NFL Week 8 Trends – Atlanta Falcons vs. Philadelphia Eagles
I’m sure that some NFL betting fans had circled this game on the NFL calendar as one to take a big swing on. I mean, the Falcons were just horrible last year. Any team that goes through that many changes during the off season – – new quarterback, new coach, different offensive philosophy, etc. – – couldn’t possibly challenge some of the better teams in the NFC for a playoff berth, could it?
Well, that’s exactly what the Falcons are doing. For football betting fans, the Falcons have been a pleasant surprise this season. They are 4 and 2 against the spread. It’s a record that mirrors their straight-up record. The Atlanta Falcons have all the makings of a serious contender in the NFC South. Who would have thought that when this season started?
The Philadelphia Eagles looked to be in hot water after losing to the Chicago Bears on Sunday night a few weeks ago. The Eagles have also been very good against the BetUS Sportsbook wagering spread this season going 4 and 2. At home they have played 3 under games. On the road they have played 3 over games.
They are at home for this one so I expect their defense to be a bit more aggressive since they are playing against a rookie quarterback in Matt Ryan and they had a bye week to get ready for this game.
Here are the BetUS online sportsbook NFL odds for this game:
Kick-off: 10/26/2008 1:00 pm est.
Atlanta Falcons + 9 – 110 + 310 O 45 ½ – 110
Philadelphia Eagles – 9 – 110 – 380 U 45 ½ – 110
Here are a few online wagering trends that might help us find a good online bet in this game:
The Atlanta Falcons are 4 and 1 against the spread in their last 5 games after a bye week.
The Atlanta Falcons are 6 and 2 against the spread in their last 8 games overall.
The Philadelphia Eagles are 8 and 2 against the spread in their last 10 games following a bye week.
The Philadelphia Eagles are 5 and 2 against the spread in their last 7 games vs. a rival from the NFC Conference.
The Eagles are the better team. Let’s make no mistake as online betting fans, the Eagles have the better offense and the quicker defense. They will find ways to get the ball into the end zone.
But the Falcons aren’t that bad. In fact, I have a lot of faith in both Michael Turner, the Falcons’ big free agent acquisition, and quarterback Matt Ryan. Because the Eagles’ defense will try to blitz Ryan, reading the defense and getting the ball out quickly will be important for Ryan and the Falcons to be successful on offense. On defense the Falcons will just need to contain Donovan McNabb and that high-scoring, high-flying group. If they do that, they could keep this game within reach.
I do believe the Eagles win this game, but I can’t endorse them at the online wagering spread of – 9 points. I just think that 9 are too many points to give up to a team like the Atlanta Falcons who have proven this season to be a tough team to beat.
NFL Week 8 Prediction:
I like Atlanta to beat the online sportsbook betting spread.
