An NFC Divisional Round playoff rematch will kick off the 2018 NFL regular season when the Philadelphia Eagles host the Atlanta Falcons. The Eagles defeated the Falcons in last year’s playoff on their way to winning the Super Bowl. The Eagles will unveil their Super Bowl-winning banner in a pregame ceremony on Thursday night.
The Atlanta Falcons struggled during the preseason, going 0-4, but they didn’t play their starters much in any of their games. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New York Jets in their final preseason game after losing the first three contests. The Atlanta Falcons are a 1.5 point underdog in the matchup on Thursday night.
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Matt Ryan Not Slowing Down
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan is showing no signs of slowing down even at the age of 33. The former first-round draft pick by the Falcons threw for over 4,000 yards last season for the seventh straight season. His favorite target, Julio Jones, is back for another season in Atlanta and the duo should have another terrific season in 2018. Look for Ryan and Jones to hook up on a couple deep passes in this game.
The Falcons defense needs to do a better job of creating turnovers this season. Atlanta forced just 16 turnovers last season, despite having a very athletic and aggressive defense. Adrian Clayborn and Vic Beasley combined for 14 sacks last year and will look to get pressure on Nick Foles in the season opener.
Eagles Injuries Holding Them Back
The Philadelphia Eagles are expected to contend for another Super Bowl title this season, but they need to get healthy first. Alshon Jeffery and Carson Wentz will miss the season opener on Thursday night, but both could return for the Eagles week two game. Philadelphia will struggle to score points without their top two players in this game.
The Eagles acquired stud defensive tackle, Michael Bennett, from the Seattle Seahawks this offseason to give them one of the best defensive lines in football. Bennett is expected to miss the season opener along with line mate Timmy Jernigan. The loss of these two players is a welcome sight to Matt Ryan who should have plenty of time to throw the ball on Thursday night.
Falcons Upset Eagles In Big Way
The Eagles fans will be out in full force on Thursday night and the atmosphere inside Lincoln Financial Field should be electric. Unfortunately, the fans won’t get to see the full Eagles team take the field, and they are facing a terrific Atlanta Falcons team. Look for backup quarterback Nick Foles to struggle in this game despite being named Super Bowl MVP last season.
People are overlooking the Atlanta Falcons ahead of the 2018 season, but they should be one of the top teams in the NFL. The Falcons have playmakers all over the field, and they always feature one of the best offenses in football. Look for Matt Ryan to have a big day in leading the Falcons to a big win on Thursday night. Bet the Atlanta Falcons +1.5 over the Eagles in the season opener.
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