NFL Week 2 kicks off with two NFC Divisional champions from last season, as the Vikings head to the Link to take on the Eagles. Both teams were a little underwhelming in Week 1, with the Vikings going down at home to the Buccaneers, whilst the Eagles got a little lucky to get past the Patriots in New England. With the Week 1 rust behind us, this is a good chance for both teams to show who they are this season.
Below, we will dissect the match up, previewing how we think things will play out, and give out our Best Bet. We had a great start to the season last week, so make sure you are following Before You Bet, as we will have dedicated NFL Match Previews for all prime time games this season, as well as a huge NFL Monday mega preview...all for free!
Philadelphia Eagles vs Minnesota Vikings Preview & Tips
Lincoln Financial Field, Friday 15th September, 10:15am (AEST)
Last Week
The Eagles looked as though they were straight back into mid-season form, jumping out to a 16-0 first quarter lead over the Patriots, with a Darius Slay pick-6 and Jalen Hurts TD pass getting the Eagles moving. But after this cracking start, the Eagles really didn’t look great, particularly on offense. In fact, over the last three quarters, the Patriots actually won 20-9. The Patriots had 131 more yards, averaged 0.8 yards per play more, and had better 3rd and 4th down conversion rates. The Eagles won the turnover battle 2-1, and ultimately snuck home in a game they certainly could have lost.
As for the Vikings, they were basically the opposite of the Eagles. The Vikings had 127 more yards, had 2.3 yards per play more, and looked far better offensively than the Bucs, who struggled. Unfortunately, for the Vikings at least, they lost the turnover battle 3-0, and that was the only stat that mattered. A shout out to Justin Jefferson, who continues to be an absolute freak, catching 12 balls for 150 yards, with 69 yards after the catch. Beast.
Injury Report
Philadelphia Eagles
Roderick Johnson (OT) – OUT
Shaun Bradley (LB) – OUT
Reed Blankenship (SAF) – Questionable
James Bradberry (CB) – Questionable
Nakobe Dean (LB) – Questionable
Fletcher Cox (DT) – Questionable
Kenneth Gainwell (RB) – Questionable
Minnesota Vikings
James Lynch (DT) – OUT
Kene Nwangwu (RB) – OUT
Chris Reed (OG) – OUT
Christian Darrisaw (OT) – Questionable
Marcus Davenport (LB) – Questionable
Garrett Bradbury (C) – Questionable
Match Preview
These teams met in Week 2 of last season, again at the Link, with the Eagles busting out of the gate to take a 24-7 lead into half-time. Amazingly, there were no points scored by either team in the 2nd half, with the Eagles running the ball down the Vikings’ throats to walk away easy winners.
Fast forward 12 months, and the Eagles have a chance to get back into some decent form, against a Vikings team that looked a little below their 2022 level last week, in a shock home loss to the Buccaneers. 3 turnovers are a concern for the Vikings, given the amazing defence by the Eagles last season, and unless Justin Jefferson can put on an absolute masterclass, the Eagles will surely be too good in this one.
The spread was Eagles -7 on the look ahead, which bumped to -7.5 at re-open, however with news that James Bradberry is likely out this week with a concussion on a short turnaround, money has come in on the Vikings, where you can now see a 6.5 on the Eagles. My number for the game is Eagles -8, so I see terrific value here on the Eagles to win by a touchdown or more.
As for the total, it was 48 on the look-ahead, and re-opened at 48.5. Given both teams’ relatively slow start to the season offensively, I’m not sure I agree with the number being this high. Totals were down last weekend, with 12 of the 16 games going under the closing total. I expect both teams’ offenses to look improved this week, however I’m yet to see it, so I won’t be betting on the total. If the Vikings’ team total bounces up to 21.5, I will look at an under in this market, but for now, just the bet on the Eagles to cover.
Philadelphia Eagles (-6.5)
$1.91 (2 units)
