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Las Vegas will find creative ways to take your money, and NFL’s opening week is certainly one of them. So if you’re in a wagering mood and also happen to be a Falcons fan, you’ll be pleased to see that the gambling public appears to like Atlanta on Thursday.
The Falcons opened as 5.5-point underdogs against the Eagles, but that line has shifted post-Pederson press conference histrionics, when Philadelphia finally announced that Nick Foles would start. Philly now sits as a less than a field goal favorite at home, a line that reflects confidence in Atlanta on the road. The Eagles will be without a few key starters, including wide receiver Alshon Jeffery, wide receiver Mack Hollins, and suspended linebacker Nigel Bradham.
The biggest absence is quarterback Carson Wentz, and confirmation that Nick Foles would be under center is what really moved the line. The last time the Falcons met the Eagles in the NFC Divisional round, Foles completed 23 of 30 passes for 246 yards and began his playoff run that culminated in a Super Bowl Championship. He didn’t have a sparkling performance by any means, but it was enough to best the Falcons in a game I don’t particularly want to think about right now.
Atlanta enters their opener with a couple of guys dinged up, but nothing compared to what Philadelphia is currently dealing with. Vegas knows no allegiances aside from the almighty dollar, so at least we know those that play the numbers like the Falcons’ chances heading into this one.