Game: Minnesota Vikings @ Philadelphia Eagles
Time: 8;15 p.m.
Odds: Vikings +5.5, Eagles -5.5
Total: 49.5
When the Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings meet tonight at Lincoln Financial Field, both teams are hoping for much better offensive performances. The Eagles are 1-0 SU, and 1-0 ATS after a 25-20 victory over New England. Philadelphia won thanks to four field goals and a defensive touchdown. Minnesota, on the other hand, suffered an unexpected loss to the Buccaneers at home thanks to three turnovers.
Philadelphia improved to 9-2 SU and ATS in the previous 11 meetings with Minnesota when they beat the Vikings 24-7 in Week 2 last season. The Vikings’ luck may be running out in 2023. Last season, Minnesota went an unprecedented 11-0 in games decided by one score. Last week, Minnesota fell to Tampa Bay 20-17 in their home and season opener. Although they outgained the Buccaneers 287-95 in the first half, the Vikes were also their own worst enemy because they made three early mistakes that prevented them from getting out to a sizable lead.
Minnesota QB Kirk Cousins was responsible for all three turnovers, including two fumbles that overshadowed his 344 passing yards. Justin Jefferson caught seven passes for 138 yards, with five of them (126 yards total) coming in the first half. The Vikings’ demise was also aided by Minnesota’s special teams, which jumped offside to prolong a Tampa Bay drive that ended in a touchdown.
Although it was far from a convincing performance, the defending NFC champions opened the season with a victory at New England. Philly jumped out to an early 16-0 lead before being outscored 20-9 the rest of the way. To keep the lead, Philly needed a late fourth-down stop in its own end.
The Eagles potent offense managed Just 251 net yards against the Patriots last week. Fortunately, the Philly defense produced takeaways that resulted in 13 points, including a pick-six by Darius Slay. Kicker Jake Elliott was a perfect 4-for-4 on field goals, including two of them from 50 yards or more.
After losing middle linebacker Nakobe Dean for a number of games due to a foot injury, the Eagles’ defense might not be as strong this week. James Bradberry, a cornerback, could also be sidelined due to concussion protocol.
When catching points, Minnesota is 1-7 SU and ATS in its last eight games. The Vikings haven’t exactly thrived in the underdog position. But there is reason for hope. The Vikings defense held Tampa Bay to just 73 yards rushing. Philly likes to run the ball and amassed 163 yards on the ground against the Vikings last season. Given that nine of their 11 victories by a single point last season came when the Vikings did not turn the ball over more than their opponent, Minnesota cannot afford to lose the turnover battle either.
Eagles QB Jalen Hurts and the rest of Philly’s offensive starters should be much sharper in their second game after not playing a single preseason series. That is a strategy head coach Nick Sirianni told reporters he’s reconsidering after their underwhelming performance in Week 1. The Eagles will be without three key contributors. RB Kenneth Gainwell, CB James Bradbury, and S Reed Blankenship are all out for tonight. DT Fletcher Cox is questionable.
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