Five bold predictions for Redskins vs. Eagles in NFL Week 1

4. Derrius Guice averages fewer than 3.5 yards per carry

Derrius Guice looked really good in his first NFL preseason action since tearing his ACL in the 2018 preseason opener. He averaged 4.0 yards on 11 carries against the Atlanta Falcons and showed off the shifty running, elusive running ability that could allow him to be a big-time playmaker at the NFL level.

However, the Eagles are a different animal than the Falcons. Yes, their mascots are both birds, but their defensive fronts are quite different as well.

The Eagles have Fletcher Cox, Malik Jackson, Tim Jernigan, and countless other quality players set to be on their defensive line. These players excel in all facets of the game, and they should make it difficult for Guice to find much running room. He could find some lanes, but if the Redskins can’t pass much and the Eagles stack the box, Guice could also have a number of carries where he doesn’t really go anywhere.

Additionally, it’s worth noting that the uncertainty on the left side of the offensive line could limit Guice. While Donald Penn and Ereck Flowers were better against the run than the pass in the preseason, they still weren’t perfect. And if Flowers, in particular, has issues, that could capsize any shot that Guice has at success fairly quickly.

The first game of Guice’s NFL career doesn’t figure to be a great one. He should average fewer than 3.5 yards per carry and though he could still make some big plays and will factor into the receiving game, this doesn’t figure to be one of his better outings.