Eagles vs. Falcons: NFL Week 1 betting odds, preview, and pick

After a disappointing 2020 season for both teams, the Atlanta Falcons will host the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday to kick off their 2021 seasons. Let's examine this NFC matchup, beginning with the latest betting odds.

Philly All-In on Hurts

This offseason, the Philadelphia Eagles went all-in on Jalen Hurts as their franchise quarterback. In the draft, they decided to trade up to draft Heisman Trophy winner, DeVonta Smith at wide receiver instead of taking one of the big quarterback names in the 2021 class. They also let former No. 2 overall pick, Carson Wentz, move on to Indianapolis.

After finishing the 2020 season ranked 28th in the league in passing yards, the Eagles will be hoping for Hurts to change the tune under new head coach Nick Sirianni. The good news is that Hurts had two games last year of over 330 passing yards in his four starts. More good news is that the Atlanta Falcons were ranked dead last in passing defense last season, and did little to vastly improve that in the offseason.

Falcons need hot start

Getting off to a hot start will be vital for Atlanta this season as they are caught between winning now and rebuilding. They traded away Julio Jones, drafted Kyle Pitts, and signed Mike Davis in the offseason. They also did little to improve the defense. Matt Ryan is still in charge of this team with no real threat to his future in Atlanta as they chose not to draft a quarterback this year.

However, after a 4-12 season last year, it is hard to see a vast improvement unless new head coach Arthur Smith and new additions Pitts and Davis make immediate impacts. Even then, the defense may still be a huge issue, and they may rely too much on needing to outscore teams. If they get off to a rough start, it may make sense for this franchise to start focusing on rebuilding.

Eagles and Falcons Betting Trends

• The Eagles are 1-9 ATS in their last 10 games in September
• The Eagles are 0-6 ATS in their last six road games
• The Falcons are 0-5 ATS in their last five games in Week 1
• The Falcons are 1-4 ATS in their last five games as a home favorite
• The home team is 5-0 ATS in their last five meetings
• The Under is 5-0 in the last five meetings between the Eagles and Falcons

Eagles will buck the slow start trend

Something must give between these two teams that have gotten off to horrible starts over the past two seasons. The Eagles will be looking to show off a new offense against a very poor secondary in Atlanta. Even though the trends favor the Falcons and the Under here, the analytics between these two teams shows the opposite.

I expect to see Hurts & Co. have a field day in the dome against this secondary. I also expect Ryan and Calvin Ridley to find their own successes. This one may be the highest scoring game of Week 1, and fantasy owners and Over bettors will unite in happiness watching the scoreboard light up.

Ultimately, the Eagles will come out on top, and will make a statement that they're true contenders in the NFC East.

Score prediction: Eagles 41, Falcons 31

NFL Week 1 pick: Eagles +3.5, Over 48