Eagles-Redskins predictions

Anything can happen in an opener, but I think the Eagles ought to be at least a little better than the Redskins this season, so I'm picking the Birds to end their five-game losing streak in the series.

My biggest concern is the Eagles' o-line against a Washington defense that really created problems for it last season. If Carson Wentz has time to find his receivers, the Eagles definitely win.

Prediction: Eagles 26, Redskins 21.

It's tough to lose six times in a row to one team. The last time the Eagles dropped that many was to the New York Giants from 1997-99. They would go on to lose three more – including a January 2011 playoff game – to the Giants. Nevertheless, six straight losses are a lot and that would be the number if the Eagles dropped Sunday's opener to the Redskins. I don't like to make predictions based on probabilities, however. On paper, the Eagles are closer in talent to Washington than they were a year ago. But the Redskins' offensive line remains intact and I think that is a crucial matchup – in terms of ground production and giving Kirk Cousins time – that favors the home squad.

Prediction: Redskins 24, Eagles 20.​

The Eagles will have a far more explosive offense than on the film Washington might have watched from last year. Lane Johnson's presence on the right side will make a difference for Carson Wentz, as will adding Alshon Jeffery to the lineup. The Jeffery-Josh Norman matchup will be fun to focus on. I still think Jeffery is involved, especially on crossing patterns. Zach Ertz has had a big game against Washington the past three years, and I see another one Sunday. On the other side of the ball, the Eagles must focus on Jordan Reed and Jamison Crowder in the middle of the field. If Malcolm Jenkins and Patrick Robinson can keep those two from hurting the Eagles, it will be harder for Washington to move the chains.

Prediction: Eagles 27, Redskins 24

The Eagles had two big problems last year in their losses to the Redskins. The first was they couldn't properly protect Carson Wentz. The second was they couldn't stop the run, at least in the first loss when they were gashed for 230 rushing yards by Washington.

Redskins linebacker Ryan Kerrigan had a hand – directly or indirectly — in seven of the nine Redskins sacks of Wentz last year. Having right tackle Lane Johnson back should help that, along with the fact that Wentz has a full season of experience under his belt.

The Eagles converted just 1 of 5 red-zone opportunities into touchdowns in the two losses to Washington last year. That has to change. With the addition of Alshon Jeffery, I think it will.

Prediction: Eagles 27, Redskins 24

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