Eagles at Redskins (4:30 ET, NFL Network)

Preview:

In the first and only edition of Saturday Football this regular season, there are certainly some interesting story lines leading up to both of the games. In the early matchup at 4:30 eastern time on NFL Network, Chip Kelly’s Philadelphia Eagle’s take on Jay Gruden’s Washington Redskins. The Eagles come into this one on the outside looking in as far as the playoffs go after a tough loss to the Dallas Cowboys. The Eagles are trailing the Cowboys in the East by one game as well as the Seahawks and Packers by one game in the wild card standings. The Redskins come into this game with a lot of question marks regarding the futures of both their coach as well as their quarterback, Robert Griffin III. This game is all about pride for the Skins, with former Eagle Desean Jackson going up against the franchise who traded him last off season.

Prediction:

With all the distractions regarding the Redskins as well as the recent struggles, I find it hard to believe that the Skins will have any chance. Also, with the Eagles needing a win and coming off a tough game, I expect them to come out and play one of their best games in a while. I predict the Eagles will win 31-17.

Chargers at 49ers (8:25 ET, NFL Network and CBS)

Preview:

The late game features an potentially interesting matchup between the San Diego Chargers and the San Francisco 49ers. Just like the Redskins, the Niners have some distractions regarding their coach, Jim Harbaugh. It has been rumored throughout the season that Harbaugh would be on his way out, but as the season winds down it seems more and more likely that Harbaugh’s firing will become a reality. On the field the Niners have been struggling as well. They scored only seven points last week and with questions regarding the health of their top two running backs, Frank Gore, and Carlos Hyde I find it difficult that their offense will improve against a tough Chargers defense. Speaking of the Chargers, this is a game they need to have to have a chance at making the playoffs. Although this is not an elimination game, if they lose they would be trailing at least three teams heading into their final game against the Chiefs.

Prediction:

The Niners have struggled all season and I don’t see a reason why that would change tonight. The Chargers will come out strong in a game they must have and win by a score of 21-10.