Minny (+9) over Philly
Minnesota had lost four of five to close the regular season. The Eagles lost their last 2 games going into the playoffs. Yes, they were meaningless games and the starters barely played. The two games before that were wins, @Was (3) @Dal (5). Eagles Following a bye week, including playoffs, coach Andy Reid is 8-0.
Now Philly should be able to take advantage of Minny's defense but with the lackadaisical approach to the last 4 games of the season it might be hard for Philly to get back into the swing of things. After all the Eagles lost their best offensive weapon and haven't even attempted to run an offense with out him. Against Dallas when TO went down, McNabb needed to scramble almost every play to generate offense, that will not get it done against the Vikes. Plus Minnesota's potent passing offense should have success against Philadelphia's secondary. The Vikes have the 4th ranked offense in the NFL while the Eagles have the 10th ranked defense. Moss is banged up but should be able to make plays come this weekend.
Philly averages about 24 points per game and the Vikes allow about 25. So for the Vikes it will be a matter of out scoring the Eagles. Philly has a good defense and they have the D-lineman to generate pressure. Culpepper will have to avoid big mistakes. I'm sure both teams will assign a spy to avoid the QB's running all over the field. But what this game will come down to is how successful Minny's offense is against the defense. Too many weapons for the eagles to cover. I'll take the 9 points but wouldn't be surprise to see the Vikes win.
Cheers
Irish
Minnesota had lost four of five to close the regular season. The Eagles lost their last 2 games going into the playoffs. Yes, they were meaningless games and the starters barely played. The two games before that were wins, @Was (3) @Dal (5). Eagles Following a bye week, including playoffs, coach Andy Reid is 8-0.
Now Philly should be able to take advantage of Minny's defense but with the lackadaisical approach to the last 4 games of the season it might be hard for Philly to get back into the swing of things. After all the Eagles lost their best offensive weapon and haven't even attempted to run an offense with out him. Against Dallas when TO went down, McNabb needed to scramble almost every play to generate offense, that will not get it done against the Vikes. Plus Minnesota's potent passing offense should have success against Philadelphia's secondary. The Vikes have the 4th ranked offense in the NFL while the Eagles have the 10th ranked defense. Moss is banged up but should be able to make plays come this weekend.
Philly averages about 24 points per game and the Vikes allow about 25. So for the Vikes it will be a matter of out scoring the Eagles. Philly has a good defense and they have the D-lineman to generate pressure. Culpepper will have to avoid big mistakes. I'm sure both teams will assign a spy to avoid the QB's running all over the field. But what this game will come down to is how successful Minny's offense is against the defense. Too many weapons for the eagles to cover. I'll take the 9 points but wouldn't be surprise to see the Vikes win.
Cheers
Irish