I really like the talent level of the Eagles right now with Michael Vick and Lesean Mccoy in the backfield. It's hard not to think these guys won't put up big numbers. This game is more unpredictable than anything, but I'm backing the team getting points in this spot especially since the Redskins could have a hard time preparing for Chip Kelly's offense. There is not much to prepare for since you don't know what is coming. Shanahan could go back to the tape at Oregon all he wants, but it's going to be totally different live.
The Redskins on the other hand will start RGIII who did not play this pre season and has to be rusty. There really is no other way around it and I think the running game really over achieved a year ago and the talent level on the Redskins defense has been depleted. I think the Eagles can really come in here and walk out with a win as the Redskins are getting too much hype and this number is off by a point or so. I just think Michael Vick has a lot left and I think he will put on a show Monday night to show who is still really the dual threat QB while the Redskins offense will be flat throughout the first half.
The biggest public play of the week is on the Texans on Monday night football game 2 which will include tons of parlays and teasers etc. Vegas has the public right where they want them, but I'm not falling for it even though backing the Chargers will take a lot of convincing. I think the Chargers did fix a lot of their issues including drafting an offensive linement in the first round and signing 3 more as free agents to help protect Phillip Rivers. This will be the first step and on national tv I think the Chargers will be up to make a statement in the last game of week 1. I'm not saying they will win and they may lose in blow out fashion, but I just can't see laying the road chalk with a Texans team that everyone is picking to get to the AFC Championship game.
The Texans have been a team that really does not blow other teams out in the past and although they were a good road team last year their wins on the road were not by much. Chargers weakness on defense comes in the secondary, but they have a strong pass rush and front 7 that can stop the rush ranking 5th a year ago. Chargers have plenty of talent at WR despite injuries as they still have a healthy Antonio Gates, Vincent Brown, Robert Meachem, Eddie Royal and newly drafted Cal star Keenan Allen. Phillip Rivers is a firey competitor that has been stuck in a stale Norv Turner run offense for years. I think the off season changes have lit the fire again and he would love nothing better than to upset the Texans as a heavy home dog. I really like the coaching changes on the Chargers side with Mike McCoy as the head man and the hiring of Ken Whisenhunt. These guys have been scheming and coming up with a game plan for months against the Texans. The Texans have not shined on Monday night and I believe they struggle again here as they are 0-5 ATS in their last 5 Monday games.
