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Fantasy football preview: Eagles at Redskins
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The Eagles and Redskins both look to rebound this week after extremely disappointing losses. The Eagles looked to be one of the most promising teams in the NFC before losing to Oakland last week, while the Redskins are coming off an embarrassing loss to Kansas City. The Redskins have only managed to beat Tampa Bay and St. Louis this season by a combined five points, and ended Detroit's 19-game losing streak with a loss Week 2.
Both teams have had their struggles, so there is a question of who you can trust in your fantasy lineup this week. Here is a position-by-position fantasy look at the players for these NFC East rivals:
Quarterbacks
Donovan McNabb is likely coming off his worst game of the season, completing less than 50 percent of his passes against Oakland. On the bright side, he did not turn the ball over and still managed to throw for 250 yards. Even when McNabb is off his game, Philadelphia's offensive strategy (a.k.a. throw the ball a ton) still makes him an above average fantasy quarterback.
After being sacked six times last week, the Eagles will look to protect McNabb better Monday night. All-Pro tackle Jason Peters left last week's game with a knee injury, but is practicing and should be ready to go. Also, guard Todd Heremans should return this week after missing the first five games of the season due to a stress fracture in his foot. An upright McNabb against a reeling Redskin defense should equal a nice bounce-back week for the Eagle quarterback.
Projection: 310 yards passing, two touchdowns
Jason Campbell was pulled at halftime of last week's game after throwing for just 89 yards and an interception in the first half. Fortunately for Campbell, Todd Collins did not fare much better, and head coach Jim Zorn has decided to start Campbell again this week.
Unfortunately for Campbell, he is still not very good and the Eagles' defense is far more talented than the Chiefs'. Fortunately for Campbell, he has inspiration, as he will likely have to play well this week if he would like to remain the starting quarterback for the rest of the season. Unfortunately for Campbell and his fantasy owners, he will struggle no matter how hard he tries.
Projection: 140 yards passing, one touchdown, two interceptions
Runningbacks
Brian Westbrook is one of the few Eagles who shined in last week's game. Westbrook appears to be getting healthy, and finally filled a significant role in the Philadelphia offensive game plan. He rushed for 50 yards on just six carries, but also caught nine passes for 91 yards. Westbrook has scored just twice this season, but look for his role to continue to expand this week as the offense tries to get back on track.
LeSean McCoy continues to poach some carries, but has been a non-factor as a fantasy back for most of the early season.
Projections: 60 yards rushing, 50 yards receiving, one rushing touchdown for Westbrook; 30 total yards, no touchdowns for McCoy
Clinton Portis has actually put together a decent season considering how poorly the rest of the offense has played. He has only scored twice, but is averaging about 75 yards rushing per game. If the Redskins ever threaten anyone with a somewhat competent passing game, Portis could really have some room to run. Until then, teams will continue to put eight and nine in the box. The Eagles represent his toughest challenge of the season, so low output from a banged-up Portis should be expected this week.
Projection: 60 yards rushing, no touchdowns
Wide Receivers
DeSean Jackson has been hit or miss so far this season. He has a combined 344 yards receiving in Weeks 2, 3, and 6. He has a combined 10 yards receiving in Weeks 1 and 5. I have yet to figure out his pattern, so I am going to assume that he just had a few bad games. I tend to think that most weeks, he will perform more like the former player than the latter. If you have him, you should start him this week.
Jeremy Maclin had a break-out game Week 5, before being held in check last week. I think he is still an excellent pick-up as a starter in this offense, and expect him to find a middle ground this week.
Projections: 90 yards receiving, one touchdown for Jackson; 70 yards receiving, one touchdown for Maclin
Santana Moss has been quiet this year with the exception of his 178-yard performance Week 3. He relies too heavily on the deep ball and has suffered from poor quarterback play. Against Philadelphia's secondary, he is a borderline start if you need him. No other Redskin wide receiver should even be considered.
Projection: 50 yards receiving, no touchdowns
Tight Ends
Brent Celek has had at least four catches in every game so far this season, and has had at least 50 yards in every game but one. He is not flashy, but has developed into a solid option at tight end. He has performed as a top-ten fantasy tight end so far this season, and should continue his fine play this week.
Projection: 60 yards receiving, no touchdowns
Chris Cooley is one of the more talented and consistent Redskins, but has not been immune to Washington's offensive ineptitude. Before last season, he had caught at least six touchdown passes in every season of his career. Cooley has two touchdowns so far this season and likely scores again this week due to the inability of Philadelphia to cover tight ends.
Projection: 50 yards receiving, one touchdown
Defenses
Philadelphia has an excellent fantasy defense with a playmaking secondary. The Eagles already have 15 sacks and 11 interceptions this season, including four picks by Asante Samuel. They have allowed more than 14 points in a game just once, when they were picked apart by Drew Brees. The aggressive scheme and knack for turnovers will haunt Campbell this week, making the Eagles a must-start defense in any format.
Projection: 10 points allowed, three sacks, three turnovers
Washington's defense has played extremely well this season considering injuries and the lack of help on the other side of the ball. This defense is serviceable in matchups with many teams and could be even better with an improved offense. This week does not provide a good matchup and likely will not result in a good showing by the offense. Avoid starting the Redskins this week.
Projection: 27 points allowed, two sacks, no turnovers
Kickers
David Akers has been pretty consistent this season, but has not had a ton of attempts. Akers was busiest last week, making just three of his five field goal tries. The Redskin defense is good enough to stall the Eagles a few times, but not good enough to stop them. This makes Akers a viable option this week.
Projection: two field goals, three extra points
Shaun Suisham has been perfect so far this season, making all eight of his field goal attempts. But, if the Redskin offense does not shut itself down, the Eagles will do it for them. Do not expect much production from Suisham this week.
Projection: one field goal, one extra point
For more info: Continue to follow the Philadelphia Fantasy Sports Examiner or email any fantasy football related questions.
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