Eagles at Dolphins
THE STORY: It is customary this time of year to highlight the various scenarios for teams to get into the playoffs. Neither the Philadelphia Eagles nor the Miami Dolphins have to worry very much about that at this point. But while the Eagles, who came into the season with Super Bowl aspirations, consistently look as though they are uninterested in playing out the string, the Miami Dolphins – who had much more modest expectations, are playing as hard as any team in the league. Philadelphia will get a boost this week with the expected return of quarterback Michael Vick and wide receiver Jeremy Maclin, each of whom has missed the last three games. The Dolphins, once thought to be on the path to a winless season, have won four of their last five and have come within a field goal in their last three losses.
TV: FOX, 1 p.m. ET. LINE: Dolphins -3, O/U: 44.
ABOUT THE EAGLES (4-8): Philadelphia had one last chance to save its season last Thursday at Seattle. Instead, the Eagles committed four turnovers in a 31-14 loss. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson has spent the season grumbling about his contract and has had his effort questioned recently. Vick has already accounted for 14 of Philadelphia’s league-high 29 turnovers in nine games. He had three interceptions and no touchdowns in his last two outings.
ABOUT THE DOLPHINS (4-8): Miami appears to be on a mission to save coach Tony Sparano’s job by consistently playing above its talent. Matt Moore has five touchdowns and no interceptions in his last three starts and has gone 3-1 with a 95.9 passer rating and a 64.5 completion percentage in four home starts. Moore has benefited from an inspired Reggie Bush, who reached 100 yards rushing for the second time this season in last week’s 34-14 win over the Oakland Raiders. The defense has been doing its part as well, allowing an average of 8.5 points in the four wins.
EXTRA POINTS:
1. The Dolphins are bidding to become the first team in NFL history to win at least seven games after beginning the season with seven straight losses.
2. With two more carries, Bush will match his career high (157).
3. Eagles RB LeSean McCoy (15) needs four TDs to pass Steve Van Buren for the most scores in a season in franchise history.