Week 1: Eagles-Redskins matchup analysis

Derek Harper, The Sports Xchange

Philadelphia Eagles (0-0) at Washington Redskins (0-0)

Monday, 6:55 p.m. ET, at FedExField, Landover, Md. - TV: ESPN

*TV announcers: Mike Tirico, Jon Gruden, Lisa Salters

*Keys to the game: Robert Griffin III returns to game action for the first time in eight months, and all eyes will be on his surgically-repaired right knee. There are also concerns of rust after sitting out the preseason, which will lead the Redskins to run the ball heavily to set up quick-strike passes. Don't expect to see a heavy dose of the read option out of the gate as the Redskins assess exactly where RG3 is, and they may not have to. The Eagles are transitioning to a 3-4 without having the ideal personnel, and allowed a league-high 5.3 yards per carry during the preseason. While Washington tries to grind the game out, the Eagles will counter with new head coach Chip Kelly's up-tempo scheme. Redskins defensive coordinator Jim Haslett insists his unit is ready and can stay in its base defense "all day" if Philadelphia's pace prevents substitution. The Eagles will move the ball. The question is whether QB Michael Vick can avoid turnovers and cash in on red-zone opportunities.

*Matchup to watch - Eagles LT Jason Peters vs. Redskins OLB Brian Orakpo: Both players are coming off major injuries. The Redskins desperate need Orakpo to return as the defense's top pass rusher, while Peters is one of the game's top left tackles when health.

*Player spotlight - Eagles DE Fletcher Cox: Drafted as a three-technique pass rusher, Cox turned in 5.5 sacks as a rookie. But now he's asked to occupy multiple blockers as a two-gapping end - and his first test is against the league's top ground attack.

*Fast facts: Vick has won his past three starts against Washington while throwing for 905 yards and eight touchdowns. ... The Redskins won their final seven regular-season games in 2012.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

No game has more surrounding intrigue between the return of RG3 and the regular-season debut of Chip Kelly's up-tempo offense in the NFL. But in the end, it's the Eagles' highly overmatched run defense that proves to be the difference with Washington owning a huge edge in time of possession.

*Our pick: Redskins 34-24