Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles Picks, Odds, Predictions, and Player Props for Week 1

After trading away AJ Brown, the Philadelphia Eagles fanbase is on the edge of its seat waiting to see how their re-tooled offense will look. Luckily for the Philadelphia faithful, Jalen Hurts and company will be able to get off to a hot start in their season opener against Washington by attacking a defense that underwhelms in coverage.

Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles Betting Odds For Week 1

Spread: Eagles -4.5 (-105, BetMGM)
Moneyline: Eagles (-215, BetRivers)
Game Total: 44.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

Even when littered with talent, the Philadelphia Eagles were unable to find their footing on offense last season, ranking below league average in offensive DVOA. Hurts' conservative throws held them out of scoring position, finishing 23rd out of 36 qualified QBs in air yards/reception.

With Brown gone, the Eagles will lean heavier on Saquon Barkley to keep them competitive. While he did grade out poorly in yards over expected per attempt last season, the Eagles' anemic offense did him no favors, allowing their opponents to stack the box at a high rate.

In a divisional matchup against the Washington Commanders, the Eagles will be able to quickly iron out the kinks by exploiting a defense that struggles to defend at all three levels of the field. With Washington's offensive line making it difficult for Jayden Daniels to match their output, expect the Commanders to fall quickly behind on the scoreboard.

Prediction & Pick For Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles Week 1 Matchup

The Pick: Eagles -4.5 (-105, BetMGM)

Even though it remains to be seen how the Eagles will operate without Brown, they could not ask for a more favorable matchup to kick off their year, hosting the Washington Commanders in Week 1. Simply put, the Commanders were abysmal on defense last season, ending their 2005 campaign ranked in the bottom 10 in defensive DVOA, pass play EPA and rush success rate.

If Hurts continues to struggle to air out the ball, the Eagles can lean on Barkley to keep them ahead of the sticks, ambushing a Commanders front seven that is incapable of plugging the gaps in the trenches. With Barkley consistently cutting the distance to gain in half, Hurts' probability of converting on later downs improves, marching their offense into scoring position.

While the shortened field normally benefits the secondary, the Eagles will be able to counter it by utilizing Hurts' legs when a running lane opens up, inching them closer to the end zone. When near the goal line, expect points to be put up on the board, capping off their drives with the tush push, which has proven to be nearly impossible to stop.

To help maintain their lead, the Eagles' front four will be able to neutralize Daniels by consistently collapsing the pocket, dismantling an offensive line that has looked horrific throughout training camp. His stable of RBs will struggle to pull the Eagles' linebackers to the middle, allowing them to crash down on the outside to contain Daniels before he hits the open field.

Best Player Prop Bet For Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Jacory Croskey-Merritt - u41.5 Rushing Yards (-111, DraftKings)

Just when it looked like Jacory Croskey-Merritt was going to take full control of Washington’s backfield, the Commanders decided to deploy a committee, bringing in Rachaad White as their RB2. That's a tough development for JCM truthers, handicapping his ceiling while having to split duties.

To make matters worse for JCM, the Commanders' front five will consistently be pushed back shortly after the snap, forcing him to fight off contact in the backfield. Once slowed down, the Eagles' LBs will be able to plug the trenches, negating any chance JCM has of rattling off an explosive run.

If the Commanders fall behind early, they will also throw the ball at a heavier rate, further chipping away at JCM’s total number of carries. Daniels' dual-threat ability will also lower JCM’s usage rate, keeping him under the total on his rushing yardage prop.