The final match of week 16 of the NFL season could be a big one for the Philadelphia Eagles as they host the Oakland Raiders knowing that if they win the match they will have home field advantage throughout the postseason courtesy of securing the number one seed.
The Oakland Raiders are purely playing out time for the season and for a little Christmas cheer so the Eagles look to have a great chance to win the NFC on Christmas night.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles go into this match with a 12-2 record for the season and they will be the first team to 13 wins in the NFC should they prove victorious here. Only the Minnesota Vikings could catch them on 13 wins but with the Eagles having won out in the division so far they would have an unassailable lead in the Conference.
Not even the loss of Carson Wentz has derailed the Eagles and their campaign so far. He’s gone for the year so it will be on Nick Foles to get the job done here but the last time he played against Oakland he skinned them alive. After a couple of tough weeks the Eagles defence could do with a big performance.
Oakland Raiders
Hopes were high for the Oakland Raiders going into the season even allowing for the fact that Latavius Murray had left. The homecoming of Marshawn Lynch lifted spirits around the place but they have really managed to find the consistency which would have pushed them into the upper echelons in the AFC.
They haven’t been helped by injuries and their defence is missing a number of key players here with more questionable while their offense has been hit at times too with Amari Cooper and Michael Crabtree both having injuries are various times. That has given others the chance to shine but they have found it tough.
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Betting
I expect the Philadelphia Eagles to seal home advantage throughout the play-offs in some style here. In an ideal world Zach Ertz would be available for Philadelphia but I expect Jay Ajayi to more than make up for his absence.
Foles threw a number of touchdowns the last time he went up against the Raiders and with the Oakland defence missing a few key prongs I’m expecting this to be a tough night for them. If there is something the Raiders can cling to it is that the Eagles defence has shipped 24, 35 and 29pts in the last three weeks but they will tighten up again soon and I fancy it will be here. I’m on the Eagles to win with plenty in hand.
Tips
PUSH – Back Philadelphia Eagles (-9) to beat Oakland Raiders for a 4/10 stake at 1.91 with Betfred
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