Let’s not beat around the bush. I spent most of the summer hiking in the woods and almost none of it thinking about the Eagles in 2021. Honestly, I think it’s a positive. I have always been best when listening to my gut and fading the ‘experts’. Don’t get your hopes up. This is a 8-9 Eagles team. Unless the NFC East is joke, the boys in midnight green aren’t making the playoffs. That doesn’t mean we can’t make money off of our sadness and despair.

The evidence is difficult to find but if you followed my picks last year you’re almost certainly a rich man (or woman). Im also told that this is the most popular article on TheLibertyLine.com. They wont know what the hell you’re talking about and definitely will give you a strange look, but the joke is on them. If you don’t get a risk free bet (which you wont,) simply channel your inner Andrew Garfield in ‘The Social Network’ and demonstrably declare ‘I’m coming back for everything!’

But first, if you or someone you know has a gambling problem, call 1-800-522-4700; help is available 24/7 and 100% confidential.

*all odds via Parx Sportsbook as of 9/11/21*

My prediction and best bets are below

Final Score:

Eagles 28-Falcons 17

Jalen Hurts over 231.5 passing yards

The Falcons biggest weakness in 2021 may be their secondary. Much like the Eagles of the recent past, the Falcons are depending on veterans on one-year deals and younger players. My guess is that Nick Sirianni will want to come out throwing in his first game as an NFL head coach. I could also see the Eagles getting in an early deficit requiring Hurts to throw on the run and sometimes from from outside of the pocket. Hurts is eager to show he’s a legitimate starter in the league and I expect him to ball out.

Kyle Pitts under 47.5 receiving yards

This is simply a fade of a rookie playing his first game in the NFL. The media spent the entire draft process fawning over Pitt’s physical ability. But that doesn’t necessarily translate to immediate success at the next level. Im not convinced Matt Ryan has the trust in Pitts to look for him with a strong Eagles defensive line putting pressure on him all game.

Devonta Smith over 47.5 receiving yards

Weak secondary. Can’t stress it enough. This seems like the safest bet on the board.

Zach Ertz anytime touchdown scorer +330

Ertz seemingly spent the past two seasons complaining incessantly about not receiving a contract extension while seeing at the same time seeing his numbers decline as Carson Wentz threw the ball over his head. Ertz grew so frustrated with talks during training camp that he channeled his inner boyband and died his hair blonde. I cant lie. Im rooting for blonde Ertz and can see him becoming a legitimate safety valve for Jalen Hurts when he moves outside of the pocket. I like the value here..give me Ertz to score a TD!

Mike Davis more rushing yards than Miles Sanders +160

Mike Davis is a South Carolina Gamecock alumni. Thats usually all I need to believe and wager on a guy. As Vic Williams detailed in his Eagles v. Falcons Week 1 Preview , Falcons coach Arthur Smith brings his run-heavy offense from the Tittans where Derrick Henry ran wild the past few years. Davis is clearly the #1 back in the Atlanta offense and I expect him to come close to, if not over the 100 yard mark.

Lock of the Week:

Eagles Moneyline (+158). Fly Eagles Fly.