MNF Betting Preview: Falcons vs. Eagles

There’s the Audubon Society in all its glory when the Atlanta Falcons complete their workload against Pennsylvania by visiting the Philadelphia Eagles Monday evening,

Atlanta and new quarterback Kirk Cousins did not read the memo in the opener, having lost to the visiting Pittsburgh Steelers, 18-10, despite not allowing a touchdown.

Six field goals by Pittsburgh kicker Chris Boswell were more than sufficient against a moribund Falcon team with just 226 yards of offense.

Cousins (16-of-26, 155 passing yards, one touchdowns, two interceptions) was supposed to revive the side of the ball with many poorly-used weapons. Tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London had a combined five receptions (41 yards) and a (Pitts) touchdown,

Philadelphia, after a 34-29 win over the Green Bay Packers in Sao Paulo, Brazil, is returning stateside with its eyes on Cousins. Philly only recorded one sack against the Pack, but one of the defense’s many hits resulted in an MCL injury to Packer quarterback Jordan Love.

Philly did open as a four-point favorite in the game, but the magic number is now 6½ (total at 47), according to NFL odds.

Philadelphia is leading this series (including postseason), 21-15-1 (first meeting since 2021).

Falcons Broken Already?

Kirk Cousins and his torn Achilles left the Minnesota Vikings and went south to the Atlanta Falcons, With surgery about 10 months ago and a healing process of approximately a year.

This is rather significant because Cousins in no way resembled his former self last Sunday. Armed with $100 million of guaranteed money (and not to mention the tampering), Cousins couldn’t put much weight on his back leg when throwing deep over the middle.

Atlanta did get a useful effort (18 carries, 68 yards) out of running back Bijan Robinson, who may be getting even more opposition attention if Cousins is unable to move it through the air,

It’s no secret the health of the Falcons is directly tied to the health of their quarterback.

As was mentioned, if there’s a positive after Aftlanta’s losing opener, it’s not allowing a touchdown. However, this week’s opponent is much more potent on offense.

Eagles’ Middle Man?

The Philadelphia Eagles and former Tampa Bay Buccaneer Devin White agreed to a one-year contract this season. Many thus expected White to start middle linebacker in 2024.

There’s been drama between White and his new employer. White missed the South American sojourn, supposedly injured, and it's already been confirmed that once healthy, he won’t start.

“Nakobe (Dean) is the starter,” defensive coordinator Vic Fangio said. Hence, White’s theoretical payday-in-waiting looks to be in jeopardy heading into the season’s second week.

White will still get his opportunity to see the field. It’s not as if the defense of the Eagles, which surrendered 29 points (410 yards) against the Pack, is in position to turn down any assistance.

Before leaving this section, how about the Philly debut of running back Saquon Barkley? He finished with three total touchdowns (one receiving) and 109 ground yards. 

Birds over Birds

Both teams are favored to win their respective NFC quadrants this season. Philadelphia is -140 (5-7) to take the East, Atlanta at +145 to annex the South, as per NFL division odds.

While neither Kirk Cousins (two interceptions) nor Jalen Hurts (one) was flawless last week, Hurts' miscue had some validity as the Brazil game was played on a less-than-ideal field.

It’s not possible to endorse the Atlanta Falcons after the way Kirk Cousins looked and played last week. Atlanta was, however, one of just two teams (Minnesota Vikings against those somnambulant New York Giants) not to surrender a touchdown in its opener.

Take the Philadelphia Eagles -6½ Monday evening, but don’t lay more than a touchdown.