Eagles look to keep Falcons winless in Sunday Night clash

Both the Eagles and Falcons got off to slow starts in their respective Week 1 contests, but only Philadelphia was able to overcome their early deficit, beating the Redskins 32-27. Atlanta lost 28-12 to the Vikings, only managing to score two TDs in “garbage time.” A more balanced Eagles squad should prevail in this primetime affair.

Atlanta's D was picked apart by Minnesota

The Falcons, 25th in rushing yards allowed per game (124.9) a year ago, were shredded by Minnesota’s Dalvin Cook in Week 1 as they surrendered 111 yards and two TDs to the Florida State product. Philadelphia has had their fair share of issues at running back over the last two seasons, but they appear to have their ducks in a row now with the team of Jordan Howard, Miles Sanders and Darren Sproles splitting time in the backfield.

DeSean Jackson played a big part in the Eagles’ 32-3 mid-game run over Washington, amassing 154 receiving yards and two TDs on eight receptions. Atlanta simply doesn’t have the personnel to cover him and Alshon Jeffery out wide. Carson Wentz (313 yards, three TDs in Week 1) also has tight end Zach Ertz to turn to when necessary.

Philly's run defense was rock solid in Week 1

The Eagles allowed Case Keenum (380 yards, three TDs) to have a solid day through the air last Sunday, but their run defense was airtight as they gave up only 28 yards combined to Derrius Guice and Chris Thompson.

The Week 1 performance of Falcons tailback Devonta Freeman was alarmingly bad, as he managed just 19 rushing yards on eight attempts. It’s possible that he hasn’t fully recovered from a 2018 season plagued by injury, and Tevin Coleman is no longer on the sidelines ready to spell him. Quarterback Matt Ryan will have to put Atlanta on his back if he hopes to avoid an 0-2 start.

Eagles have been superb against the spread

Betting trends are on the Eagles’ side too, as they’re 5-1 against the spread in their last six overall and have covered in four straight games following a straight-up victory. The Falcons are 2-5 against the spread in their last seven home games and have failed to cover in seven of their last nine overall. Atlanta is also 1-5 against the spread in their last six games following a straight-up loss of more than 14 points, per Covers.com.

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