Atlanta Falcons vs Philadelphia Eagles: Free NFC Playoff Prediction, 1–13–2018
Free NFL Spread Pick by Ray Lucas of Sports Investor Central
Atlanta Falcons (11–6) vs Philadelphia Eagles (13–3)
Time: January 13th 4:35 PM EST
Current Odds: Eagles +3, 41
The suddenly dangerous, reigning NFC Champions, Atlanta Falcons travel north to take on the NFC East Champions, the Philadelphia Eagles. Odds have the visiting Falcons slated as -3 point road favorites but is there an opportunity with the Eagles +3 even without Carson Wentz?
Atlanta has a new outlook on this season and they are fresh off a Wild Card win in Los Angeles over the Rams as +6 point road dogs. Atlanta covered the spread and won SU but more importantly, they remain alive to defend their NFC title.
How did the Falcons get here? Defense. Over the last six games, the Falcons are (4–2 SU) but their defense has allowed 16.3 PPG on average during this span. While the Falcons offense isn’t as dangerous as the 2016 version, they still have the same weapons. Matt Ryan has been nearly flawless in his last four playoff games, posting a sparkling 11:0 TD to INT ratio. Julio Jones will be the “X” factor in this playoff game if the Eagles rush defense is able to stuff the run. Philadelphia’s defense is susceptible to big plays down the field and has allowed 227 passing yards per game. This is a glaring weakness of the Eagles defense so you can expect Matt Ryan and Julio Jones to exploit this weakness on Saturday.
Philadelphia had a dream season going until MVP candidate, Carson Wentz, went down with an ACL tear. There weren’t many handicappers or media analysts that predicted the Eagles even making the playoffs, never mind a 13–3 season and winning their division. Regardless, they have been one of the top teams the entire season despite losing a host of starters throughout the season and they keep fighting. If you don’t think they feel disrespected by Vegas pegging them as +3 point underdogs at home, you would be naive.
The Eagles may not need backup Nick Foles to play like Carson Wentz if the Eagles defense plays a dominant game. The Eagles defense have a top 5 defense and they clearly play inspired football at home. The lone home loss was to Dallas in Week 17 with the backups and scout team on the field. The Eagles have a great chance if this defense is able to put Matt Ryan on his back, often.
Philadelphia’s offense was one of the best, if not the best, offense in the NFL with Wentz under center. However, they need a different game plan with Foles taking the snaps and that game plan needs to rely on the run game. The Eagles will rely on their running game to do damage in this matchup. They feature a dangerous three-headed monster of Jay Ajayi, LeGarrette Blount, and rookie Corey Clement. These three backs each bring something different to the table and they can rotate them on and off the field which can wear down opposing defenses. If the Eagles expect to win this game it won’t be on the back of Nick Foles but because they committed to the run early and often.
In order to win in the NFL Playoffs, you need a run game and a stout defense. The Eagles have both. Lincoln Financial Field is a very difficult place to play. The weather shouldn’t be a factor but the fans will be. Three of the last four games for the Falcons have been on the road and eventually, the travel catches up with teams. The Eagles have the benefit of rest and the home field advantage, where they have been dominant this season. I expect this Eagles team to play inspired football and prove the doubters wrong. My money will back the Eagles +3 in this matchup and I like them to win this game outright.
Falcons vs Eagles FREE Pick: Philadelphia Eagles +3
