NFL odds for Week 1: Falcons listed as three point underdogs to Eagles at home

The Falcons have been underdogs all week against the Eagles, and you don't have to be neural rocket surgeon to figure out the reason why: Most people think the Eagles are a better team.

That may well be accurate. The fact that this line isn't worse for the Falcons says a lot about the perceived improvements for Atlanta, plus the fact that this game is being played in the Georgia Dome.

Brandon Gowton of Bleeding Green Nation certainly believes that the Eagles will win this one handily enough, especially given the Falcons' merry game of musical chairs along the offensive line. That's the feeling of the entire fanbase, really, and I can't even blame them for feeling good right now.

The Falcons' offense might find some success against the Eagles' secondary, but Philadelphia's pass rush against a shaky offensive line seems to favor the Birds in white and midnight green. Score prediction: 34-20, Eagles.

For all that, I still like the Falcons' chances of keeping this one close, and close games are winnable games. With any luck, the underdog will be the victor Monday night.