Thursday Night Football Handicap: Vikings vs. Eagles
Photo Credit: The Lines
NFL Season Record: 6-2 (+3.42 units) - Betting 1 Unit to Win X
7:15pm cst: Minnesota Vikings vs. Philadelphia Eagles -6; Total 49
Let’s stay hot in the NFL! The Minnesota Vikings are coming off an embarrassing performance in which Baker Mayfield eventually got comfortable and picked apart the Vikings defense. The Vikings defense will face a quarterback a little better than Mayfield tonight. Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles offense had a decent game but nothing special. The Vikings pass rush is weak, in my opinion. They were able to muster only one sack against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Eagles, like the Buccaneers, will bring the pressure tonight.
Let’s get down to brass tacks here. Watching this game last year, two things were extremely evident: The Eagles passing offense, with all of its weapons, absolutely picked apart the weak Vikings pass defense. We learned last week that it has not improved one bit. The second aspect is: Darius Slay completely shut down Justin Jefferson. I mean, he completely eliminated him from the game. I do not see that changing.
The Eagles allowed Mac Jones to throw for more than 300 yards at about a 66% completion clip. This was mostly because the Patriots had to throw every down after starting the game down 16-0, so Jones was able to rack up yards. Another issue is the Eagles lost cornerback James Bradberry, linebacker Nakobe Dean and safety Reed Blankenship, who will be out tonight. Will this matter?
The Vikings may have the bigger injury issues with starting center Garrett Bradbury out and starting left tackle Christian Darrisaw questionable. The Eagles pass rush will be licking their chops every snap. Blood in the water.
I believe the Eagles will be ready to put on a better performance tonight despite the defensive injuries and running back Kenneth Gainwell being out. D’Andre Swift will be showcased along with the Eagles’ passing attack. The Vikings’ issues on the offensive line will be an issue even if Darrisaw starts. Darius Slay will be following Justin Jefferson closer than Jefferson’s own shadow tonight.
Pick: Eagles -6 (-110) & Under 49 [via Caesars]
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