EDITORIAL BY GRAYDON FOX

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Overview:

On Thursday, September 6^th, the Atlanta Falcons will be on the road to take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the opening game of the 2018 NFL season.

The Crowd:

“The Crowd” is projecting a final score of Eagles 22.1 – Falcons 20.5 with an over/under of 42.6.

2017-18 Statistics (32 total teams):

Yards per game:  Eagles 365.8 (7^th) > Falcons 364.8 (8^th)

Points per game: Eagles 28.6 (3^rd) > Falcons 22.1 (15^th)

Turnover margin: Eagles +11 > Falcons -2

Yards allowed per game: Eagles 306.5 (4^th) > Falcons 318.4 (9^th)

Points allowed per game: Eagles 18.4 (4^th) > Falcons 19.7 (8^th)

Summary:

The defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles didn’t need to do much tinkering to an already championship caliber roster.  Quarterback Carson Wentz is returning from his ACL tear and will look to build on an otherwise exceptional season.  The depth at quarterback is cause for concern especially after backup Nick Foles struggled in the preseason.  A dominant offensive line will pave the way for running back Jay Ajayi who I expect to make more of an impact than he did in his first year with the Eagles.  New additions Michael Bennett and Mike Wallace should make an immediate impact and won’t be expected to put up monster numbers.  Philadelphia’s defense is absolutely loaded on all three levels whether it’s Fletcher Cox, Brandon Graham, Nigel Bradham, or Malcolm Jenkins.  The Eagles (+162) led the league in point differential last season.

The Falcons are coming off a (10-6) season and were eliminated by the Eagles in the playoffs.  Matt Ryan followed up his 2016 MVP season by throwing for over 4,000 yards and 20 touchdowns.  Ryan was not nearly as efficient in the red-zone and will need to cut down on his 12 interceptions.  I expect Devonta Freeman to bounce back with another 1,000 yard season with double digit touchdowns.  Atlanta drafted Alabama’s Calvin Ridley to play alongside All-Pro receiver Julio Jones.  The defense will miss Dontari Poe clogging the middle but they have loads of talent on that side of the ball.  Cornerback Desmond Trufant and linebacker Deion Jones are among the best in the league at their respective positions.  Vic Beasley is the key to the Falcons having an elite defense as his sack production dropped from 15.5 in 2016 to just 5 last year.  The Falcons (+38) ranked 10^th in the NFL in point differential in 2017.

Bottom Line:

The absence of Carson Wentz leaves a big question mark at quarterback especially after Foles looked shaky in the preseason.  Foles will have fewer weapons to work with as Eagles running back Jay Ajayi was limited all week with a foot injury and wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey has already been ruled out.  The Falcons will be motivated after losing to Philadelphia in the playoffs last year and will send a message to the defending champs by winning on their home turf.

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