Subscribe
Follow Us
The Washington Football Team is set to take on the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday. The Week 15 matchup was moved from Sunday afternoon to Tuesday night in order for the teams (Washington specifically) to tackle their battles with the recent COVID-19 outbreak. The NFC East matchup will most likely be pretty even, so let's dive in to my boldest predictions for the game.
*Watch NFL games LIVE with fuboTV (click for free trial)*
Washington Week 15 Predictions
4. Heinicke suits up
Two days before Washington was supposed to battle the Eagles in Philadelphia, quarterback Taylor Heinicke was put on the laundry list of Washington COVID-19 cases. Heinicke tested positive for the virus and entered health and safety protocols on Friday, joining his backup quarterback Kyle Allen. This forced the team to sign practice squad quarterback Garrett Gilbert, who was set to suit up on Sunday.
Now, since Washington has a couple more days to come up with negative COVID tests, expect to see Heinicke leading the Football Team on Tuesday. According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, Heinicke is vaccinated and has been asymptomatic. This is a great sign for Washington, because Heinicke could come back in time for Week 15, if he remains asymptomatic and returns two negative tests.
3. Antonio Gibson pops off
Over 20 Washington players have been added to the team's COVID-19 list. However, one key part of the team's offense has escaped the laundry list: Antonio Gibson. The second year running back has managed to stay healthy enough to participate in all of Washington's 13 games this season.
He has a lot to prove on Tuesday. Gibson has fumbled six times this season, four of these fumbles resulting in turnovers. This has been a consistent problem for him, with the latest turnover in Washington's Week 14 matchup against the Cowboys, stats per NBC Sports. Washington is in trouble, and Gibson is well aware. As one of a few players who hasn't tested positive for the virus, it's his job to step up and make big plays for Washington on Tuesday. You can expect minimal mistakes (if any) on Gibson's end, along with 50+ rushing yards and a touchdown.
2. Closer score than expected
Philadelphia's team has been very fortunate in terms of COVID, and most of their injured players have recovered over their Week 14 bye. Prior to the schedule change, it was obvious that the Birds would take this divisional matchup win easily. Now, expect the score to be much closer.
The NFL gave Washington an extra two days to have as many players switch from the COVID-19 list to their game day roster. What everyone once thought was going to be a blowout between the Eagles and Washington's backup backups will most likely come down to a single score.
1. Extra time isn't enough
Despite the bone Washington was thrown, it won't be enough. The Eagles have been preparing for the divisional matchup for over two weeks, since they didn't have a Week 14 game to prepare for. They have also been able to meet in person and have much more practice time than the COVID ridden Football Team.
Expect the game to be close, but the Eagles to come out on top on Tuesday. Finally, my boldest prediction yet: Eagles win 31-28.
