Dodgy pass defences should keep the scoreboard ticking over

Sky Sports Action, 1.15am Monday night

Defending Super Bowl champions Philadelphia have failed to hit the heights this season but the inconsistent Eagles still have a chance of extending their campaign into the new year.

That task has been helped by Washington suffering the misfortune of their quarterback Alex Smith breaking his leg and a victory at home will be crucial if the Eagles are to keep NFC East leaders Dallas in their sights.

The Redskins still possess a winning record but there was little evidence in their Thanksgiving defeat to the Cowboys that Smith's replacement Colt McCoy will smoothly pick up the baton.

Veteran Adrian Peterson will have a huge role in helping McCoy and he could be heavily used if passed fit, but both teams have struggled defending the pass, which should give the deputy quarterback heart.

So this could be an evening when the points total proves to exceed expectations and backing the points line to be eclipsed looks a more appetising prospect than putting faith in either team on the handicap.

Wide receiver Golden Tate of the Philadelphia Eagles celebratesCredit: Mitchell Leff

Neither side can be trusted, particularly the Eagles who have covered the spread in just two of their last ten games.

Home quarterback Carson Wentz loves to find tight end Zach Ertz but that is one area where the Washington defence has been strong, conceding just three touchdowns to players from that position.

That means other targets could be utilised and it would not be a surprise if receiver Golden Tate, a recent acquisition from Detroit, scored his first Philadelphia touchdown.

Recommendations
Over 45 points
2pts 10-11 general
G Tate to score a touchdown
1pt 9-4 bet365

The lowdown

Venue Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Surface Enhanced grass
Weather Cloudy, 8C
Vegas handicap Washington +6
Vegas points line 45

Team news

Washington
Hopes are high that tight end Jordan Reed and veteran running back Adrian Peterson will be fit.

Philadelphia
Running back Darren Sproles is expected to feature for the first time since Week One after recovering from a hamstring injury, but cornerbacks Jalen Mills and Avonte Maddox and linebacker Jordan Hicks are out.

Key stat
Philadelphia have failed to cover the handicap in their last five home matches.

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