Eagles vs. Redskins: Predictions for NFC East Showdown

Washington and Philadelphia were expected to be right in the thick of things in the NFC East. Robert Griffin III and Michael Vick were expected to make their teams dangerous come playoff time.

It just hasn't happened like that.

Griffin has played well, but his team has struggled around him, and Vick can't stay healthy, making his play extremely inconsistent.

When the Redskins and Eagles square off on Sunday, both teams will be desperate for a victory. That makes for exciting football.

Here are three predictions for this NFC East showdown. 

Rookie Nick Foles Outclasses Rookie Robert Griffin III

Robert Griffin III is a stud, but he's about to be outclassed by a fellow rookie quarterback. 

Washington's pass defense is simply atrocious. They are allowing 301.7 yards per game to opposing quarterbacks, which ranks them 30th in the NFL.

Nearly every week this season, Washington has been gashed through the air, and despite Foles being a rookie, he will be the next to gash the Redskins.

Foles is an accurate passer when given time to survey the field. With his big 6'6" frame, his ability to see the defense is on par with some of the best in the NFL.

There is no denying the fact that Griffin will have a great game against an average Eagles defense, but Foles will shock the NFL landscape when he outshines Griffin.

Stat Projections

Robert Griffin III: 225 yards passing, 60 yards rush, 2 TD, INT

Nick Foles: 320 yards passing, 3 TD, INT

Alfred Morris Fails to Rush for TD

Alfred Morris hasn't scored a rushing touchdown in three consecutive games. When he does score a rushing a touchdown, the Redskins are 3-1 this season.

Morris has been great in his rookie season, but the offense has only given him 26 carries over the past two games.

In those games, Morris has been held to under 80 yards despite averaging 4.5 yards or more on every carry.

Washington's offense is putting it all on Griffin's shoulders instead of allowing Morris to help him out. They started out with the right recipe, handing the ball off to Morris 28 times against New Orleans—a game they won. 

But they have failed to give Morris the consistent touches he deserves, resulting in their 3-6 record this season. They will continue down the wrong path this Sunday. 

Eagles defeat Redskins

 Philadelphia lost every game in October and has yet to win in November, while losing six straight games. Michael Vick was unable to stay healthy, and he wasn't able to win football games as the starter.

With Andy Reid's job on the line, Nick Foles will save the day, for now, while leading the Eagles to victory. 

Philadelphia: 31, Washington: 24.