Eagles vs Falcons Odds, Lines, Picks, and Predictions for Week 1 Matchup

• Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles take on Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1
• The Falcons are favored as the home side
• Kickoff is at 1:00pm ET on Sunday, September 12 from Mercedes Benz Stadium

The 2021 NFL season is officially set to begin. And with it comes all the craziness of Week 1.

Both the Philadelphia Eagles and Atlanta Falcons come into the season with fresh faces on both sides of the ball. And calling the shots.

In Atlanta, Dan Quinn is gone and Arthur Smith is in. Philly sent Doug Pederson packing and brought in Nick Sirianni. With Smith coming from Tennessee and Sirianni from Indianapolis, it’s a match-up between two former AFC South Offensive Coordinators.

Kickoff is set for 1:00 pm ET from Mercedes Benz Stadium in Atlanta on Fox Sports.

Eagles vs Falcons Odds

Odds as of September 10th at FanDuel

While the Falcons are favored entering Sunday’s tilt, heavy money was coming in on the Eagles earlier in the week.  The spread was at 3.5 points but eventually dropped to 3.0.

Atlanta’s odds to win outright went from -174 to -180, while the odds on the under have gone from -110 to -120.

Week 1 Injury Report: Eagles vs Falcons

McLeod will be a big absence for the Eagles. There’s not a ton of experience behind him on the depth chart.

Grady Jarrrett missed practice for the Falcons on Thursday due to a personal reason. Brandon Copeland was limited both Wednesday and Thursday but both will play.

Offensive Attack Evolving in Atlanta

For the past decade, the Falcons have usually been a top-ten passing attack. That’s not surprising when you trot out an aerial attack led by Matt Ryan and Julio Jones.

But after an injury-plagued 2020, Jones was sent to the Titans. Ryan begins a season for the first time since 2010 without the All-Pro on the roster.

Looking ahead to #Atlanta Gannon says Kyle Pitts will present a challenge to the defense because it’s unclear how the Falcons will deploy their rookie. “We’ll have a good plan.” #FlyEaglesFly

— Gabriella Galati (@ella_galati) September 1, 2021

That’s not to say Ryan is without weapons though. Dual-threat journeyman Mike Davis spearheads the rushing attack, and of course Kyle Pitts was drafted fourth overall.

But it’s undoubtedly the Calvin Ridley show now.

Julio Jones vs Calvin Ridley: Age 26 season

Jones had an out-of-this-world season in his age 26 year with Matt Ryan.  It was also his fifth year in the league. Ridley is entering his fourth season, and while Ryan may be at a different point of his career, there’s no question he knows how to utilize an elite receiver.

Calvin Ridley is in for a big 2021 season 👀 pic.twitter.com/ElE6rmnCdB

— PFF (@PFF) September 5, 2021

They’ll be going up against an Eagles defense that PFF graded as the second best in terms of rushing the passer in 2020, but 26th in coverage. Philly brought in Steven Nelson and drafted Zech McPherson, but didn’t drastically improve their secondary.

Expect Ridley to be a handful in Week 1.

Hurts Hopes for Sophomore Surge

After the drama surrounding the quarterback position in 2020, all eyes will be on Jalen Hurts this year.

While there is talent among Philly’s receivers with DeVonta Smith and Jalen Reagor, they have to display it at the NFL level. Hurts also retains both of his tight ends from 2020, with Miles Sanders facing a crucial third season.

The advantage the offense has in Week 1, is the fact they’re facing a Falcons defense in flux.

Would it surprise anyone is Jalen Hurts is the overall QB1 in fantasy football against Atalanta Week 1?

The Falcons gave up the 4th-most yards last season and did little to improve on defense. With Philadelphia’s porous defense, I’m expecting a shoutout that could benefit Hurts. pic.twitter.com/k5kTC5IexW

— Dave Kluge (@DaveKluge) September 5, 2021

Atlanta added a number of veteran names on the defensive side of the ball, in hopes they mesh well with the young talent that’s there. Veteran Defensive Coordinator Dean Pees is tasked with getting the group going, but there could be a steep learning curve when it comes to his schemes.

To say the Falcons struggled against the pass in 2020 is putting it lightly. And while expectations for Hurts vary wildly, it’s tough to predict everything that went wrong for Atlanta last year goes right in Week 1.

Airing it Out in Week 1

While Hurts and Ryan will get there different ways, and one will run more than the other, expect both to be throwing a lot in Week 1. Both teams have secondaries you want to challenge.

There’s a chance the Eagles’ pass rush could bully the Falcons’ offensive line, which would keep things tighter. But in a game featuring a pair of rookie head coaches, the veteran QB is the one to back.

Ryan also has the most explosive weapon on either side in Ridley. Expect them to kick off 2021 in a big way.

The Pick: Falcons -3.0 (-122); 1 Unit

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