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NFL Picks Sept 14: Bet on Eagles to Fly High vs Vikings

· Sep 12 - 4 minutes read

Week 2’s edition of Thursday Night Football features the Minnesota Vikings (0-1) visiting the Philadelphia Eagles (1-0). NFL futures odds have the Vikings (+240) and Eagles (-900) as potential playoff teams. Minnesota’s odds jumped after Week 1’s upset loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Philadelphia survived with a 25-20 win against the New England Patriots.

The Eagles went 8-3 against the spread (ATS) in home games last season. The Vikings have a tall task, as they visit one of the most hostile atmospheres in football. Will Minnesota pull off the upset? Let’s look at the top NFL picks for Sept. 14.

NFL Picks Sept 14: Bet on Eagles to Fly High vs Vikings

Philly to Repeat Dominant Defensive Performance?

In the 2022 season, the Vikings and Eagles featured some of the league’s most explosive offenses. Minnesota ranked third in passing yards per game, and Philadelphia was eighth in points per game. Both teams should finish near the top of these respective stats once again.

As usual, the Vikings’ Justin Jefferson was a menace in Week 1, recording 150 receiving yards. Plus, first-round rookie Jordan Addison reeled in a 39-yard touchdown. However, it could be tough sliding against the Eagles.

Jordan Addison’s Debut:
-36/64 Offensive Snaps (56.3%)

Alignment:
-Outside Left: 12
-Outside Right: 13
-Slot 11

4 rec, 61 yards, TD on 6 targetspic.twitter.com/fZzW37XmgG

— Purple FTW! Podcast (@PurpleForTheWin) September 11, 2023

Minnesota’s offense was one-dimensional in the season opener with 41 rushing yards on 2.4 yards per carry. Philly allowed only 3.5 yards per carry in Week 1.

The Eagles’ defense dominated last year’s head-to-head matchup, holding the Vikings to only 264 total yards and seven points. Minnesota also failed to get the run game going with 62 yards. Minnesota’s rushing attack is only worse without running back Dalvin Cook. Philadelphia still has a stacked front seven capable of wreaking havoc.

Ultimately, the under looks like a favorable bet. It’s not a low total either at 48½. The under for the Vikings’ total could also be one of the best NFL picks this week.

Pick: Under 48½ (-110)

Vikings’ Offensive Line Could Be Overmatched

The Eagles were not perfect in the season opener. They came out firing, leading the Pats 16-0 in the first quarter. Following the avalanche of points, Philly would score only nine points in the final three quarters. The offense totaled 251 yards and stalled far too much, kicking four field goals. Still, this team remains one of our NFL future odds’ favorites to win Super Bowl 58 (+700).

Fortunately, the Eagles will not be facing one of the greatest defensive minds of all time in Week 2. Minnesota’s defense pales in comparison to coach Bill Belichick’s in New England.

In addition, the Vikings’ offensive line looked susceptible against the Bucs. Philly’s front, which ranked first in sacks last season, could feast. Minnesota allowed nine QB hits against Tampa Bay. The Eagles totaled seven QB hits on defense.

Rookie defensive tackle Jalen Carter was the star of the show, credited with eight pressures by Pro Football Focus. You have got to be kidding me. Philadelphia has another budding star on the D-line, as if it needed it.

Jalen Carter holy sh*t…

Teams will be planning against him specifically very soon.#Eagles pic.twitter.com/6g3DMPDrPH

— Thomas R. Petersen (@thomasrp93) September 11, 2023

The Vikings had three turnovers and Philly forced two in Week 1. Minnesota was 4-4 ATS in road games last season. Ultimately, Thursday’s game could look like 2022’s head-to-head matchup, which the Eagles won 24-7. Philadelphia’s defense is poised for a dominant outing, and the offense should increase its productivity.

Pick: Philadelphia Eagles -7 (-110)