Thursday Night Football: Vikings at Eagles Expert Pick – September 7, 2023

THURSDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL: VIKINGS AT EAGLES EXPERT PICK – SEPTEMBER 7, 2023 – The Eagles are hosting the Vikings in their home opener following a tough road victory against the Patriots.

One team was less fortunate in injuries sustained in week one, which could give them an advantage. It should be an intense game between two teams with fiery fanbases.

Related: NFL Week Two Fantasy Sleepers

The Odds

Kickoff

When: Thursday, September 14th at 8:15 p.m. EDT

Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA

TV: Amazon Prime Video

Public Bets: 65% on Eagles

Public Money: 54% on Vikings

Odds courtesy of DraftKings, correct as of September 14th, 2023.

Minnesota Vikings

Kirk Cousins and the Vikings lost their opening game to the Buccaneers. They had three turnovers but outgained the Bucs by 100+ yards. Cousins was responsible for all three (two fumbles and one interception) and needs to take care of the ball better this week.

Justin Jefferson was his usual self with nine catches for 150 yards but did not find paydirt. T.J. Hockenson came in second on the team in targets with nine, and rookie Jordan Addison had six, which he turned into four catches and his first career TD. Alexander Mattison was inefficient with 11 carries for 34 yards, but he did score a touchdown on one of his three receptions.

The defense allowed 242 total yards to the Baker Mayfield-led Bucs but did not force any turnovers and had one sack. They were good against the pass, which is the norm when playing against Mayfield. They need to be better against the run this week because the Eagles have a dangerous rushing attack.

Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles had a grueling game in Foxborough in week one. They jumped out to a 16-point lead in the first quarter after two turnovers from the Patriots. They were outscored in the following three quarters, 20-9.

The Patriots have a great defense that returned most starters from last season’s quality unit, so take it with a grain of salt. They did sustain some injuries in that game.

Nakobe Dean suffered a right foot injury and was placed on IR this week. He should be back in a few weeks. Cornerback James Bradberry is in the concussion protocol and is doubtful for the game on Thursday night. Fletcher Cox and Kenneth Gainwell are dealing with rib injuries, but the former is probable, and the latter is questionable.

Bradberry’s status is significant if he does not suit up, but the defense should perform well on a short week.

Minnesota Vikings vs. Philadelphia Eagles Head-To-Head

The matchup between Jefferson and Darius Slay may be the most vital in this game. The Vikings ran the ball on 35.62% of plays last season and 26.98% in week one. They want to throw the ball, which may be difficult against the Eagles’ front seven.

The Eagles had two sacks in week one, but they affected the game much more. They registered seven QB hits on Mac Jones. The Bucs sacked Cousins twice and tallied nine QB hits versus the Vikings’ offensive line. Cousins will be under duress all night, which is usually bad news for Vikings fans.

When the Eagles have the football, they should be able to find openings in the passing game. Mayfield managed 173 yards and two TDs but was not accurate in the first half. He returned much more dialed in during the second half and made good throws on multiple pivotal downs.

Hurts should have a good game with his arm in this one and could contribute plenty in the rushing attack, especially if Gainwell cannot play.

Prediction

Over/Under

The total for the game has not moved since opening but seems to be moving towards the under. Under 49 is a solid play, as the Vikings may be stagnant on offense due to the pass rush.

Spread

The Eagles are seven-point favorites at home and should be bet at that number.

Player Prop

Kirk Cousins will be under pressure all night and is notorious for not playing great in primetime games. He is -120 to throw an interception on DraftKings, which is a good number for this prop.