Philadelphia can't clinch a playoff spot with a win in Washington on Saturday afternoon (yes, Saturday), but if the Eagles lose they are on life support to make it to the postseason. Philly (9-5) is a game behind Dallas for the NFC East lead after losing at home to the Cowboys in Week 15. If the Eagles beat Washington this week and then win at the New York Giants next, they only need Dallas to lose to Indianapolis on Sunday or in Week 17 at Washington to win the division. Both losses very possible, especially with Cowboys star running back DeMarco Murray now dealing with a broken hand. If Dallas lost to the Colts and Redskins, the Eagles would only have to win one more game.

However, to earn a wild-card spot, the Eagles would have to win out and need Seattle, Green Bay or Detroit to lose its final two games. The Packers and Lions do play each other Week 17, so that's possible, although the Pack should win in Tampa on Sunday and so should Detroit in Chicago. Seattle is a sizable favorite in Arizona. So, yeah, this is a must-win game for Chip Kelly and Co.

As for Washington, it's just another season playing out the string and getting the best draft pick possible. Currently Washington (3-11) would pick fifth. If the Redskins lose their last two games then their weak opponents' strength of schedule works in their favor and gives them a chance to surpass a team or two that is currently 2-12. Plus, two-win teams Tennessee and Jacksonville play on Thursday night.

Eagles at Redskins Betting Story Lines

This week reports came out that Jay Gruden would return as Washington's coach next season despite a disastrous first year that came with some questionable public comments about Robert Griffin III. Will RGIII be a Redskin next season? I am presuming so. He gets the start here as Colt McCoy was placed on season-ending injured reserve with a neck injury. McCoy wasn't a lock to start Week 15 with the problem and re-aggravated it early in the 24-13 loss at the Giants. Griffin looked pretty decent in relief, going 18-for-27 for 236 yards and a touchdown while rushing five times for 46 yards -- he had one TD run overturned on replay.

This is the fifth time Washington has endured a quarterback change this season. Griffin still hasn't started and finished a win since Nov. 3 of last season. He also remains indecisive in the pocket at times. In his last four outings in which he played nearly the entire game, Griffin has been sacked 23 times. Gruden this week said it was vital to get an early lead in Saturday's game so the Redskins can limit Griffin III's dropbacks and reading of the defense. Doesn't sound like a vote of confidence.

The Eagles will continue to go with backup Mark Sanchez at quarterback. Nick Foles is getting close to possibly being cleared from his broken collarbone. That will be an interesting decision for Kelly if Foles is ready for the first playoff game. Sanchez dropped to 3-3 as a starter with Sunday night's 38-27 loss to the Cowboys. He was 17 of 28 for 252 yards, no touchdowns and two picks -- his fourth game already with two interceptions. The Eagles rallied from a 21-0 hole to lead 24-21 in the third, only for Dallas to then pull away. Philly had four turnovers and kept getting burned by Dez Bryant.

There are two big injuries in this one, both to Trents. The Redskins' Trent Williams, the team's best offensive lineman, is questionable with a shoulder sprain. Eagles linebacker Trent Cole could miss the rest of the regular season with a fractured hand. Cole ranks third on the team with 6.5 sacks.

These teams played Week 3 in Philadelphia, and the Eagles won 37-34 as 4-point favorites after trailing by 10 in the second quarter. Foles and Kirk Cousins were the quarterbacks that day. Foles threw for 325 and three scores, with Jeremy Maclin catching eight for 154 and a touchdown. Cousins threw for 427 yards and three touchdowns, including an 81-yarder to DeSean Jackson in Jackson's first game against his former teammates.

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins NFL Week 16 Betting Odds and Trends

At 5Dimes , Philadelphia is a 10-point favorite (+110) with alternate lines of 9 (-105), 8.5 (-110), 8 (-115) and 7.5 (-120). Philly is -400 on the moneyline with Washington at +325. The total is 50.5 points. The Eagles are 8-6 against the spread (3-3 on road) and 9-5 "over/under" (3-3 on road). The Redskins are 4-10 ATS (1-5 at home) and 6-8 O/U (2-4 at home).

The Eagles are 5-1 ATS in their past six after a loss. They are 4-1 ATS in their past five against teams with a losing record. Philly is 9-6 ATS in its past six after a double-digit loss at home. The Redskins are 1-8 ATS in their past nine after a loss. They are 3-7 ATS in their past 10 vs. the NFC East. The over is 5-1 in Philadelphia's past six vs. teams with a losing record. The under is 6-0 in Washington's past six after an ATS loss. The Eagles are 4-1 ATS in their past five at the Redskins.

Philadelphia Eagles at Washington Redskins Expert Picks and Betting Predictions

How much will the Redskins really care in this game? Of course, Philadelphia has everything to play for. I am starting to not trust Sanchez much, however. The Eagles also lead the NFL with 34 giveaways and are minus-9 in turnover differential. I think a few Sanchez picks keep this close. The Eagles win, but I'm taking the 10 points. Go over the total even though it could be a tad sloppy weather wise.

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Read more articles by Alan Matthews