Key Prop Bets and Betting Insights for the Eagles vs. Falcons Matchup
The Week 2 Monday Night Football matchup features the Philadelphia Eagles (1-0) taking on the Atlanta Falcons (0-1). The game, scheduled for September 16, 2024, is set to showcase exciting moments, and bettors have a chance to capitalize on numerous prop bets that could prove lucrative.
Game Overview and Betting Odds
The Eagles are entering the game as 5.5-point favorites over the Falcons. Despite their strong start to the season, the betting market has shown confidence in the underdog Falcons, who are looking to rebound from their opening-week loss.
- Spread: Eagles -5.5 (-110 to cover)
- Moneyline: Eagles -250, Falcons +200
- Total: 46.5 points (Over: -110, Under: -110)
Prediction: Falcons 27, Eagles 19
With the over/under set at 46.5 points, the prediction here suggests a lower-scoring game. Those looking to bet on the total points might want to consider taking the under in this contest, especially with both teams showing a tendency to keep scores manageable early in the season.
Prop Bets Breakdown: Eagles vs. Falcons
Prop bets for this game range from player-specific performance to team outcomes, offering several exciting betting angles. Let’s dive into the most compelling prop bet insights for this Monday Night Football clash.
First Touchdown Scorer
One of the most popular prop bets in any NFL game is wagering on which team will score the first touchdown.
- Eagles first touchdown odds: -190
- Falcons first touchdown odds: +140
Eagles’ First TD Insights:
- The Eagles scored the first touchdown in 10 of their 17 games last season.
- In those games, they split their touchdown methods evenly, scoring five rushing TDs and five passing TDs.
- The Eagles ranked fifth in first-quarter touchdowns last year, with a total of 10 first-quarter scores.
Falcons’ First TD Insights:
- The Falcons managed to score the first touchdown in nine of their 17 games in 2023.
- Of those nine scores, they recorded two rushing touchdowns and seven passing touchdowns.
- However, Atlanta ranked just 19th in the league in terms of first-quarter touchdowns, with only six.
Given these statistics, betting on the Eagles to score the first touchdown could be a safer play, especially with the stronger trend of first-quarter performance. However, bettors looking for higher potential payouts might consider wagering on the underdog Falcons.
Player Prop Bets
One of the most intriguing aspects of prop bets is honing in on individual player performances. For this matchup, let’s look at the most notable player prop bets available.
Jalen Hurts Prop Bets
Jalen Hurts, the dynamic quarterback for the Eagles, will undoubtedly play a critical role in this game. Here’s a breakdown of his key prop bets:
- Passing yard prop: Over/Under 233.5 yards
- Rushing yard prop: Over/Under 40.5 yards
Passing Insights:
- Last season, Hurts averaged 226.9 passing yards per game, slightly below his current prop bet total of 233.5 yards.
- Hurts hit the over on his passing yard total in only one game last season when such props were available.
- He also threw a touchdown in 13 of his 17 games, including six games where he tossed multiple touchdowns.
With a balanced Eagles offense, it’s possible Hurts could struggle to surpass the 233.5 passing yards mark, especially against a Falcons defense that could focus on limiting his deep throws.
Bijan Robinson Prop Bets
The Falcons will be counting on rookie sensation Bijan Robinson to help carry the load in this matchup.
- Rushing yard prop: Over/Under 67.5 yards
- Receiving yard prop: Over/Under 31.5 yards
Rushing Insights:
- Last season, Robinson averaged 57.4 rushing yards per game, making the current rushing prop slightly higher at 67.5 yards.
- Robinson also scored rushing touchdowns in four games last season but never managed to score more than one in any game.
Receiving Insights:
- Robinson’s receiving yard prop is set at 31.5 yards, a figure that could be achievable given his versatility as both a runner and receiver.
- Bettors looking to wager on his receiving yards might find the over attractive, especially if the Falcons utilize Robinson as a check-down option in the passing game.
Kirk Cousins Prop Bets
Kirk Cousins, the veteran quarterback for the Falcons, also has intriguing prop bets available:
- Passing yard prop: Over/Under 225.5 yards
- Rushing yard prop: Over/Under 0.5 yards
Passing Insights:
- Cousins averaged an impressive 291.4 passing yards per game last year, far exceeding his current prop bet of 225.5 yards.
- He threw for multiple touchdowns in seven of his eight games last season, making him a solid candidate for bettors looking at over bets on passing TD props.
Given Cousins’ track record, the over 225.5 passing yards seems like a favorable play, especially with Atlanta’s offense looking to exploit the Eagles’ secondary.
Team Prop Bets: Eagles vs. Falcons
Along with player-specific prop bets, there are several team prop bets that bettors can focus on. These include wagers on overall team scoring, halves, and quarters.
Team to Score First
- Eagles odds: -190
- Falcons odds: +140
As previously mentioned, the Eagles were one of the most efficient teams in the first quarter last season, ranking fifth in touchdowns. Their odds reflect their higher probability of starting the game with points on the board. Bettors looking for a slightly safer bet might lean toward the Eagles, but those hoping for a higher return could take a chance on the Falcons at +140.
First Half Scoring
Another exciting prop is wagering on the total points in the first half. This is ideal for bettors who want quicker results than waiting for the entire game outcome.
- Over/Under for the first half: TBD based on sportsbook updates
Given the Eagles’ penchant for fast starts, it might be worth looking at the over for first-half points, especially if the prop lines are favorable.
Best Betting Strategy for Monday Night
This Monday Night Football game presents several betting opportunities for sharp bettors. Whether focusing on player props, team performance, or first touchdown bets, the data provides key insights for potential value.
- Eagles to Score First: Given their strong first-quarter performance last season, this bet at -190 could pay off.
- Under 46.5 Total Points: With both teams showing defensive prowess and the game predicted to be low-scoring, taking the under could be a solid play.
- Bijan Robinson Receiving Yards: Robinson’s ability to contribute in the passing game makes the over 31.5 receiving yards a valuable bet to consider.
Conclusion
As the Eagles take on the Falcons in Week 2 of the 2024 NFL season, bettors will have a wide array of prop bets to consider. Whether focusing on Jalen Hurts’ passing yards, Bijan Robinson’s rushing and receiving contributions, or team-based prop bets, there are several exciting opportunities to explore. Keep an eye on the first touchdown prop and consider placing bets on individual player performances for potentially lucrative returns.
Be sure to manage your bankroll wisely and always gamble responsibly.
