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NFL Preview - Philadelphia (2-3) at San Francisco (2-3)

The Sports Network

FANTASY FOCUS

The first thing that jumps out is McNabb's past success versus the 49ers. The veteran quarterback, who has been a solid fantasy start this year, has thrown for 638 yards with seven touchdown passes and zero interceptions in his last two versus San Francisco, including a career-high tying five scoring passes in a 2005 meeting. Westbrook owners will have to watch the inactive list on Sunday, but a betting man's guess says he doesn't play this weekend and Westy owners need to adjust accordingly. The Philadelphia D is also a great start, as the club will get to O'Sullivan a lot and Jackson's punt return touchdown last week ups the Eagles' defense/special teams value as well. Assuming a groin ailment doesn't slow him, Brown posted the first 100- yard receiving game of his career in his last meeting with the Niners.

Gore is a must-start, though if San Francisco falls behind early -- which is possible -- he will lose chances to rack up ground yards. Luckily, he is a big factor in the passing game as well. Odds are that San Francisco is going to have to throw a lot in this test, upping Bruce, Johnson and Arnaz Battle's value as receivers. O'Sullivan, though, might be forced into a lot of turnovers and sacks, meaning he is a risky start. Davis has become a non- factor and is hardly worth a roster spot at this point, while the defense isn't a solid play this weekend either.

OVERALL ANALYSIS

Both teams enter this test with 2-3 records, but the urgency is more apparent for the Eagles. While San Francisco is just a game behind first-place Arizona in the NFC West, Philadelphia has a pair of 4-1 teams ahead of it in addition to the first-place 4-0 New York Giants. While it is too early to call a Week 6 game a must-win, this is close enough for the Eagles. Luckily for them, they match up well with the Niners. A swarming Philadelphia defense will reek havoc on the embattled San Francisco line, and the Birds should get plenty of opportunities to work on their red-zone offense, with or without Westbrook.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Eagles 31, 49ers 13

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