Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles: 2018’s Opening Day Matchup

The Atlanta Falcons had a successful year in 2017, but was also short of expectations. They pick up in 2018 where they left off.

The Atlanta Falcons are coming off a highly successful season. Although they weren’t able to build on their Super Bowl appearance success, the Falcons still managed to make the NFC’s Divisional round last year, which is not to be swept aside. However, heading into the 2018 season, there’s no question Atlanta will be vying to return to Super Bowl form. Unfortunately for Matt Ryan & Co., they’ll be starting their 2018 action against the defending Super Bowl Champions. What kind of NFL betting odds are they facing on the road in 2018’s Opening Day match up?

Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles – Thursday, September 6^th    

Start Time: 7:20 pm ET

Venue: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

TV Broadcast: NBC

Online Stream: NBC Extra, NFL Game Pass

NFL Betting Odds:

Falcons: +4½ (-110)  47 (-110)

Eagles: -4½ (-110)     47 (-110)

It’s a bit sadistic for the NFL to book this match up in Week 1. The Eagles are coming off a Super Bowl triumph over the New England Patriots; Something the Falcons failed to do two Super Bowls ago. At first glance, it’s almost like the league is trying to rub it in Atlanta’s face. And if that’s the case, the best thing Atlanta can do is to come out and get a road win over the defending Super Bowl Champions. What kind of match up are the odds predicting?

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Philadelphia Eagles Betting Outlook

The Eagles made franchise history last season by bringing the Vince Lombardi Trophy to Philadelphia for the first time ever. Now, Philly has to find a way to get back on track in an effort to make it back-to-back Super Bowls. It will be interesting to see how Philly handles the Quarterback situation. On one hand is Carson Wentz, the man who won the hearts of Pennsylvania, with his humble attitude and consistently high-level of play. On the other is Nick Foles, the man who caught a touchdown in the NFL’s title game and ultimately brought the Lombardi Trophy home. As of now, the Eagles are downplaying any controversy at the quarterback position. And for the most part, we’re all expecting Wentz to start this September. But don’t be surprised if controversy rears its head in this locker room, especially once the troubles start flowing.

                                                                           Team Stats

Offense                                                                                                                                             Defense

Scoring: 3^rd (28.6 pts.)                                                                                              Scoring: 4^th (18.4 pts.)

Total: 7^th (365.8 yards)                                                                                           Total: 4^th (306.5 yards)

Passing: 13^th (233.6 yards)                                                                                Passing: 17^th (227.3 yards)

Rushing: 3^rd (132.2 yards)                                                                             Rushing: 1^st (79.2 yards)

Atlanta Falcons Betting Outlook

Coming off a 10-6 season, the Falcons are confident they can find success in 2018. Despite delivering a highly successful record, the Falcons finished 3^rd in the NFC South. Granted, the NFC South Division yielded 3 playoff teams last season, so finishing 3^rd in such a tough division isn’t a bad thing. The Falcons didn’t get to face the Eagles during the regular season. However, Atlanta did get matched up against them in the NFC’s divisional round. Granted that was after Atlanta eliminated the Rams in the Wild Card round 26-13. This Week 1 contest affords the Falcons the opportunity to avenge that loss and get a head start in the Divisional race. Sportsbook players betting on the opening day game should consider taking the Falcons on the upset line.

                                                                           Team Stats

Offense                                                                                                                                             Defense

Scoring: 15^th (22.1 pts.)                                                                                            Scoring: 8^th (19.7 pts.)

Total: 8^th (364.8 yards)                                                                                           Total: 9^th (318.4 yards)

Passing: 8^th (249.4 yards)                                                                                  Passing: 12^th (214.3 yards)

Rushing: 13^th (115.4 yards)                                                                               Rushing: 9^th (104.1 yards)

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Obviously the betting odds out on these match ups are subject to change, depending on how either side fares in the preseason. But since the Eagles are bound to have some controversy at Quarterback, it seems plausible that the Falcons will be more unified from the get go. Therefore, currently taking those upset odds doesn’t seem like a terrible idea.