Sometimes it can be hard finding a team worthy of your bet on NFL games, but the way Carson Wentz led the Eagles in their 2016 debut made it hard not to jump on the Eagles’ bandwagon. Entering the season there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding this Philly squad, considering this was the first year the Birds would step onto the gridiron with Doug Pederson at the helm.
Pederson was called upon to lead the team after the disaster that was the Chip Kelly era. Fans were eager for a turnaround and Pederson didn’t fail to deliver, trading away then starter Sam Bradford a mere 8 days before the season started. Pederson’s decision was met with praise as Philly fans gave Wentz a standing ovation as he walked onto the field.
If fans were cheerful of Wentz’ being the starter before the game, then they were exuberant after the contest was finished. The rookie out of North Dakota State finished the day completing 22/37 passes for a total of 278 yards, 2 touchdowns, and most importantly 0 interceptions. Thanks to Wentz’ efforts the Eagles were able to overcome the Browns 29-10 in their home opener. Cleveland may not be the most competitive team in the league, but Wentz still put up the best performance out of Week 1’s first-time starters. There were 4 quarterbacks who received a 1st time start this opening Week, two of which were rookies: Carson Wentz and Dak Prescott.
Of those two Prescott had the higher expectations; fans were eager to see if the young star could translate preseason success into the regular season. Wentz only found out he had the starting job a little over a week before the opener, but in the end he proved more than capable of leading this team. As well as proving he’s a much better option for your bet on NFL futures than Dak Prescott. Wentz will get another chance to prove himself this upcoming Monday when the Eagles travel to Chicago to take on the Bears.
The Bears have missed the playoffs for six consecutive years and the way they opened up this season makes it seem like they’ll be making it seven. In opening week the Bears faced the Houston Texans in Texas, but were unable to win on the road as they fell short 23-14. Many of the problems the Bears displayed in their opener were reminiscent of the issues plaguing the team in 2015; Jay Cutler performed poorly, there was no running game to back him up, and the defense collapsed at the most crucial opportunities.
Cutler finished the day with a 76.2 rating, the running game only gained 73 yards, and the defense gave up 13 unanswered points in the final half. All those things combined led to a Chicago loss, despite the Bears having a 14-10 lead at the half. Their inability to close out the game proves that you should take any other team in the NFC north for your bet on NFL money lines. However, the Bears will get a chance to prove that sentiment wrong in Week 2’s Monday night action. Let’s take a look across the top sportsbooks to see who has the advantage.
Week 2 – Monday September 19th
Eagles +3 (EVEN) 42 ½ (-105) +150
Bears -3 (-120) 42 ½ (-115) -170
It may come as a surprise but the odds peg the Bears as the favorite in this contest. Chicago may have more experience at the quarterback position, but some critics are more than convinced that Philadelphia has more talent. Either way, this contest is shaping up to be a fantastic finish to a heated Week 2.