NFL
(9/19/22) 4:05 PM Eastern.
Spread: Vikings +2.5 / Eagles -2.5
Moneyline: Vikings +120 / Eagles -140
Total: Over / Under 49.5
Week 2 of the NFL wraps up with the Minnesota Vikings taking on the Philadelphia Eagles in Philly. Kickoff is scheduled for 8:30p.m. eastern time at Lincoln Financial Field.
Minnesota Vikings (1-0)
The Vikings had an impressive 23-7 win over Green Bay in week 1. Kirk Cousins had an efficient day completing 71.9% of his passes for 277 yards and 2 touchdowns. Justin Jefferson was the star of the game and somehow found himself wide open on numerous plays. He reeled in 9 of his 11 targets for 184 yards and 2 touchdowns. Dalvin cook (20 attempts) and Alexander Mattison (8 attempts) combined for 126 yards on the ground, averaging 4.5 yards per carry. After jumping out to a 17-0 lead in the first half, they did struggle to score in the 2nd half. They settled for 2 field goals despite a takeaway from their defense starting them at GB’s 33yard line. The Vikings would like to see more receiving production outside of Jefferson.
The Defense shut down future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers for most of the game. He threw for just 195 yards on 34 attempts, was sacked 4 times, and turned the ball over twice. Green Bay did run the ball effectively but was forced to abandon it when they fell behind. Aaron Jones and A.J. Dillon combined for 94 rushing yards on just 15 attempts. Minnesota was also the beneficiary of what would have been a long TD pass if Christian Watson didn’t drop the ball. FA acquisition Jordan Hicks was the star of the game, combining for 14 tackles, 1 sack, and a forced fumble.
Philadelphia Eagles (1-0)
Philly ran wild against the Detroit Lions, rushing for 216 yards and 4 rushing touchdowns in a 38-35 win. Starting QB Jalen Hurts threw for 243 yards and ran for 90 yards on 17 attempts. Miles Sandes, Kenneth Gainwell, and Boston Scott all found paydirt once. Sanders had 96 rushing yards on 13 attempts, averaging 7.4 yards per carry. The off-season trade for A.J. Brown immediately paid off, he had 10 receptions for 155 yards. Devonta Smith seemingly disappeared; he had 4 targets but failed to record a catch.
The only positive out of the Philly defense was James Bradberry’s pick 6 early in the 2nd quarter. They gave up 386 total yards, 181 came on the ground. D’Andre Swift gashed them anytime he touched the ball, combining for 175 yards rushing/receiving, averaging nearly 10 yards a touch. They did hold Goff to just 21/37 passing and 215 yards but he still threw for 2 touchdowns. The Lions went 9/14 on third downs and 1/1 on 4th. Opportunities to get off the field were there but they failed to capitalize.
The Pick
Eagles -2.5. Philadelphia has one of the strongest rushing attacks in the NFL with Jalen Hurts at QB and this Vikings defense has struggled to stop the run for over a year now. They ranked 26th in rush yards allowed per game last year and just surrendered 6.1 yards per carry against Green Bay in week 1. Philly meanwhile just threw up 216 rushing yards in week 1, averaging 5.5 yards per carry. This Vikings offense played well to open the game but still managed to score just 23 points despite their defense shutting down GB. This Eagles defense might not be great, but they’ll get a boost in their home opener. It’s also worth noting Kirk Cousins is just 2-9 on Monday night as a starter, a large reason why Minnesota is just 4-12 ATS their last 16 MNF games. The Vikings are also just 3-7 ATS their L10 games following a straight up win. Philly is 4-0 ATS their L4 home games and 5-2 ATS at home L7 meetings vs Minnesota. The Home team is also 4-1 ATS the last 5 times these two teams have played. The Eagles will control the clock with a strong rushing attack this one and keep Minnesota’s offense off rhythm.
WinMyBets Pick: Eagles -2.5.
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