PHILADELPHIA EAGLES @ MINNESOTA VIKINGS
NFC WILDCARD GAME
SUNDAY, JANUARY 4, 2009 4:30 P.M.
The Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) arrive at the Minneapolis Metrodome as 3 point favorites against the Vikings (10-6). The Eagles are the number six seed in the NFC, which means they have no chance of playing a home game in their quest to reach the Super Bowl. They would have to win three straight road games, which they haven’t done in more than a year. Their road record this season is 3-4-1. Minnesota, on the other hand, is the NFC’s #3 seed and NFC North Division Champions. They could conceivably play another home game if the Cardinals or Falcons were to prevail over the Giants. Of course the Vikes would have to win this game and then beat the Panthers next week for that scenario to play out.
PHILADELPHIA: UP: The Eagles thumped the Cowboys 44-6 last week to earn a spot in the playoffs. QB Donovan McNabb had a good game, completing 12 of 21 passes for 175 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. RB Correll Buckhalter had 122 total rushing and receiving yards and a touchdown. Defense against the rush in the past seven games has allowed only 3.1 yards per carry. DOWN: The Eagles have several on the questionable or unlikely to play list for the game including LE Victor Abiamiri, G Shawn Andrews, TE L.J. Smith, and RT John Runyan, who says he’s going to play no matter what. On special teams the kickoff coverage was weak against the Cowboys. The defense has yielded over 182 yards per game passing this season.
MINNESOTA: UP: The Vikings clinched the division title with an impressive 20-19 win over the Giants last week. K Ryan Longwell nailed a last second 50 yard field goal to notch the victory. Longwell also had a 48-yarder in the game. He has kicked three game-winners this year. Kick returner Maurice Hicks averaged over 36 yards on three returns. The defense recorded two sacks against the Giants. RB Adrian Peterson had a 67 yard TD run. DOWN: QB Tarvaris Jackson had his worst outing since becoming the starter three games ago. He was 16 of 26 for 239 yards and a TD pass. But he also threw at interception on the Giants six yard line, which led to a Giant field goal. The rush defense gave up its second largest total this year at 135 yards. The Vikings hope to have NT Pat Williams back vs. the Eagles.
KEYS TO THE GAME: The Viking defense will need to pressure McNabb to throw him off his passing game. Jackson needs to settle down and hit his open receivers. Philadelphia needs to continue its blitz, which was so effective against the Cowboys QB Tony Romo. Eagles Coach Andy Reid needs to call another balanced passing and rushing game.
BY THE NUMBERS: The line is Minnesota +3 and 42 points. For the season the Eagles are 10-6 ATS and 7-8-1 O/U while the Vikings are 6-10 ATS and 9-7 O/U. As a favorite the Eagles are 8-4 SU and 8-5 ATS. As underdogs the Vikings are 3-5 both SU and ATS. Over the past 3 seasons the Eagles are 1-1 SU and ATS in playoff games. The Vikings weren’t in the playoffs those years. Both teams are coming off good games. The quarterback who plays best Sunday will probably lead his team to victory.