NFL Picks and Odds: San Francisco 49ers vs Philadelphia Eagles
Thursday, September 29, 2011
by BetOnline Sportsbook
Many football betting players figured Philadelphia Eagles would come together and just walk over their competition, but the Eagles are finding out that nothing comes easily or quickly in the NFL as they head into their Week 4 meeting against San Francisco.
The San Francisco 49ers’ offense is a perfect chance for the Philadelphia defense to get back on track, while their offense focuses on the running game.
What: NFL Betting
When: Sunday, October 2nd, 1:00 PM ET
Where: Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia, PA
Pick: The Eagles
Why Bet On San Francisco 49ers (2-1 SU, 2-0-1 ATS)
Defense was the story for the 49ers in an ugly 13-8 win over Cincinnati on the road, as they forced three turnovers out of the Bengals and held them to 228 yards of offense (which works out because the 49ers only gained 226 yards). Much of San Francisco’s success comes from their ability to stop the run as they haven’t allowed a 100-yard rusher in 25 games, and the Bengals had just 79 yards on the ground.
If you can make your opponent one-dimensional, it helps your cause, especially if there is a rookie pivot on the other side, much like Andy Dalton in Cincinnati. Alex Smith did fine job of managing the game, going 20-of-30 for 201 yards, while tight end Vernon Davis added eight catches for 114 yards for the 49ers.
The 49ers were probably fortunate to win this game as they committed 12 penalties on the day, but Cincinnati couldn’t take advantage of their mistakes. Frank Gore had just 42 yards on 17 carries and now there is a worry that he won’t be able to play against the Eagles due to an ankle injury, but head coach Jim Harbaugh said he’ll start. Gore’s production has been going down with each game this season and if the 49ers plan on boosting their NFL betting odds, he has to get going because with Smith leading the passing game, San Francisco isn’t going to go anywhere.
Why Bet On Philadelphia Eagles (1-2 SU, 1-2 ATS)
It wasn’t a good scene for the Eagles in a 29-16 loss at home to the New York Giants, and it was a complete beatdown on both sides of the ball. The defense gave up two big scoring plays early in the game, which forced the offense to take chances and the Eagles committed three turnovers. Michael Vick and Mike Kafka combined for three picks, while Vick was injured and is a question mark for this game, although all signs are pointing to a start for Philadelphia star, who injured his non-throwing hand.
The Philadelphia Eagles were 1-of-5 inside the red zone, and that is not the mark of a Super Bowl-contending team, which is what Philadelphia was made out to be when they made their big moves in the offseason. This looks like a team that is still trying to gel.
LeSean McCoy was a bright spot for the Eagles, gaining 128 yards and a score on 24 carries, and that should help keep the opposition off of Vick, in theory anyway. But the offensive line simply has to improve because even though Vick has a point about taking late hits in the pocket, the line hasn’t been good for a couple of years now and seemingly is regressing. With all of the weapons at the Eagles’ disposal, their offense can be explosive, when Vick has time to find everyone.
The Eagles also have some injuries to worry about at the receiver position, as Riley Cooper (concussion) is still doubtful and could be joined on the sidelines by Jeremy Maclin (hamstring), which means more coverage from DeSean Jackson.
How It Will Play Out
NFL betting odds aren’t out for this game yet as the sportsbooks are awaiting official word on Vick, which should come after the injury reports are released on Thursday, but you can expect the Eagles to be favored as home as they have won five in a row over the 49ers, covering the spread in all five games. Four of the five games went over the posted total, and two of them occurred in Philadelphia.
Even if Vick doesn’t play, the Eagles are still the play at home as the 49ers have won just six of their last 20 games on the road, and we don’t trust their offense to score enough to give San Francisco a chance. Eventually the defense will crack and we also expect McCoy to have a big game against the 49ers and their vaunted rushing defense, taking some of the pressure off the quarterback. Philadelphia is the way to go in your sports betting book.
Bet Online Sportsbook 49ers vs Eagles Betting Pick: The Eagles
Related Articles
- NFL Betting Picks: Eagles Should Fly High Against Punchless 49ers
- Week 15 Prediction: Philadelphia Eagles Poised To Spoil NY Jets Party
- NFL Betting: New England Patriots Visits Desperate Philadelphia Eagles
- Crucial Encounter Between Philadelphia Eagles At New York Giants
- NFL Vegas Pick: San Francisco 49ers To Greet Rivals Arizona Cardinals
Category
Tags
alex smith - andy dalton - desean jackson - football betting - frank gore - jeremy maclin - jim harbaugh - lesean mccoy - lincoln financial field - michael vick
