1:02 pm
September 12

Eagles @ Falcons

Who will WIN this matchup?

Philadelphia Eagles (0-0)

@ Atlanta Falcons (0-0)

 

Current odds:

Philadelphia Eagles: (+150)

Atlanta Falcons: (-175)

 

• The spread for the game is Atlanta by 3.5 points.

• The Eagles parted with Doug Pederson during the 2020 season and named Nick Sirianni, previously offensive coordinator of the Indianapolis Colts, head coach before trading quarterback Carson Wentz to Indy. That pushed Jalen Hurts into a starting role in a brand-new scheme. He’ll be at the controls of an offense Sirianni promises will be “different.”

• Like the Eagles and Heisman Trophy-winning rookie wide receiver DeVonta Smith, the Falcons unveil their prized draft choice — No. 6 overall pick Kyle Pitts — and he’s expected to be featured. Arthur Smith targeted tight ends early and often in a system with roots in the Joe Gibbs scheme from the Washington glory days.

• Hurts went through the offseason and preseason operating as if he’d be the starter, but Sirianni saved the official call at quarterback until last week. For an opening test, the tandem gets to stare down the ultra-aggressive blitz scheme of Falcons defensive coordinator Dean Pees. Pees isn’t working with a ton of proven talent as Atlanta moves away from the Cover-3 scheme — and personnel — Dan Quinn employed. But he promised one thing about his group: Blitzing from every possible direction.

• Youth is no longer an apt description of Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan, who has seen it all a couple of times with Atlanta. Sirianni said Arthur Smith’s offense gives opponents a lot to think about because of his mix of personnel packages and willingness to run out of any set. Smith appreciates the advantage experience provides with Ryan under center, noting the offense is infinitely faster-moving now than it was a month ago.

4/10
Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Atlanta Falcons
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