Sportsbooks Everywhere Are Rooting For Eagles On Sunday

With the NFL Playoffs starting this weekend, bettors from around the country are certainly tuned in to every snap of the games. It appears, though, that bettors have come out in masses to support one team in particular – the Seattle Seahawks.
Thus far, the Seahawks have received about 85 percent of tickets written and 80 percent of all money wagered at most sportsbooks. With that much money at stake, you can expect most sportsbook directors and managers to wear their finest shades of green in support of the Seahawks’ opponent on Sunday – the Philadelphia Eagles.
After all, green is the luckiest color of them all. And that’s what these sportsbooks are looking to keep, rather than give that money back to the bettors.
“Our (opening) line was at Seattle -1, while almost every other book went up with the Eagles as small favorites,” said Pat Eichner, director of communications at PointsBet USA. “We had Eagles at -1 for a very tiny bit, but the Seahawks seem to be the correct favorite, and the line has continued to move their way to support that.”
While most people have already made their mind up on this game, don’t expect it to be a pretty one. This game could very well be entertaining, but you can’t put lipstick on a pig.
“All money so far is on the Seahawks. Both teams are injury-riddled, but what Philly has gone through is almost impossible,” said Nick Bogdanovich, director of trading for William Hill-US.
And Bogdanovich isn’t wrong. The Eagles will be without WR Nelson Agholor once again, while very important pieces TE Zach Ertz (back, ribs) and RT Lane Johnson (ankle) are both listed as questionable.
“Zach… still not cleared for any contact,” said Doug Pederson of Ertz on Friday. “He will work a little bit on the side again like he’s done this week and stuff like that, but we’re waiting on a few doctor results. If things go favorable, he’ll play; if they don’t, he won’t.”
“Lane is still working,” said Pederson. “I’ll tell you what, he’s a tough guy. He really wants to play in this football game. We’re going to find out more today and see where he is at at the end of the day before we put out a report, but he’s working to try to play in this football game.”
Also Banged Up
It’s not like the Seahawks are without injuries, either. The team lost all three of its top running backs on the depth chart – Chris Carson, C.J. Prosise and Rashaad Penny – at different times throughout the season.
Just last week, Seattle signed RBs Marshawn Lynch and Robert Turbin, who were with the team previously but did not record a single snap on an NFL roster until Week 17.
Rookie RB Travis Homer filled in admirably during the regular-season finale, but he’s not the type of guy the Seahawks would be comfortable putting in a bell-cow role.
While the Seahawks have the healthier roster, you really can’t discredit this Eagles team as an underdog. When Philadelphia went on its legendary Super Bowl run a couple of seasons ago, this was nearly the exact same situation it faced. Don’t be surprised if the Eagles pull the upset.