This is going to be a physical match. These two clubs play actual football, particularly on the defensive side of the globe. Who controls the line of scrimmage is going to be the key. Both groups will must attempt and set up a run game and inflict their physicality. Philadelphia is coming off a win over the New York Jets. Philly was able to receive 10 sacks and thoroughly commanded the Jets that were depleted. Philadelphias run defense is the strongest at the NFL, having allowed just 63.0 rushing yards per game.
Minnesota also won at New York a week throttling the Giants. Minnesotas defense ranks 4th in yards allowed per game (292.4) and 5th in points allowed per game (14.6). The Vikings are tied for second in the NFL. The Vikings defense has let one rushing touchdown. Minnesota also ranks fifth in rushing yards allowed per play (3.59).
Minnesota looked and quarterback Kirk Cousins was able to attach with wide receiver Adam Thielen to try and repair their relationship. Minnesota was able to run the ball, control the clock, but most significantly their stout defense held the Giants. Two top defenses face off this week in a game that will have playoff implications.
Philadelphia quarterback Carson Wentz includes a multitude of weapons to select from and his mentor Doug Pederson is an. This could be the difference this week. Pederson and wentz possess an offensive advantage over Vikings coach Mike Zimmer and Kirk Cousins. Wentz will look to Mack Hollins Nelson Agholor, along with JJ Arcega-Whiteside for his perpendicular threats, although wentz will be without deep ball threat WR DeSean Jackson.
TE Zach Ertz had 10 catches for 110 yards and a TD the last time that the Eagles played with the Vikings and hes over six receptions in three of four career games against Minnesota. Wentz will be helped Jordan Howard along with by RB Miles Sanders, that could see an uptick in activity. Howard was volatile week.
Zimmer wants to run the ball , take the direct, and attempt to establish play action and is school. Zimmer enjoys to control the clock to maintain his defense off the area. Zimmers plan would be to prevent the other group, not outscore them. Minnesota team is 16th in the NFL at 22.4 points per game. Theyre 29th in passing, averaging 191 yards passing per game and 3rd in rushing, averaging 166.4 yards rushing per game.
Because he traditionally does not do well against better defenses the dilemma for Minnesota will be quarterback Kirk Cousins. Philadelphia has a solid defensive scheme intended by defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz. They can offer a variety of looks and coverage. They rely upon a solid line to find pressure because their secondary can be exploited if the quarterback will get time. Schwartz makes certain that quarterbacks dont get time.
Their front four often applies pressure permitting seven to drop into coverage, which means his shield can be hard to read as he is switching looks up and is based on a combination of zone and man.
Cousins, a cop, should be utilised to play against the Eagles as he was a Washington Redskin. I dont think it will be enough, although cousins should be somewhat knowledgeable about the Eagles. The Eagles will likely be comfortable enough with Cousins to know hes rattled easily. If they are able to receive consistent pressure they need to be able to destroy his confidence.
Minnesota is based on a run assault led by RB Dalvin Cook who is 2nd in the NFL with 542 racing yards and also 742 yards from scrimmage. The Minnesota team has not shown assurance in Cousins, and if things go wrong, this could resurface. It is going to be important to begin strong early to try and exploit this kind of confidence that Cousins teammates have in him.
I do not anticipate Kirk Cousins to succeed against the powerful Philadelphia defense. Quarterback Carson Wentz has choices and the Eagles should have the ability to place points on the board easier. Both teams have a solid run sport so whoever gets the lead first will probably be in a significant benefit, and must be in a position to do what they need , which is run the ball. If Minnesota drops behind and can not rely on RB Dalvin Cook they are going to be in issue. The Vikings have been 3-10 ATS in their last 13 games against the Eagles.
Free NFL Pick: Eagles at +3 (+102) at Pinnacle
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