Eagles look to get well - Return of Westbrook key for Philadelphia

[clevfan]

Oct. 05, 2008
Copyright © Las Vegas Review-Journal

Eagles look to get well

Return of Westbrook key for Philadelphia

REVIEW-JOURNAL

If the Philadelphia Eagles are to stay near the top of the NFC East, they need versatile back Brian Westbrook on the field and doing a lot of north-south running.

Westbrook, who led the NFL with 2,104 yards from scrimmage and had 90 receptions last season, was sidelined last week with an ankle injury. He was sorely missed.

The Eagles were stopped three times at the 1-yard line late in a 24-20 loss at Chicago. Westbrook scored five touchdowns in the first two games.

The veteran running back practiced Friday and probably will play today, when Philadelphia is a 6-point home favorite over division rival Washington.

Although Redskins coach Jim Zorn has his team on a roll at 3-1 straight up and against the spread, The Gold Sheet handicapper Bruce Marshall said the Eagles are his best bet.

Marshall said Philadelphia's defense should put heat on Washington's Jason Campbell and contain running back Clinton Portis. Campbell has passed for six touchdowns with no interceptions. Portis is tied for fourth in the league in rushing yards with 369.

Marshall (goldsheet.com) outlines key trends in some of today's games:

• San Diego at Miami: The Chargers are 10-2 over the total on the road since last season and 15-5 over as a visitor since 2006. San Diego is 47-23-3 against the spread since 2004, including 16-6-1 under coach Norv Turner. The Dolphins are 6-2 over the total in their past eight home games. Edge: Chargers and over.

• Chicago at Detroit: The Lions have covered the past three in the series, but they are 6-12-1 ATS since last season and 4-10 in their past 14 as underdogs. The Bears went 26-13-1 over the total in their past 40 games. Edge: Over.

• Tampa Bay at Denver: The Broncos went over the total in all four games this season and are 20-5 over since late 2006. The Bucs are 7-3 over in their past 10 away. Edge: Over.

• Buffalo at Arizona: Bills coach Dick Jauron is 16-9 against the spread as an underdog since 2006. Edge: Bills.

• Pittsburgh at Jacksonville: The Jaguars won the past four meetings and have covered five of the past six in the series. The Steelers are 3-7 ATS as a visitor under coach Mike Tomlin. Edge: Jaguars.

Compiled by Review-Journal sportswriter Matt Youmans.