SNF Week 17: Washington vs. Eagles odds, preview, and pick

The Washington Football Team (6-9) can capture its first NFC East title and playoff berth since 2015 if it can get past the Philadelphia Eagles (4-10-1) on Sunday Night Football.

The Eagles are out of postseason contention, but they still have the opportunity to play spoiler and are only slight underdogs.

Will Washington win, or will the New York Giants/Dallas Cowboys victor take the divisional crown? Here’s our wagering preview.

Washington Football Team vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Points have been precious for Washington

Washington has trotted out four different quarterbacks in 2020, but none have been particularly effective. With Dwayne Haskins waived, it would seem that Alex Smith (66.4% completion rate, 6.5 yards per attempt, four touchdowns, six interceptions) is in line to receive starting duties once more.

Ron Rivera’s squad ranks 26th in points per game (21) and 31st in yards per play (4.9), so it’s difficult to envision it moving the ball with much success against even the Eagles’ subpar defense (370.8 yards allowed per game, 21st).

Hurts not a panacea for Philadelphia

The Eagles managed to win their first game with Jalen Hurts under center, against the New Orleans Saints, but the team promptly came back down to Earth with consecutive losses to the Cardinals and Cowboys.

Hurts has shown flashes of brilliance but has played unevenly. He has completed just 54.7% of his throws, for 7.7 yards per attempt, and has tossed six touchdown passes, along with three interceptions, in 2020.

Philly’s offense has been a source of frustration all year long for Eagles fans, as the team is 25th in points per game (21.3) and 26th in yards per play (5.1).

Washington boasts the better defense

Washington’s defense has kept the team alive in most of its games this season. The burgundy and gold club ranks fifth in points allowed per game in 2020 (21) and third in yards allowed per play (5.0).

Potential Defensive Rookie of the Year Chase Young seems to be improving by the game and could wreak havoc against an Eagles offensive line that surrendered nine sacks combined in Weeks 15 and 16.

The Eagles defense ranks 22nd in the NFL in points allowed per game (26.5) and 18th in yards allowed per play (5.8). Stalwart nose tackle Fletcher Cox could miss this game with a stinger suffered in Week 16.

Trends suggest an Under is in store

Under bettors have cashed in eight straight outdoor games involving Washington, and the Under is 8-2 in Washington’s last 10 games as the betting favorite.

The Eagles have gone below the total in 21 of their last 29 home games.

Score prediction: Washington 20, Eagles 17

NFL pick: Under 44.5

Wager on all NFL Week 17 action on BetAmerica!