Reasons I Like the Eagles on Sunday!!!!

REVENGE.

Don’t think for a minute that the Eagles don’t remember that they lost in the NFC Championship game to these guys last year. Guard John Welbourn still talks about the loud music played right up until the ball was snapped on every play in that game. “That was total horseshit,” he was quoted as saying just this week. This Birds team would like nothing more than to end the Rams season and a loss here would pretty much do it.

HOME FIELD ADVANTAGE THROUGHOUT THE PLAYOFFS.

The Eagles know how hard it is to try to win on the road in the playoffs. They want to play at home and still have a shot at it. They need this win to either gain some ground or stay even in the race for home field throughout the playoffs.

INJURIES.

Sure, the Eagles are missing McNabb and Detmer and are starting AJ Feeley. Feeley will be making his first professional start. However, just like last week with Koy, I expect an inspired effort from AJ while the rest of the team rallies around him. He has shown a “Philly attitude” so far and has demonstrated no fear. He is up for the challenge. Don’t expect Andy Reid to design a game plan that makes this guy do more than he is capable of doing. He will not set him up for failure.

On the other side of the ball, Kurt Warner has a swollen throwing hand. He was able to throw in practice this week but did not take any snaps. Meanwhile, Marc Bulger has a strained tendon that limits his ability to throw more than 10 yards. Faulk is still questionable. He is obviously a huge part of their offense. He has missed the last 2 games and still leads the Rams in rushing and receiving. Last year, Faulk commented that he did not like the turf at the Vet. He claimed he couldn’t get his footing. So, even if he does play, I don’t expect much from him.

TRENDS AND ANGLES…ALL ATS.

The Eagles are 12-4 as an Underdog the last 3 years. They are 5-1 against the NFC West over the past 3 years and are 6-1 against conference foes this year...24-9 the last 3 years. The Birds also win 80% ATS in weeks 10-13 of the season in the last 3 years.

The Rams are 1-6 against the NFC East over the past 3 years. They are 1-8 after playing a game as a favorite this year and 11-29 against teams with a win percentage of 60-75% over the past 10 years.

Home Underdogs of 7 or less that have a win percentage of 60-75% are 44-22 since 1992. Home Dogs of 7 or less that forced 1 or less turnovers in 5 straight games are 11-2 since 1992.

The Eagles score an average of 28 points at home while giving up only 15. The Rams average 17 points on the road while giving up 24.

THE CROWD.

Trust me, this town knows they need to be involved in order for the Eagles to win this game. Hell, I think some are in the parking lot tailgating right now.

THE LINE.

Getting points at home? I just don’t see it. If Warner was the same QB who won the MVP and he had a healthy Faulk to hand off and throw to…maybe. But with injuries on both sides of the ball, I don’t see it.

Take the Birds.