We end Week 2 in the NFL with an NFC clash between two teams expected to win their division on Monday Night Football, as the Falcons head to Philadelphia to try and get their first win of the season. Meanwhile, the Eagles head home after a week 1 victory over the Packers in Brazil, with the acquisition of Saquon Barkley already proving another Howie Roseman masterstroke. We bring you our full betting preview for the game below!
NFL Week 2 Preview & Betting Tips
Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles
Lincoln Financial Field, Tuesday 17th September, 10:15am (AEST)
Last Week
The Eagles took their first home game of the season to Brazil, and whilst it was an extremely tight game with the Packers, they managed to go to 1-0 with a 34-29 win. Two early turnovers didn’t cost the Eagles too badly, with the Packers only managing two field goals, despite the fantastic field position they obtained from the turnovers. This ultimately cost the Packers, who I get the feeling would have won the game if they managed to turn just one of those turnovers into a touchdown. Nevertheless, the Eagles managed to stay in the hunt, and were led by running back Saquon Barkley, who looked amazing behind this Eagles line, running for 109 yards and 2 touchdowns, whilst hauling in two receptions for 23 yards and another score.
As for the Falcons, they came into their week 1 home matchup with the Steelers as 4-point favourites, and with big name signing Kirk Cousins apparently fit and ready to go at quarterback, most experts had the Falcons coming out of week 1 with the win. And, despite holding the Steelers to zero touchdowns, they couldn’t get the win, with the Falcons offense struggling to get anything going, with Kirk Cousins looking even more statue-esque than he was before his Achillis injury. The one positive I saw for the offense was Bijan Robinson, who looks as though he will be fed this season, after splitting carries with Tyler Allgeier last season. Still, 226 total yards and three turnovers was a poor display from this offense, and a big turnaround is required if they’re to get close to the Eagles this week.
Injury Report
Philadelphia Eagles
Albert Okwuegbunam (TE) – OUT
James Bradberry (CB) – OUT
Le’Raven Clark (OT) – OUT
Ainias Smith (WR) – OUT
Sydney Brown (SAF) – OUT
A.J. Brown / Johnny Wilson (WR) – Questionable
Atlanta Falcons
Antonio Hamilton / Harrison Hand (CB) – OUT
Nate Landman / Bralen Trice (LB) – OUT
Rondale Moore (WR) – OUT
DeMarcco Hellams (SAF) – OUT
Match Preview
These teams last met back in week 1 of the 2021/22 season, with the Eagles utterly dominating the Falcons in Atlanta, running away as 32-6 winners. Jalen Hurts was too good for the Falcons, passing for 3 touchdowns and 264 yards, whilst also rushing for 62 yards on 7 carries. I don’t take too much from this result, given the length of time, change of quarterback and coaching staff for the Falcons, and change of co-ordinators for the Eagles.
The Eagles showed up as 6-point favourites on the lookahead line, before re-opening after the week 1 games as 6.5-point favourites. Falcons money has slowly filtered through during the week, and the Eagles now sit as 6-point favourites. This is a long way from the true opener a few months ago, which had the Eagles as just a 3.5-point favourite. I make the Eagles a 6.5-point favourite, after downgrading the Falcons after last week’s performance. I am very concerned with quarterback Kirk Cousins and if he has fully recovered, with the Falcons essentially using Cousins in the pistol and not utilising play-action at all, which is Cousins’ bread and butter. His movement is clearly compromised, and if the Eagles can get their pass rush going, this could be a long night for Cousins and the Falcons’ offense.
As for the total, it was 48.5 on the lookahead, before re-opening at 48. It has been steadily bet down to 46.5, all the way on the other side of the key of 47. It’s a big move, but I can’t bet an over in a game involving Kirk Cousins right now. I liked what I saw from the Eagles offense and could get around a team total over for them, but with A.J. Brown questionable with a hamstring injury, I’ll stay away for now.
So, I’ll take the Eagles to cover the spread. Kirk Cousins in Prime Time is usually an auto fade, and if we add the fact he’s clearly hurt, and the Eagles looked solid on offense last week, I’ll take them to cover at the Linc.
As for the prop bet, given the injury news to Brown, I expect Smith to get the bulk of the targets this week, and he should easily get over 60 yards.
Prop Bet: DeVonta Smith – Over 59.5 receiving yards - $1.88 at Ladbrokes (1u)
Eagles -6
$1.94 (1.5 Units)
