The Atlanta Falcons travel to Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia to take on the Eagles in the season opener on Thursday night. The Eagles are the defending Super Bowl Champions and are one of the favorites to win the title again this season. This is a rematch of last year’s NFC Divisional Round playoff game that was won by the Eagles.
The Falcons come into this game relatively healthy, while the Eagles have injury concerns all over the field. Both teams struggled in the preseason as the Falcons went 0-4 and the Eagles were slightly better at 1-3. This game should be one of the best matchups of the opening weekend in the NFL. The Philadelphia Eagles are 1.5 point favorites on Thursday night.
Eagles Defense Looks To Shine
The Philadelphia Eagles hope that their defense can carry them on Thursday night. The Eagles feature one of the best defensive lines in football, and they should harass Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan all night long. Philadelphia acquired Michael Bennett from the Seattle Seahawks in the offseason to improve an already dominant front four. Veterans Chris Long, Fletcher Cox, and Timmy Jernigan will look to slow down the Falcons in the season opener.
Injuries will limit the Eagles on the offensive side of the ball. Starting quarterback Carson Wentz will miss the season opener along with top wide receiver Alshon Jeffery. The Eagles are comfortable with Nick Foles starting at quarterback, but he doesn’t have the talent that Wentz has. The Eagles will need the defense or special teams to score them points in this game.
Falcons Offense Set to Take Off
The Atlanta Falcons offense should be explosive this season, and they have playmakers all over the field. Quarterback Matt Ryan has a ton of weapons to throw the ball to, most notably Julio Jones. Jones racked up over 1,400 receiving yards last season and continues to be one of the best wide receivers in the NFL.
Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman lead a productive running attack for the Falcons, but yards might be hard to come by against the Eagles. Both players rushed for over 620 yards last season and combined to score 12 touchdowns. Teams will be looking to slow down the Falcons passing attack all season, giving Freeman and Coleman huge holes to run through.
Eagles Win Season Opener
The Atlanta Falcons felt that they wasted a chance to beat the Eagles in the playoffs, and will be looking for revenge on Thursday night. They are catching a huge break as the Eagles will be without two of their best offensive players. Atlanta must find a way to protect Matt Ryan against a very good defensive line.
Despite the injuries, the Philadelphia Eagles will feature a solid offense in this game. The defense of the Eagles will keep the game close, and Nick Foles is talented enough to lead the team to victory. Look for the crowd to be fired up for this game, and for the Eagles to respond with a win. Bet the Philadelphia Eagles -1.5 on Thursday night.
