In the second game of the season, the Minnesota Vikings hit the road to take on the Eagles in Philadelphia on Thursday evening. The Vikings are determined to bounce back after a challenging 2022 season, where they finished 13-4 but suffered a heartbreaking first-round playoff loss to the Giants. On the other hand, the Eagles had a remarkable 14-3 season, securing the NFC title before their Super Bowl dreams were dashed by the Kansas City Chiefs.
It’s déjà vu for the Vikings as they once again find themselves in Philadelphia for a week two prime-time matchup, just like last season. Last year, the Vikings were riding high with a 1-0 record after a thrilling victory over the Green Bay Packers at home. However, this time around, their journey to Philadelphia follows a tough 20-17 loss at home to the Tampa Bay Bucs, and the final score stung even more.
In 2022, the Vikings displayed an uncanny ability to come out on top in one-score games, boasting a perfect 11-0 record in such contests. But in their first close game of this new season, they couldn’t clinch the victory, leaving fans and pundits pondering what’s in store.
The Vikings’ offensive strategy heavily leaned on their passing game, as their ground attack struggled to find traction, amassing a mere 41 yards on 17 carries, resulting in a disappointing 2.4 yards per attempt. Meanwhile, through the air, the Vikings soared with a total of 328 passing yards. Quarterback Kirk Cousins displayed both brilliance and vulnerability, completing 33 of 44 passes for 344 yards and two touchdowns. However, his performance was marred by one interception and two fumbles.
In the receiving corps, All-Pro sensation Justin Jefferson shone with nine receptions for an impressive 150 yards. Tight end T.J. Hockenson, recently locked into a long-term deal before the season, contributed with eight catches for 35 yards, though it wasn’t enough to secure the win.
Eagles Fought to the North and Flew Home
The Philadelphia Eagles faced a tough challenge in week one against New England, but they managed to secure a 25-20 victory to kick off the season at 1-0. The Eagles took an early 16-point lead, capitalizing on two consecutive turnovers by New England. They sealed the win by preventing New England from converting on downs inside the 30-yard line in the final minute.
While the victory wasn’t flawless, it’s understandable considering the defending NFC champions are adapting to a new offensive and defensive coordinator this season.
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Offensively, the Eagles managed to gain only 251 yards in the game, with a meager 154 yards through the air and 97 on the ground, facing a resilient New England defense. Quarterback Jalen Hurts completed 22 of 33 passes for just 170 yards and a touchdown but was sacked three times during the game. On the rushing front, Hurts carried the ball nine times for a modest 37 yards. Running back Kenneth Gainwell led the rushing attack with 14 carries for 54 yards, while newcomer D’Andre Swift had just one carry for three yards. The starting wide receivers, A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, each made seven catches, but their yardage was limited to 79 and 47 yards, respectively. Smith did manage to secure a touchdown reception in the victory.
Defensively, the Eagles made an impact by forcing two turnovers in the game. Cornerback Darius Slay returned an interception for a 70-yard touchdown early in the first quarter, establishing a commanding lead for the Eagles. Overall, the Eagles’ defense registered two sacks and five tackles for loss while also applying pressure on the quarterback ten times and recording seven quarterback hits. New England did accumulate 382 yards of total offense in the game but struggled on the ground, with just 76 rushing yards.
Prediction and Wager
The line is currently Eagles minus 7 with a total of 48.5. Philly passed a major test in escaping a rainy Foxborough with a W. The Eagles are incredibly tough at home, going 7-2 SU and 6-3 ATS last season. Even more impressive is their 12-7-1 ATS mark at home in the last 20 games they played at the “Linc”. I like them to cover but for the total to fly under the 48.5 points.
BET
Philadelphia Eagles: -7Â Â 5-units
Total 48.5: UNDER 48.5Â Â 2-units
