Their are only thirty-two games left in the NFL regular season. It means that there a fewer teams that have incentive to give a complete effort. It makes picking games involving these types of teams a bit more challenging than your average week seven contest. Fortunately, Saturday night provides us a game with plenty at stake.
Eagles over Redskins – This is more of a gut feeling than anything analytical. I think the Redskins have the better personnel at many key positions particularly on offense with quarterback Kirk Cousins, tight end Jordan Reed and a now healthy enough wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Throw in Jackson’s extra motivation for wanting to stick it to Chip Kelly and that should be enough to give the edge to the ‘Skins.
The fact is neither team is an elite team. Because of that mediocrity, the Redskins have the ability and the track record this season to not take advantage of the opportunity to win the division Saturday night. The game is away from the beltway and Washington only has one road win this season.
Which takes us to the Eagles. They were embarrassed on national television this past Sunday night. To be kind, Kelly’s offense is too inconsistent to warrant any confidence. I’m sure die hard Eagles fans have a stronger sentiment. There must be something to this line of thought in Las Vegas as the Eagles are actually giving points (three as of this writing) if you are into that sort of thing.
Steelers over Ravens – Baltimore is talking a good game this week. Players have made references about the rivalry with Pittsburgh and are giving the impression that will give max effort for the home finale. That all may be true, but the Steelers are still battling for a playoff spot. Also the home crowd, or in this case, the lack there of will be a factor. There could be up to thirty thousand Steeler fans waiving their little yellow towels in Baltimore. It’s an intangible that could boost the Steelers and deflate the Ravens.
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