Thanksgiving Special! Eagles-Ravens, Bears-Lions, Dolphins in the snow & more Week 13 matchups
Football 301
Deep Dive
Why did the Eagles win against the Rams?
The Eagles' ability to generate explosive plays, particularly through Saquon Barkley's 142-yard, two-touchdown performance, was the key difference. Despite lower success rates, the Eagles averaged 7.1 yards per play and 7.9 yards per dropback, significantly outperforming the Rams' 4.9 yards per play and 5.5 yards per dropback.
What were the key takeaways from the Ravens' win over the Chargers?
The Ravens' blue-chip coaching and Derrick Henry's second-half dominance were crucial. Despite the Chargers' good performance, the Ravens' ability to make high-end plays and their improving defense, even without Roquan Smith, secured the win.
How do the Bears' offensive chances against the Lions look?
The Bears showed improvement in their offensive outing against the Vikings, but facing the Lions' top-tier defense in a short span will be challenging. The Bears need to replicate their success in generating explosive plays and maintaining consistency, which they demonstrated against the Vikings.
What challenges do the Dolphins face in the cold weather against the Packers?
The Dolphins have historically struggled in cold weather, which could affect their performance in Green Bay. Their offensive efficiency, particularly in running the ball, has been a weakness, and the Packers' bend-don't-break defense could capitalize on this.
Why is the Falcons' defense a poor matchup for the Chargers?
The Falcons' defense has shown vulnerabilities, particularly in pressure and tackling, which the Chargers can exploit. The Chargers' play-action offense and ability to create chunk plays align well with the Falcons' defensive weaknesses.
How do the Cardinals match up against the Vikings' defense?
The Cardinals' Kyler Murray can exploit the Vikings' defense with extended plays and explosive runs. The Cardinals' run game, both on-schedule and scramble-based, could be effective against the Vikings' blitz-heavy scheme.
What makes the Eagles' offense a tough matchup for the Ravens' defense?
The Eagles' balanced offense, featuring a strong run game with Saquon Barkley and explosive passing plays, poses a significant challenge for the Ravens. The Ravens' defense, while strong against the run, could struggle with the Eagles' ability to generate big plays through the air.
What are the key factors in the 49ers' chances against the Bills?
If Brock Purdy plays, his ability to maintain past production and make second-chance plays will be crucial. The 49ers' offensive efficiency, particularly in the passing game, and their ability to counter the Bills' defensive speed and depth will determine their success.
- Saquon Barkley's explosive plays were crucial for the Eagles.
- The Rams had a higher success rate but couldn't match the Eagles' explosive plays.
- The Eagles' offensive balance and efficiency are key strengths.
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