Eagles vs. Falcons 2021 Predictions: Philly a play on the Moneyline

Two disappointing teams from the 2020 season face-off in Week 1 with one of the two assured of starting 1-0. Neil Monnery likes the home team to start strong…

Matt Ryan has thrown for 4,000+ yards for ten straight seasons but the change at OC brings about question marks for how the Falcons will go on offense. Dave Ragone isn’t going to ask his 36 year-old to throw it deep multiple times a game and when he looks at his stable of Running Backs, that might cause an even bigger question mark.

With Mike Davis having come over in the offseason, the former backup in Carolina will be the primary guy at the position. That would cause me plenty of concern were I an Atlanta fan or a bettor looking to bet on the Falcons.

With Julio Jones now out of town, Calvin Ridley will become the clear WR1. He is without a shadow of a doubt set to have a fine season even if Matty Ice doesn’t attack downfield as much. He will be helped by rookie TE Kyle Pitts who was one of the toughest matchups for an opposition defensive coordinator. I expect a big year from him but whether he’ll hit the ground running in Week 1, call me dubious.

Philly go into the 2021 campaign having gone all in on Jalen Hurts as QB1. The former Alabama and Oklahoma man is a poor man’s Kyler Murray/Lamar Jackson but that doesn’t mean he can’t play good enough complimentary ball to lead the Eagles to a successful season. He likes the deep pass and whilst his completion rate was just 52% last year, he did average 9.5 yards in the air on his throws and 13.8 yards per completion. They are interesting numbers.

Miles Sanders is a very nice Running Back who will be part of a two-headed running attack with his QB. DeVonta Smith should step in and be a WR1 from day one.

I don’t expect this to be a pretty game, nor do I expect to see plenty of points. I do however think it’ll be close.

Spread:

Philly are getting three points and I’ll take those points and bet Philly.

Straight-up/Moneyline:

This feels like a toss up type of game and I’m not sure I’d like to play the Moneyline but if Philly are +150, I’d lean that way.

Over/Under Points Totals:

I really don’t see this as a high scoring game. 48.5pts feels high to me and I would play the under line fairly strongly.