Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles Betting Preview/Prop Picks
19 September 2022
Time: 8:30 pm ET
Dunkel Ratings: Minnesota 129.034; Philadelphia 138.907
Dunkel Line & Total: Philadelphia by 10; 60
Vegas Line & Total: Philadelphia by 1 ½; 52
Dunkel Pick: Philadelphia (-1 ½); Over
With a 1-0 record heading into this game, the Minnesota Vikings are feeling good. The only trouble is they can't get too far ahead of themselves after a Week 1 victory.
Too often do we see teams with slightly too much confidence be humbled in the following week. They need to stick to what they're good at, feeding WR Justin Jefferson; that's how they'll win this game tonight.
The Philadelphia Eagles are also 1-0 heading into this game. Week 1 wasn't a pretty victory for the Eagles, but they got the job done, beating the Detroit Lions.
Now, with another NFC North team in front of them, the Eagles are looking to go 2-0. It won't be easy to beat the Vikings, and these teams have a lot of history. The Eagles come in as narrow favorites, only a 1.5-spread.
Minnesota Vikings: Vikings need to keep Kirk Cousins clean
The success of the Minnesota Vikings solely depends on their passing game. The only way they can have a strong game is if they keep Kirk Cousins clean.
Last week, when they played the Green Bay Packers, Cousins was sacked just once. In that game, he went 23-32 with 277 yards and two passing touchdowns. WR Justin Jefferson had 184 receiving yards and two scores.
Their offense won't be able to do their best without a strong defensive backing. The Packers earned a lot of rushing yards late in the game against the Vikings' defense.
Still, Minnesota remained resilient; however, we see a few problems. Aaron Rodgers isn't much of a threat with his legs anymore, and Eagles QB Jalen Hurts is. Can they stop him from escaping the pocket?
Philadelphia Eagles: Eagles need to get creative this week
Something the Philadelphia Eagles will need to do is get creative against Minnesota. They have two strong running backs and a mobile quarterback.
They can use these tools to expose the Minnesota defense and earn yards. Last week, the Eagles put up 455 yards against the Detroit Lions; look for them to do the same here. It all starts with a strong game from Jalen Hurts.
In Week 1, Jalen Hurts went 18-32 with 243 yards; he didn't have a single passing touchdown. This week, Hurts might focus more on passing but don't count too heavily on it.
Miles Sanders had 13 carries for 96 yards, while the Eagles rushing offense earned 216 total yards. The Vikings will likely have a hard time guarding WR A.J. Brown, who earned 155 receiving yards.
Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles Betting Pick
Each of these teams is well-equipped to win today's game, but only one can come out on top. The Vikings had a strong Week 1 performance; however, they were facing a rusty Packers team. This week might be slightly different as they're on the road in hostile territory.
Now that the league has seen the way the Vikings plan to use Justin Jefferson, the secrets out. Expect the Eagles to put a lot of pressure on Kirk Cousins as well. Jalen Hurts' mobility will play a huge factor in the Eagles' win over the Vikings today.
DunkelIndex Free Pick: Philadelphia Eagles -1.5, OVER
Prop Picks
Philadelphia (-115) OVER 25.5 Points
Philadelphia averaged 25.5 points per game on offense last season, which ranked No. 12 in the NFL. That average increased to 26.8 points per game at home. Minnesota allowed 25.1 points per game on defense last season, which ranked No. 24 in the NFL. That average increased to 28.0 points per game on the road. Scores have gone OVER in nine of the Vikings’ last 11 road games.
With Dunkel predicting a Philadelphia win by the score of 35-25, take the Eagles (-115) to finish OVER their Vegas team total of 25.5 points against the Vikings.
Kirk Cousins (-110) OVER 278.5 Passing Yards
Minnesota averaged 249.3 passing yards per game last season, which ranked No. 10 in the NFL. Philadelphia allowed 222.2 passing yards per game last season, which ranked No. 11 in the NFL. That average increased to 239.1 passing yards per game at home.
With Dunkel predicting the final score going OVER the Vegas point total, take Cousins (-110) to finish OVER 278.5 passing yards versus the Eagles.
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