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Author: Luke Hovhanesian
Sep 12, 2023 01:50 PM
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Eagles vs Vikings
The Philadelphia Eagles are gearing up to maintain their winning momentum in Week 2 as they take on the Minnesota Vikings at home, aiming to secure a 2-0 start to the season.
This matchup holds significant intrigue, with both teams having clinched NFC division championships in 2022.
In terms of the betting odds, Philadelphia enters this contest as the clear favourite with a 7.5-point advantage over the Vikings, and the total points line is set at 48.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Thursday night games often come with a disclaimer of potential sloppiness, and this Week 2 clash is no exception.
The quick turnaround can result in less-than-pristine play on the field. However, the Eagles have a recent history of thriving in primetime matchups.
Last season, they dominated in a Monday night game against their opponents from Minnesota, winning 24-7.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts shone, completing 26 of 31 passes for 333 yards and a touchdown, while also rushing for two scores.
The Eagles' defence was relentless, picking off Kirk Cousins three times and holding Justin Jefferson, who would later become the NFL Offensive Player of the Year, to just 48 yards on six receptions, with no touchdowns.
The mention of Justin Jefferson might still sting for Eagles fans.
In the 2020 NFL Draft, the Eagles had the 21st overall pick and were expected to select Jefferson from LSU.
However, they opted for Baylor wide receiver Jalen Reagor, a decision that didn't pan out as expected.
Jefferson, chosen with the very next pick, has since established himself as one of the league's premier wide receivers.
Minnesota Vikings
Many NFL experts predicted that the Vikings would regress this year after a historic 2022 season in which they won a league-record 11 one-score games.
This regression appeared evident in their Week 1 matchup, where they suffered a 20-17 upset loss at home against the rebuilding Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Kirk Cousins posted impressive numbers with 344 yards and two touchdowns but marred his performance with a costly interception.
Justin Jefferson, while not finding the end zone, caught nine passes for 150 yards, setting an NFL record for nine 150-yard games before the age of 25.
Unfortunately, the Vikings' running game failed to make an impact, with Centre Garrett Bradbury leaving the game due to injury and not returning.
Despite outgaining Tampa Bay 369-242, Minnesota's three turnovers and lack of takeaways contributed to their downfall.
Philadelphia Eagles
The defending NFC champions, the Philadelphia Eagles, burst out of the gate in Week 1, taking a commanding 16-0 lead in the first quarter against the New England Patriots.
However, their performance quietened down as the game progressed, ultimately securing a 25-20 victory.
Coach Nick Sirianni admitted that not playing most of his key players in the preseason might have affected their performance, hinting at potential changes for the next year's preseason strategy.
Jalen Hurts managed 170 passing yards and a touchdown while adding 37 rushing yards to his stat line.
In a surprising move, Rashaad Penny, expected to be the team's featured back, was a healthy scratch.
Trade acquisition D'Andre Swift only saw the field for two touches, with Kenneth Gainwell taking on the primary running back role.
Deciphering the Eagles' fantasy football rotation promises to be a challenging task.
On the defensive side, second-year starting linebacker Nakobe Dean suffered a foot injury, likely sidelining him for a significant period.
Who do you have in this exciting contest? Let us know?
