Heading into this NFL Divisional Round meeting, the Atlanta Falcons are 5-3 straight up and just 2-6 against the spread on the road for the season. Meanwhile, at home the Philadelphia Eagles are an impressive 7-1 straight up and 5-3 ATS. Regular season records aside, the Falcons are favored by a field goal this Saturday against the Eagles. Which team will be left with their playoff feathers intact?
Betting Preview for the Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles – NFC Divisional Playoff 2018
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
When: Saturday, January 13, 2018 4:35 PM
Line: Atlanta Falcons (-3) vs Philadelphia Eagles (+3) – view all 2018 NFL lines
TV Broadcast: NBC
Betting on the Atlanta Falcons (10-6)
The Falcons’ Bounce Back Tour is still very much alive after spoiling what was supposed to be the Los Angeles Rams’ coming out party in the playoffs, taking down Jared Goff and company in the wild-card round last Sunday in a 26-13 road win.
It’s a nice springboard for the Falcons as they prepare to face the NFC’s top-seeded team in the form of the Eagles, especially from a defensive standpoint. While the Eagles have one of the best offenses in the NFL today, the Falcons have been done an impressive job of sharpening their tools to combat high-scoring teams. Over their last six games, the Falcons have allowed just 16.3 points. Considering that that stretch included games against the New Orleans Saints, Carolina Panthers, and the Rams, the Falcons surely have sent a strong message to the Eagles’ offense that won’t have the services of quarterback and MVP candidate Carson Wentz (out with ACL injury). Atlanta also has the advantage in experience, particularly on the quarterback position with Matt Ryan orchestrating the Falcons’ offense. Ryan threw for 218 yards and a touchdown on 21-of-30 completions in the Rams game.
Betting on the Philadelphia Eagles (13-3)
Eagles fans have waited for a long time to see their team make it back to the playoffs. While they will finally be able to do that this coming Saturday, they just wish it is Wentz who would be taking snaps under center and not Nick Foles. That said, having Foles in the backfield is not a death sentence for the Eagles.
For one, they still have a terrific ground game and a sturdy defense to help them get past opponents. The Eagles have the talented running back duo of LeGarrette Blount and Jay Ajayi, who combined for 1,1764 rushing yards and three touchdowns for Philly back in the regular season. With the two powering the Eagles’ run game, the team managed to rank third in rushing offense with 132.2 yards on the ground per contest.
On the other side of the ball, the Eagles are tops in the NFL in run defense, surrendering just 79.2 rushing yards per game. They are also fourth in total defense (306.5).
Also, don’t forget that the Eagles are the home team in this matchup. They are tough to beat at Lincoln Field, as evidenced by their 7-1 SU record in eight home games this season.
Writer’s Prediction
Atlanta’s poise and experience lead them to beat Philly, 24-21.
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