Philadelphia at Washington

The Eagles assembled what was considered a “dream team” for the 2011-12 NFL season, but that dream has quickly become a nightmare with the Eagles off to a 1-4 start. Last year Michael Vick was just about perfect. He threw just six INTs the entire season. Last week he threw four alone, and has already eclipsed his mark from a season ago as he has thrown seven. He is getting hit a lot as the Eagles’ offensive line is not getting him protection. The sure-handed wide receivers are dropping passes, and the Eagles have fumbled 10 times, losing six of them. This team has no confidence right now and even if the skill players show up, the interior of their defense remains extremely weak. Washington won just two games in their last nine a year ago, and needed overtime in each of the two wins. They have already gone 3-1 this year, and is a much-improved team. The defense was No. 31 overall a year ago, is No. 6 this season, and will give the Eagles some problems. There is also the issue of a 59-28 trouncing on Monday Night last year that the Skins will be seeking to avenge. This is a must-win for the Eagles, but wasn't last week too? Lots of times bettors are eager to back the "must win" team, but history shows that is not the way to go. Philadelphia became the eighth team in NFL history to lose their fourth straight as a favorite. The seven that preceded them went 1-6 ATS in their next game. The Eagles have a bye next week, so will they put it all on the field this week? Not necessarily as under Andy Reid as they are 4-8 ATS before their bye. And, Mike Shanahan coached teams are 11-2 ATS when coming off a bye. Play Washington in this one.