Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Picks, Predictions and Odds for MNF (Sep. 16)

• Philly is laying 6 points in the Falcons vs Eagles odds in Week 2 action on Monday Night Football
• Eagles star receiver A.J. Brown will miss the game with a hamstring injury
• Keep reading for the Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles odds, picks and predictions, below

Week 2 of the NFL season culminates with an Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles showdown on Monday Night Football (8:20 pm ET). Philly flew to Brazil in Week 1 and took down the Packers, and online sportsbooks are expecting them to send Atlanta into an 0-2 spiral per the latest NFL odds.

Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles Odds

The Eagles are currently a 6-point favorite in a contest with a total of 47. The spread opened a shade higher at Philly -6.5, but some early Falcons money brought the number down to where it now sits.

Philadelphia was involved in one of the more entertaining Week 1 games, combining for 63 points with Green Bay, while Atlanta’s offense could barely move the football in a 16-10 loss to Pittsburgh in its opener.

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Odds as of September 15 at BetMGM. Be sure to check out the best BetMGM promos before placing a bet on Monday Night Football.

Cousins’ Lack of Mobility a Major Concern

Kirk Cousins returned from his Achilles injury in Week 1, and was nowhere near the player we’re used to seeing. He lined up almost exclusively in the shotgun, and wasn’t able to avoid the constant pressure the Steelers pass rush produced.

Cousins looked like a statue in the pocket, unable to execute five or seven step drops. He didn’t attempt a single play-action pass, and as a result the play calling was wildly predictable. The Falcons didn’t run the ball once in their 22 designed shotgun snaps.

Interesting note from @ESPNStatsInfo:

The Falcons were in pistol or shotgun on 96% of their snaps today.

Of the 22 snaps out of shotgun, the Falcons had 0 designed runs.

Of the 26 snaps out of pistol, the Falcons ran the ball on 81% of their plays.

— Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 9, 2024

By contrast, they lined up in the pistol 26 times, and rushed the ball on 81% of those snaps. Last year’s first round pick Bijan Robinson found little success in the run game, and this week’s matchup isn’t any easier.

For Atlanta to find success, it will have to be through the air. Philly’s secondary was leaky versus Green Bay, allowing plenty of explosive plays. Their pass rush was largely ineffective, and if that continues Cousins should have time to get the ball to his playmakers Drake London and Kyle Pitts. The duo combined for only six catches in Week 1, a trend that cannot continue if the Falcons hope to stay competitive.

Eagles Offense Incredibly Explosive

Philadelphia’s defense may have been underwhelming in their opener, but their offense resembled one of a lead contender in the Super Bowl 59 odds. Free agent signing Saquon Barkley scored three times, while Jalen Hurts threw for 278 yards and 2 TD.

Only two teams in Week 1 scored more points that Philly (34), and only three teams produced more total offense. Atlanta didn’t allow a touchdown in Week 1 in a losing effort, but that was against a Justin Fields led Pittsburgh squad that is expected to be among the least explosive offenses in the league.

The Eagles’ offensive line grades out as one of the best in football and should be able to open up big holes in the run game. Atlanta has one above average corner in A.J. Terrell, but Philly will have plenty of chances for more explosive plays through the air. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith combined for 203 yards on 12 catches against the Packers, but unfortunately for Eagles backers, Brown was downgraded to out late in the week due to a hamstring injury.

Falcons vs Eagles Predictions

• Eagles -6 at BetMGM

The Eagles are going to score early and often in this matchup, the question is can the Falcons keep up? Cousins should have more time to operate than in Week 1, but if his mobility is still compromised Atlanta doesn’t stand a chance.

Captain Kirk doesn’t have the best track record on Monday Night Football, posting a 3-10 record straight up. Nine of those 10 losses have been by seven points or more, including two against Philadelphia.

Kirk Cousins on Monday Night Football

Hurts on the other hand, has experienced much more success in primetime. He’s 13-7 overall under the lights, and sports a career 20-11-1 record at home. Lay the points with the Eagles.