Eagles Prediction: '59-Percent Chance' to Win at Seahawks - But What About Sick Jalen Hurts?
The forevermore problem with the "ESPN Computer'' and ESPN Analytics - and we say this with all due respect, as some of our best friends are computers and analytics - is that the info it spits out is only as good as the info that's inputed.
And so while it is logical on the surface to see the Philadelphia Eagles as the favorite on "Monday Night Football'' at Seattle - the slumping Eagles do after all enter as 3.5-point favorites - we're not sure how the computer comes to the very specific calculation that Philadelphia has a 59.4-percent chance to win at Lumen Field ... leaving Seattle with but a 40.3-percent chance.
And what makes us unsure about the computer? Our lack of certainty regarding the game status of Eagles QB Jalen Hurts, who is fighting through an illness that is reportedly "not just the flu.''
Meaning it is more nasty than that.
Oh, and then there is the QB in Seattle, Geno Smith. Is he playing despite being listed as "questionable'' with his elbow and groin injuries?
As we write this, a few hours before kickoff, we humans do not have those answers.
We know that both of these teams were playoff entrants a year ago, and we know that 10-3 Philly comes into this one losers of two straight. And we know that 6-7 Seattle has lost four straight.
But the Eagles are making a defensive staff change on the fly, with coordinator Sean Desai just being stripped of some of his responsibilities in favor of assistant Matt Patricia, who will call plays tonight. That we know.
And Drew Lock is ready to try to play QB in Seattle if needed. That we know.
And Marcus Mariota is in the same boat for the Eagles. That we know.
But ultimately - and again, we admire that ESPN has been able to create something that sounds smart and powerful and legit out of what is actually just a bit - we'll hold off on placing any bets until we know who is actually quarterbacking the two football teams, OK?
