The defending NFC East champion Philadelphia Eagles will have the perfect chance to start their season with a bang in front of their home fans against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Will the Eagles soar to greater heights after an excellent first season under head coach Chip Kelly? Or did the Jaguars improve enough over the offseason to provide a Week 1 upset?
With the NFL season just around the corner, don’t miss out on our regular season win total predictions for other fun betting options. You can also check out the NFL kickoff game between Super Bowl contenders the Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks here, and read on as the Jags and Eagles kick off their 2014 NFL seasons.
[sc:Football ]Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Philadelphia Eagles Betting Preview and Prediction
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia
When: Sunday, September 7, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Jacksonville Jaguars (+10.5) at Philadelphia Eagles (-10.5); total 52.5 – view all NFL lines
Betting on the Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jacksonville Jaguars proved to be tough competitors on the road last season, as they went 4-1 ATS in their final five road games.
[sc:NFL240banner ]Jacksonville’s biggest offseason move was drafting rookie QB Blake Bortles as the third pick overall in the NFL draft. The move paid off as Bortles has impressed in the preseason, especially in the Jags’ Week 3 showdown against the Detroit Lions on August 22. The rookie QB completed 10-of-16 passes for 158 yards, including a touchdown pass.
However, Jacksonville head coach Gus Bradley is leaning toward sitting Bortles in favor of Chad Henne, even though Bortles looked to have outplayed the veteran QB throughout the preseason. In a forgettable 2013 season, Henne averaged just 6.44 yards per pass attempt (33rd in the NFL in 2013) and also threw 14 interceptions.
The Jags will be counting on Cecil Shorts III to be a capable target for the struggling quarterback. Shorts was the team’s leading receiver with 66 receptions for 777 yards and three TDs in 2013, but the 26-year old is just two years removed from averaging 17.8 yards per reception and 979 receiving yards with seven TDs back in 2012.
Despite their issues, the Jags may still end making some hay in their passing game against a Philadelphia defense which allowed 289.9 yards per game last season, dead last in the NFL.
The total has gone under in six of the Jags’ last seven games in September.
Betting on the Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles’ first-team offense was on point in its Week 3 preseason game against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 21.
QB Nick Foles took charge in dismantling the Pittsburgh Steelers, completing 19-of-29 passes for 179 yards and one TD. Foles started cold but was back up to speed when he completed seven-straight passes after missing on six of his first 10.
Having Foles tuned in for the regular season will be important for Philadelphia’s passing offense. The Eagles QB posted an 8-2 SU record, completing 203-of-317 for 2,891 yards and a league-best 119.2 QB rating in 10 starts last season. Foles also set a new NFL record for best TD/interception ratio with 27 TD passes and just two interceptions on 350 pass attempts last season (including the playoffs).
Foles’ primary targets will be starting WRs Jeremy Maclin and Riley Cooper, who combined for nine catches for 68 yards in their first game together against the Steelers. However, a thigh injury hampered Maclin’s performance and he may not be in top-form in time for their first game of the season.
Instead, the Eagles’ offense may be powered by their leading running back LeSean McCoy. The running back led the league with 1,607 rushing yards and nine TDs last season. McCoy will have no problem finding an open lane for a rush against Jacksonville’s defense, which allowed 131.8 yards per game last season (28th in the league).
Overall, the Eagles have a well-rounded offense that will find holes in Jacksonville’s defense. Expect Philadelphia to keep their home fans happy as they light up the scoreboard.
Still, the Eagles cannot take their opponents lightly as they were 1-3 SU against AFC teams in 2013. The Eagles went 4-1 in their last five home games in 2013.
Writer’s Prediction
The Philadelphia Eagles (-10.5) are too good to lose to the Jacksonville Jaguars at home. The Eagles win and cover the spread.
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