Chargers Get Edge Over Eagles

NFL News - November 10th, 2009 - Written by Scott

At Week 10, with plenty of football left to be played, it's hard to argue that any game is a must-win for a team with five victories already.

Then again, when so much is expected pre-season, nearly every game is a must-win.

Or consider this one just a must-not-lose for Andy Reid and the Philadelphia Eagles. After blowing through all three second-half timeouts just five minutes into the fourth quarter, rendering them incapable of stopping the Dallas Cowboys late last week, Reid has a lot of answers to surmise. The San Diego Chargers are waiting at Qualcomm Stadium, after a loss in the World Series, the city of Philadelphia is clearly on a short fuse.

For the first time since 1998, the Eagles travel to San Diego in a match-up between two division hopefuls who started the year as the favorites. The Chargers are preferred at home, giving up 2 1/2 points, according to BetUS, with an even payout of -110 both ways. The over/under for the game is 47.

Recent history suggests this game is likely to hit the over. Philadelphia has hit the over in seven of their last nine games overall, and 21 of their last 27 as the underdog. San Diego is 5-2-2 hitting the over in it's last nine as a favorite.

The favorite in this series is 2-4-1 ATS.

The two teams have met twice since then, Philadelphia winning both games at home, but completely altered rosters give this game the look and feel of a toss-up.

Young receivers Jeremy Maclin and DeSean Jackson have finally given Donovan McNabb the legitimate scoring threats he has missed for years. Jackson has scored a touchdown three different ways (rushing, receiving and returning) and has four plays of 50 yards or more and Maclin has 337 yards and three touchdowns. Brian Westbrook figures to be back in the lineup after missing the last two weeks with a concussion. If not, it will be LeSean McCoy back in the lineup after back-to-back games of 100+ total yards.

Vincent Jackson has led the Chargers, and most of the league for that matter, in receiving with 722 yards and seven touchdowns. He has allowed Philip Rivers to maintain his elite Fantasy status in the NFL, on pace to shatter 4,000 yards on the year. He currently has 2,245. Antonio Gates isn't far behind, leading all tight ends with 590 yards.

A balanced rushing attack has given nearly equal touches to LaDainian Tomlinson and Darren Sproles. Tomlinson has gotten 42 more carries than Sproles, but has almost 20 fewer receptions.

The Chargers seem to have the momentum coming into the game after a thrilling comeback over the New York Giants at the Meadowlands. Meanwhile, the Eagles dropped the Sunday Night game against Dallas, leaving them a game out of the division without the tiebreaker.

To discuss this and other NFL related stories be sure to check out our new forum at:
https://www.usaplayers.com/forums/nfl-news/