Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles host the Washington Football Team in this edition of Tuesday night football. This matchup was moved from Sunday due to the COVID-19 outbreak around the NFL, and Washington was one of the hardest hit teams in the league. Currently on its reserve/COVID-19 list are its top two quarterbacks in Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen and All-Pro guard Brandon Scherff. Recently-signed Garrett Gilbert will be starting under center.
The NFL adjusted their protocols so that vaccinated players could return to the field quicker, but just cornerback Troy Apke, tight end Sammis Reyes and defensive tackle Tim Settle were activated in time for the game. It's unfortunate for Washington, because this matchup is incredibly important. Washington finds itself out of the playoffs after its loss to the Dallas Cowboys and shares a 6-7 record with the Eagles.
Gambling on a game potentially missing key players is obviously tricky, but it can be done. There may be some spots where we can find value. Below, we will break down this matchup from a gambling perspective and examine the line movement, Over/Under and player props to consider. First, here's how you can watch.
All NFL odds are via Caesars Sportsbook.
How to watch
Date: Tuesday, Dec. 21 | Time: 7 p.m. ET
Location: Lincoln Financial Field (Philadelphia)
TV: Fox | Stream: fuboTV (try for free)
Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds: Eagles -9.5, O/U 40
Line movement
This line reopened at Eagles -8 on Friday, but fell to Eagles -5.5 on Saturday before settling at Eagles -6. We saw a bump up to Eagles -6.5 on Sunday morning, and then it rose to Eagles -8.5 on game day and finally Eagles -9.5 once it was announced Gilbert would officially be starting.
The pick: Eagles -9.5. I'm going to have to lean towards Philly to cover this number. Ideally you would have grabbed it at Eagles -6.5. This isn't a situation like the Cleveland Browns had where they promoted Nick Mullens from their practice squad to start Saturday. Gilbert joined Washington's organization just a few days ago after being on the New England Patriots' practice squad.
Other than Heinicke and Scherff, Washington has a couple of other starters who are on the reserve/COVID-19 list. Safety Kamren Curl and cornerback Kendall Fuller are among the most important. With Washington being so short-handed, I'll take Philly.
Over/Under 40
This total reopened at 43 on Friday and fell as low as 41.5 Saturday before settling at 42. It then fell another two points by game day.
The pick: Under 40. The total is something I wouldn't touch. With Washington missing important pieces on offense due to COVID-19 and injury, the lean is to the Under.
Player props
Kenneth Gainwell receiving yards: Over 12.5 (-120). I expect the Eagles running backs to play huge roles in this matchup. Gainwell caught five passes for 33 yards last week against the New York Jets. It was his second straight game with over 30 yards receiving, and he's averaging 19.8 receiving yards per game. This number is climbing.
Jalen Hurts rushing yards: Over 51.5 (-105). Hurts is averaging 57.9 rushing yards per game on 10.2 rushing attempts per game. He's cleared this number in each of his last six games played.
Garrett Gilbert total interceptions: Over 0.5 (-180). Why not? Maybe throw this into a same-game parlay.
