NFL gambling sites might be tempted to favor the Eagles over the Falcons based on recent history alone. The NFL kick-off game has been hosted by the defending Super Bowl champions since 2004. The home team is 12-2 since 2004, when that tradition began. On the other hand, the Kansas City Chiefs snapped a four-game skid for the visiting team last year. The Chiefs upset the New England Patriots 42-27 on September 7, 2017. However, their own particular history does not favor Atlanta either. The Falcons have lost their last two straight to Philly. Most recently, the Eagles upset the Falcons 15-10 to win the 2018 NFC Divisional Playoff Game. On that occasion, the Falcons were 2½-point favorites. There is, of course, no shame in losing to the eventual Super Bowl champions.
Betting Atlanta
Right off the bat it’s easier to think of a couple of reasons not to bet on the Falcons. At least to win straight-up. Let’s start with the defense. Conspicuous by their absences are defensive tackle Dontari ‘E are defensive tackle Dontari ‘. easons not to bet on the Falcons. ns.s based on recent history alone. dgar Allan’ Poe and defensive end Adrian Clayborn. The former signed with the Carolina Panthers while the former defected to the New England Patriots. Poe and Clayborn combined for 1,338 snaps and 92 total QB pressures last season. Or, one third of Atlanta’s total. Without them, the Falcons’ pass rush ranks 16th per PFF. In other words, mediocre at best. This could be good/bad news for Takk McKinley, who is bound to have a make-or-break season. McKinley played a total of 403 defensive snaps, compared to Clayborn’s 567. However, the UCLA product is the best candidate to replace Clayborn. It would behoove Takkarist to make the most of the opportunity.
The Falcons will need more bodies to replace Poe, though. Candidates include rookie defensive tackle Deadrin Senat and former Redskins defensive tackle Terrell McClain. And now for the offensive side of things. At this moment, wide receiver Julio Jones is a disgruntled employee. And shall remain so unless the Falcons give him the extensions he has requested. Which they are very unlikely to do. It is also unlikely that they’ll trade him, but one never knows.
Betting Philadelphia
The Falcons went 10-0 when Poe had two or more QB pressures and just 1-7 when he had fewer. That’s good news for the Eagles’ starting quarterback. Which will be, barring any unforeseen event, Carson Wentz. Moreover, it’s yet another reason for NFL gambling sites to favor Philly. And speaking of reasons, NBC Sports has come up with 10 for the Eagles to repeat. Now if only they could come up with five reasons to break up with a guy. Then they might just be able to put together a failed sitcom pilot.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles Sportsbook Odds and Info
- Date: September 6, 2018
- Time: 8:00 pm (ET)
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field
- Best online sportsbooks odds courtesy of MyBookie.ag:
- ATLANTA FALCONS +2½ (-115) 45½ (-105) +120
- PHILADELPHIA EAGLES 2½ (-105) 45½ (-115) -140
Betting trends
- Atlanta is 6-4 ATS in its last 10 games
- Atlanta is 4-2 SU in its last 6 games
- The total has gone under in 6 of Atlanta’s last 6 games
- Philadelphia is 10-4 ATS in its last 14 games
- Philadelphia is 13-2 SU in its last 15 games
- The total has gone UNDER in 6 of Philadelphia’s last 8 games
NFL gambling sites pick: Much has been said of the Super Bowl hangover. Whether fact or fiction, it doesn’t seem to apply to the champions’ season opener, as we mentioned above. This could very well be a repeat of the NFC Divisional Playoff Game, which the Eagles won SU and ATS.
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