Not only are the Philadelphia Eagles 1-4 in the win/loss column, they're also 1-4 against the spread, costing those who have wagered on them early this season a considerable amount of cash. Despite the losses on the field and in the sportsbook piling up, people continue to bet on the Eagles, for at least one more week.
According to an article published by Ben Fawkes of ESPN Insider 76 percent of the money coming in on this week's Eagles-Redskins game is being wagered on the Eagles, despite the first-place Redskins coming off a bye and playing at home.
The line opened at pick 'em, but has moved to Eagles -1.5 at most sportsbooks. So, why do bettors continue to wager on the 1-4 Eagles? Here's a quote from Jay Kornegay of the Las Vegas Hilton from the aforementioned article:
"Even though the general public hasn't supported the Eagles over the last couple of weeks compared to the start of the season, most know they're still a very talented team," Kornegay said. "The Eagles are not getting beat up. They are self-destructing and that can be fixed. On the flip side of it, the Redskins are not perceived as a talented team. They are looked at as an overachiever."
Also from Fawkes' article are three things to keep in mind when wagering on this week's Eagles-Redskins game:
1. Mike Shanahan is 10-5 SU in his career coming off of bye weeks.
2. The Redskins, whether you believe in them or not, have a SB number of plus-4.38, seventh best in the league.
3. According to Football Outsiders, the Eagles have the 31st-ranked rush defense, while the Redskins are second in overall time of possession.