PICK: EAGLES
Running back
Eagles: The likely absence of injured Brian Westbrook weakens a ground game that already has been struggling. The Eagles, who have run the ball on just 41 of 114 offensive plays the last 2 weeks, are 29th in yards per carry (3.5). Look for defensive tackle Dan Klecko to get more fullback reps.
Niners: Frank Gore is just 5-9, but has a strong upper body and rarely goes down on first contact. He is averaging 4.8 yards per carry and also is the Niners' leading receiver with 19 catches. Offensive coordinator Mike Martz wants to increase Gore's pass-catching role and use him like he did Marshall Faulk in St. Louis.
PICK: NINERS
Receiver
Eagles: Eagles wideouts caught 62 passes in the first four games, but just seven against the Redskins. They have only two TD catches. TE L.J. Smith needs to become more involved in the passing game. He has just nine catches, four since Week 1. He caught two passes on the first possession last week, then just one more.
Niners: Vernon Davis, the sixth overall pick in the 2006 draft, may be the fastest TE in the league, but doesn't have very good hands or instincts. He has just five catches, two in the last four games. WR Isaac Bruce is at the tail end of his career, but four of his 10 catches in the last three games have been TDs.
PICK: EAGLES
Offensive line
Eagles: Eagles have given up just 10 sacks, but seven have come in their two games against the same 3-4 scheme they're going to see a lot Sunday. Niners registered five sacks last week vs. New England. Eagles also haven't run the ball very well against the 3-4 this season (3.1 yards per carry). Or against the 4-3, for that matter.
