Falcons vs. Eagles: Preview, score prediction and more for Week 1

The Atlanta Falcons will take on the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles on Thursday to begin Week 1 of the 2018 NFL season.

The NFC representatives from the past two Super Bowls will square off on Thursday, Sept. 6 in the first game of the 2018 NFL regular season. It’ll be the Atlanta Falcons traveling north to Lincoln Financial Field to take on the defending champion Philadelphia Eagles. What’s more, these two teams met in the NFL Playoffs one season ago — and, obviously, the Eagles came out on top.

To kick off Week 1 the regular season, however, Nick Foles and Philadelphia aren’t taking anyone by surprise. The backup to Carson Wentz was magical in the postseason on the way to the Super Bowl victory. With Wentz still recovering from his torn ACL, Foles will get the start against the Falcons, but will have a defense ready for him and head coach Doug Pederson’s bag of tricks.

These are two teams with postseason and Super Bowl aspirations once again, making it a fitting way to start the 2018 season. With that said, we don’t know anything for sure until the opening kickoff. Having that in mind, let’s take a look at what each team needs to do in this game on Thursday night.

Eagles Keys to Victory

Philly having Foles back at the helm of the offense ultimately limits what they’re capable of on that side of the ball. Perhaps more importantly, the heavy dosage of RPOs that led to the quarterback’s success throughout the playoffs may not get the job done quite as effectively, especially with Alshon Jeffery also out due to injury. Subsequently, the offense must rely heavily on Jay Ajayi and on the intermediate play from Zach Ertz and Nelson Agholor.

While there are some concerns with the offense, the defense shouldn’t have similar worries. Though Brandon Graham has been dealing with injuries all offseason, this group is as deep as there is in the NFL. Having said that, the keys for the Eagles on defense are simple: Get after Matt Ryan and don’t have lapses in coverage. Atlanta’s offensive attack through the air can be lethal, but Philadelphia has the talent to hold them in check.

Falcons Keys to Victory

Matt Ryan and the Falcons offense undoubtedly took a big step back last season from where they were in 2016. It was evident that the change at offensive coordinator from Kyle Shanahan to Steve Sarkisian had a negative effect on the group. Subsequently, the biggest key for Atlanta in their season-opener and, really, throughout the entirety of 2018 is to find that rhythm. The weapons are there from Julio Jones to Devonta Freeman to rookie Calvin Ridley, but they have to get it done.

As for the defense, the biggest X-factor for this group might be Deion Jones in the middle of the field. The ultra-versatile linebacker will largely be patrolling that portion of the field, and the Eagles will almost surely be trying attack that area with Foles at quarterback. Therefore, how Atlanta is able to step up and defend there will be critical to their success.

Betting Odds

Point Spread: Philadelphia -1
Moneyline: Philadelphia -130, Atlanta +110
Over/Under: 44.5

All odds courtesy of Odds Shark.

Prediction

Ultimately, I don’t see the Eagles being able to recreate the magic they found in the playoffs last year with Foles. There’s no doubt he’s one of the better backups in the league, but there is overwhelming evidence of both he and many other quarterbacks in NFL history getting hot at the right time, but not having the consistency. And when you put that up against a quality team like the Falcons, that spells an Atlanta victory.

Final Score: Atlanta Falcons 24, Philadelphia Eagles 14