NFL nut Kyle Brown (@Kyleianbrown) runs the rule over the NFL 2018/19 season opener as Atlanta Falcons travel to Philadelphia Eagles.
Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles | Friday 7th September 2018, 01:20 | Sky Sports
The NFL regular season makes its eagerly awaited return with a juicy first match-up featuring the Atlanta Falcons and reigning Super Bowl champions, the Philadelphia Eagles.
I’m not going as far as saying the Falcons will win, but I fancy them to score a lot. Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and the running back tandem of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman will make even the stingiest of defences gulp.
By their own standards the offence had a mediocre year last season, but I put that down to having a new offensive co-ordinator in Steve Sarkisian. Now they’ve had a full year to adapt to his system, coupled with the fact they aren’t suffering from any notable offensive injuries like the Eagles (Wentz, Jeffery), I fancy them to wreak havoc on the Philadelphia defence.
Freeman and Coleman may find things harder coming up against the #1 run defence in the 2017 season, but the Falcons are blessed with enough talent that they aren’t considered a one-dimensional offense.
The Eagles, on the other hand, will be reliant on their wall-like offensive line to protect whatever quarterback is given the nod on game day.
I expect it to be Nick Foles, as do bookmakers going by their relatively short handicap. He’s had a poor pre-season coming off of his Super Bowl MVP performance, but he still has enough talent to take Philadelphia into the end zone.
I anticipate this will be a high scoring but close match, being settled by a field goal or less.
Best Bets
Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles – Julio Jones first touchdown scorer (8/1 SkyBet)
Atlanta Falcons @ Philadelphia Eagles – Atlanta Falcons to score Over 27.5 Points (3/1 SkyBet)
