This Thursday brings the Philadelphia Eagles’ final chance to salvage a win in this year’s preseason. The last time they won on the field, they ended up lifting the Vince Lombardi Trophy, but can they win in the preseason before the regular season kicks off this coming September. As for the New York Jets, one more game means one more chance for rookie Sam Darnold to prove that the Sam Darnold Era should begin as soon as Week 1.
Despite their preseason struggles, the Eagles are -145 to win the NFC East according to the NFL Futures. The Jets, meanwhile, are +1,100 to rule the AFC East.
Betting on the New York Jets (1-2 Preseason Record)
The Jets have yet to name who their starting quarterback will be on opening day, but it’s likely going to be rookie Sam Darnold. Darnold didn’t hurt his chances of winning the role last week despite a 22-16 loss to the New York Giants at home. In that game, the former USC star completed 8-of-16 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown in over two quarters of action on the field. Whereas Darnold impressed, the same can’t be said entirely for the team’s defense. The Jets’ secondary, in particular was torched by Sterling Shepard and company, as it allowed 262 receiving yards to the Giants’ receivers. The Jets also need to cut down on their penalties after committing a dizzying total of 13 in the Giants game.
The under is 3-1 in the Jets’ last four preseason outings on the road. They have also covered the spread in only four of their past 10 preseason games away from home.
Betting on the Philadelphia Eagles (0-3 Preseason Record)
You wouldn’t know it based on their preseason play, but the Eagles are actually the reigning and defending Super Bowl champions. The Eagles are coming off another loss, as they took a pie in the face last week in the form of a 5-0 road loss to the Cleveland Browns. Quarterback Nick Foles continues to struggle, as he threw two picks and with zero touchdowns versus Cleveland. Running back Wendell Smallwood moved the chains with his 53 rushing yards on 12 carries, but no one from the team’s backfield was able to take the pigskin to the house. A porous offensive line isn’t helping Philly, too. The Browns sacked Philadelphia’s quarterbacks seven times for a loss of 37 yards. It’s not just a case of a bad day for Philly, as the Patriots took Foles and company down a total of eight times a week prior.
The Eagles are 9-1 SU and 9-1 ATS in their last 10 home preseason games.
