Eagles vs. Falcons Free NFL Picks for Week 1

On Sunday, September 12th the Atlanta Falcons open their 2021 NFL season with an afternoon showdown against the Philadelphia Eagles. Atlanta went 0-3 in their preseason matchups while Philly lost two and managed to tie their preseason finale against the Jets. 

But preseason “doesn’t count,” so they say, which means both teams will enter this week with a clean slate. Below, we’ll take a look at the early NFL odds before you go hit up your favorite sports betting site. 

Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons

Sunday, September 12, 2021 - 01:00 PM EDT at Mercedes-Benz Superdome

The Falcons ended last year with a 4-12 record, meanwhile, the Eagles weren’t too far off after going 4-11-1. According to (visit our Sportsbook Review), Philly opens this matchup as a 3.5 point road underdog with the over/under coming in at 48.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hLfV_UpbhGg

The Matchup

The Philadelphia Eagles have a new head coach in Nick Sirianni this season, but that’s not the only thing that’s new for them as they’ll be without Carson Wentz front and center for the first time since 2016.

Instead, second-year quarterback Jalen Hurts will get his first Week 1 start with experienced veterans Joe Flacco and Gardner Minshew as his backups.

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Unlike last season, Miles Sanders aka “Boobie Miles” is healthy again and set to lead the backfield behind a healthy offensive line that features Jason Kelce, Brandon Brooks and Lane Johnson??. Hurts will also have hot options in wideouts Jalen Reagor and 2021 Heisman Trophy winner DeVonta Smith.

Along with their head new head coach, the Eagles also have a new defensive coordinator in Jonathan Gannon who is confident in their cornerbacks Darius Slay and Steven Nelson who could give Matt Ryan and the Falcons’ O-line a tough task. 

Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons warms up prior to facing the Cleveland Browns on August 29, 2021. Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images/AFP

Coaching Shake-up

Similar to Philly, Atlanta had a coaching shake-up following a disastrous 2020 season but new head coach Arthur Smith is determined to turn things around for the Falcons.

Not much has changed at QB as Matt Ryan enters his 14th season with new backups Josh Rosen and rookie Felipe Franks battling for the No. 2 spot. It’s the first year Ryan won’t have his partner in crime, Julio Jones, at hand to whom he credits much of his success.

https://twitter.com/AtlantaFalcons/status/1434561966001950720?s=20

But, don’t worry, the Falcons “replaced” him by taking a unicorn at No. 4 overall in this year’s draft, tight end Kyle Pitts. All eyes will be on Pitts but he’s not the only weapon Ryan will have. Fouth-year wide receiver Calvin Ridley is destined for a breakout year and Russell Gage is ready to step up as the No. 2 wideout.

Also, take into account that Smith was a backfield whisperer in Tennessee, but we’ll see if he can work his magic with veteran Mike Davis and a questionable Falcons O-line. The Falcons’ defense is run by two-time Super Bowl champ Dean Pees and he’s determined to rack up sacks. 

The Pick

The Falcons always look outstanding on paper heading into the season but can never seem to bring it to life on the field. It’s hard to trust a team whose offensive line has a lot of question marks heading into Week 1 and you can’t expect Kyle Pitts to save the day as a one-man band.

If the Eagles can stay healthy then their D and O-line look a heck of a lot more promising than Atlanta’s. It could be an ugly Week 1 matchup but expect Philly to at least cover for our NFL pick. 

NFL Pick: (visit our Sportsbook Review)

*The pick reflects the line at the moment the writer made the play, the odds at the beginning of this article show the live line movement. Since the lines might vary, don’t forget to refer back to our live odds.