional Handicappers League. Read all of his articles at http://www.procappers.com/William_Foote.htm ?expert=William_Foote

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