Recap: Updates/open thread as the Eagles host the Vikings

Today, the NFL's slate of games begins in London, where the "road" New York Giants will take on the Los Angeles Rams, who have to fly 11+ hours for a "home" game, and their L.A. fans will have to set their alarms for 6:30 a.m. if they want to watch from home. The Giants are in the cellar of the NFC East, but at 3-3 are certainly still in the hunt.

The Eagles will of course take on the Minnesota Vikings today in their showdown against Sam Bradford, AKA Sleevie Wonder. That will kick off a brutal six-game stretch in which the Eagles have to face the following opponents:

Opponent 
 Vikings
 At Cowboys
 At Giants
 Falcons
 At Seahawks
 Packers
 TOTAL25 9 


The Eagles are 2.5-point underdogs, as they have been unable to take advantage of facing two very banged-up teams over the last two weeks. Today against the Vikings, they'll face a team that is missing both offensive tackles, their legendary running back, and their original starting quarterback. Four Eagles players are listed as questionable, with Bennie Logan being the most notable player among them. The Vikings list five players on their injury report, in addition to a slew of players who have been placed on IR. You can find the updated injury report here.

The Vikings' defense is outstanding, as they have not allowed more than 16 points to any one opponent yet this season. They get to the quarterback, they produce turnovers, and they play ball-control offense. Here are our five matchups to watch.

For the first time in a while, there is dissension among our staff of writers. We all picked the Steelers to beat the Eagles Week 3, and then we all picked the Eagles to beat both the Lions and Redskins in Weeks 5 and 6, respectively. Either we're dumb and shouldn't be trusted, or the Eagles are just wildly unpredictable. Maybe it's both. This week, our staff writer picks are mixed

For the gambling degenerates, here are my Week 7 picks. A list of the games on the slate today:

Morning game

  1. Giants "at" Rams

Early afternoon games

  1. Vikings at Eagles
  2. Saints at Chiefs
  3. Colts at Titans
  4. Browns at Bengals
  5. Redskins at Lions
  6. Raiders at Jaguars
  7. Bills at Dolphins
  8. Ravens at Jets

Late afternoon games

  1. Buccaneers at 49ers
  2. Chargers at Falcons
  3. Patri*ts at Steelers

Sunday Night Football

  1. Seahawks at Cardinals

Monday Night Football

  1. Texans at Broncos

Byes

Cowboys, Panthers

The obvious games of importance to the Eagles are Giants-Rams and Redskins-Lions. The Cowboys will rest up this week for their Week 8 divisional game against the Eagles, who will face three consecutive teams coming off their bye, beginning today against the Vikings. For quick reference, the NFC East standings:

NFC East 
 Cowboys
 
 Eagles
 Giants


Feel free to discuss the Eagles game and the action around the rest of the league below.