The NFC East is always one of the most competitive divisions in the NFL. Right now, the perception is that the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants are the teams to beat but the Philadelphia Eagles and Washington Redskins – who meet in Week 1 – are looking to make a statement. Here’s a closer look at Sports Interaction’s NFL odds for the game.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins

Point Spread: Eagles -1 Date: Sunday, Sept.1, 1:00 PM ET Location: FedEx Field – Landover, Maryland

Point Spread And Betting Analysis

The betting line opened at Redskins -3 but it has gone down to a PICK as money has been on the Eagles. The Redskins have had the upper hand as of late, going 7-3 SU and 8-2 ATS in the last 10 meetings between the two. Eight of those games have been decided by eight points or less, so it has the chance to be another close contest. Five of those 10 meetings have gone over the posted total, along with a push, and this total is at 48.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles are building things around quarterback Carson Wentz, who had a fine rookie season but faded after a hot start. He has looked crisp in the preseason, though, and that’s possible thanks to his new weapons. Alshon Jeffrey and Torrey Smith are in at receiver, while second-year wideout Nelson Agholor has made great strides. The Eagles were so confident in their passing game that they traded away last year’s top receiver, Jordan Matthews, in the preseason.

Defensively, the Eagles have a fantastic front four with Brandon Graham and Fletcher Cox leading the way, but there are a couple of questions behind them. The linebacking corps is average while the secondary does have some holes outside of safety Malcolm Jenkins and newly-acquired corner Ronald Darby. They’ll be tested in this one by a Redskins’ passing game that ranked second in the league last year.

Washington Redskins

The Redskins didn’t give Kirk Cousins a long-term deal, so the quarterback is out to prove himself once again, although almost $24 million for the franchise tag isn’t a bad deal for him. Now, what is going on at receiver? The Redskins moved on from DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon – last year’s top two receivers – and brought in Terrelle Pryor, who is only in his second full year as a receiver. Jamison Crowder will be asked to step up after a break out year. Remember that the Redskins have one of the best tight end duos in Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis.

The Redskins should still be able to pass at an elite level but they need balance with their running game and defense. The Redskins finished 21st in rushing last season and 28th in total defense. That’s a lot of pressure to put on Cousins to score the Redskins into wins.

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Washington Redskins Prediction

Eagles 27-20