3% Atlanta (8:15 ET): It was NOT a good offensive showing from the Falcons in their 18-10 loss to the Steelers in Week 1. But perhaps we should not be shocked by that considering offseason acquisition Kirk Cousins is 36 years old, recovering from ACL surgery and did not play at all in the preseason. There were some things that worried me schematically about the Falcons offense last week, but I am baking on them being (a lot) better tonight against an Eagles pass defense that remains suspect. While Philly managed to win in Week 1, they allowed Green Bay QB Jordan Love to throw for 260 yards despite only a 50% completion rate. Cousins is a far more accurate passer than Love and the Packers put up 29 points against this Eagles defense in what ended up being a 5-point game. Obviously, I’d take that final margin again here. 

While Atlanta’s effort on the offensive side of the ball left a lot to be desired last week against the Steelers, I did come away pretty impressed by their defense. They kept Pittsburgh out of the end zone and four of the six field goal drives allowed were for 9+ plays and 31 or fewer yards. So a lot of the Steelers’ scoring was a byproduct of good starting field position. Now slowing down Jalen Hurts and this Eagles offense is theoretically a bigger challenge than Justin Fields and the Steelers. But the task got a little easier for Atlanta with the news that Philadelphia’s top WR (AJ Brown) will miss this game due to injury. Note that with Brown on the field, Hurts did throw two interceptions last week. 

While the Eagles have a couple extra days rest, let’s also note they did have to go to Brazil last week. This was not a good team to bet on down the stretch last season as they failed to cover each of the final seven games. So, naturally, I’d be leery about laying this many points with them. This number did come down after the news of Brown being out, which was predictable, but interestingly the WT Live Odds screen is still showing the Eagles as being a pretty “public side” here. Also worth noting is the Falcons go from home favorites in Week 1 to road underdogs in Week 2. So far there have been six teams to see that change in roles and not only did all six cover, but five of the six road dogs won outright (including Buffalo Thursday). Take the points. 3% Atlanta (Play to +4.5)