Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons Betting
After a miserable 2020 season for both teams, the Eagles and the Falcons look to breakthrough for 2021. The Eagles will have second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts under center for his first full year as the starting quarterback. The Falcons will entrust veteran Matt Ryan to lead the offense to better results. Let’s take a look of Eagles vs Falcons Preview.
Will Jalen Hurts Be Enough?
It’s no secret that all eyes will be on Jalen Hurts on Sunday. After Indianapolis signed Carson Wentz this offseason, the Eagles put their cards on the table that Hurts was going to be their future. After underperforming in 2020, completing just 52% of his throws in 148 attempts, there was immediate skepticism from the Philly faithful.
Not only was Hurts less than accurate, but he also struggled to find the endzone, scoring just six touchdowns while throwing four interceptions. The biggest addition to the offense and should be an immediate help for Hurts is DeVonta Smith. The former Heisman winner was selected in the first round by Philadelphia and could be an immediate impact player for a team that needs help at the wide receiver position.
Jonathan Gannon will take over as the defensive coordinator for 2021. Behind one of the top defensive lines in the country, the Eagles will look to slow the opponent’s offense down. Veteran and leader Fletcher Cox will look to add another great season to his already well-established professional career.
What does Matt Ryan have left?
Entering his 14th NFL season, Matt Ryan will be under center again for the Atlanta Falcons. He has been documented on several occasions this offseason saying that all that matters to him is helping the team win games. He does get some big-time help this season with the selection of tight-end Kyle Pitts in the draft.
The fourth pick in the draft, Kyle Pitts has high expectations in Atlanta. Home to one of the greatest tight ends of all time in Tony Gonzalez, Pitts looks to be the next big thing in that position. In his last season at Florida, Pitts caught 43 passes for 770 yards and 12 receiving touchdowns.
While the offense seems to be in good hands, the defense in Atlanta is what makes fans nervous. The defense, however, had a relatively good season in 2020. Six of the team’s 11 losses saw the opponents scoring less than 24 points. While it is never easy to go home after a loss, the defense did their job on Sundays last season.
The Pick
Philadelphia was 1-7 on the road last season overall and also 1-7 against the spread on the road. They did split the over/under with four games over and four games under the total points.
The Falcons were 3-5 against the spread at home last season. Just like Philadelphia, Atlanta hit the over in four games and the under in four games while playing at home.
The current line has the Atlanta Falcons a 3½ point favorite at home. While Atlanta did not show a ton of success at their home stadium last season, they were better than Philadelphia on the road. Veteran experience will win early in the season. Take Atlanta Falcons -3½ +100.
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