NFL Sportsbook – Redskins vs Eagles

If you’re looking to bet on the biggest game of the early season, than head over to the NFL Sports book, where the line is out and wagers are being taken on Donovan McNabb’s return to Philadelphia. Who has the edge? Let’s take a look.

Washington Redskins (1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS) at Philadelphia Eagles (2-1 SU, 1-2 ATS)

Sunday, October 3: 4:15 p.m. FOX, Live from Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

NFL Betting Odds:

Washington: +5 ½
Philadelphia: -5 ½
Total: 42 ½

We all know the story about McNabb, as the six-time Pro Bowler was traded in the offseason to Washington. In his 11 seasons in Philadelphia, he led the Eagles to four NFC title games, and a Super Bowl, where they lost to the Patriots.

But McNabb is a Redskin now, and through three games has led them to a 2-1 record. He hasn’t always been pretty this year, but McNabb has been effective, as he’s completing 60 percent of his passes, and tossed two touchdowns on the season, including one a week ago in St. Louis.

However, the problem right now in  Washington is the running game, because right now it’s anemic. Currently, the Redskins rank just 28th in the league, averaging just 74 yards on the ground per game. Clinton Portis is this team’s leading rusher, but has struggled making big plays. He’s got just one rush of over 20 yards so far in 2010.

As for the Eagles, they’ll be led onto the field by this year’s biggest comeback story, and McNabb’s former protégée, Michael Vick. Vick’s strong play is reason enough to head over to the NFL Sports Book right now and place some heavy coin on the Eagles.

Through three games, Vick has been phenomenal, completing 60 percent of his passes, and throwing six touchdowns and no interceptions to date. He’s gotten better every week as well, and was outstanding last Sunday in Jacksonville, throwing three touchdown passes.

Still, that was Jacksonville, and this is a bitter NFC East rival. Because of it, take the Washington Redskins to cover the points.

Everyone seems to be jumping on the Eagles bandwagon, and with good reason: They’ve looked like a completely different team since Vick took over for Kevin Kolb partway through Week 1. But at the same time, they’ve played Detroit and Jacksonville in the last two weeks, and any way you cut it, those are two of the worst teams in the league.

And as crazy as it might sound, expect the veteran McNabb to have the upper hand in this one. So much of handicapping games is about figuring out where the emotional edge lies, and for Washington, there’s no that McNabb wants this win. He was great at times in Philadelphia, but never fully appreciated for what he did. And he wants to make all the fans that booed him over these last few years pay.

Philadelphia may be the better team top to bottom, but bettors have to think that McNabb and the Redskins want it more. When heading over to the NFL Sports Book to place this weekend’s bets, the pick to make is the Washington Redskins.

NFL Sports Book Pick: Washington +6 ½