Here we go again, another year, and it’s the Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Minnesota Vikings in a prime-time game during week 2. This time around, it will be on Thursday Night Football.

The Philadelphia Eagles are currently leading as 7-point favorites, with the over/under set at 49 in the matchup. Justin Jefferson, fresh off a remarkable 150-yard performance in Week 1, is a crucial focus in the latest NFL prop bets for the game, with his total receiving yards over/under placed at 91.5.

Real ones will remember what Darius Slay did in his one-on-one matchup against Jefferson last fall.

Darius Slay allowed just 7 yards in coverage when defending Justin Jefferson. pic.twitter.com/QB07krFgIT

— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) September 20, 2022

Eagles vs. Vikings Odds and Game Info

• Moneyline: Eagles (-325) | Vikings (+260)

• Spread: Eagles -7 (-112) | Vikings +7 (-108)

• Total: Over 49 (-108) | Under Under 49 (-112)

• Game info: Thursday, Sept. 14th, 8:15 PM ET

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Vikings at Eagles Key Injuries

Vikings

• C Garret Bradbury (back) DNP Tuesday

• OT Christian Darrisaw (ankle) limited Tuesday

• LB Marcus Davenport (ankle) limited Tuesday

Eagles

• RB Kenneth Gainwell (ribs) DNP Tuesday

• CB James Bradberry (concussion) DNP Tuesday

• S Reed Blankenship (ribs) DNP Tuesday

• DT Fletcher Cox (ribs) limited Tuesday

It should also be noted that the Eagles will be without starting LB Nakobe Dean, who suffered a foot injury in their win on Sunday over New England and will miss multiple weeks.

Both teams have some notable injury concerns, but the Eagles secondary could be in trouble for this matchup on a short week. Slay should be able to hold his own with Jefferson, but that doesn’t mean the rest of Minnesota’s playmakers, including Jordan Addison and T.J. Hockenson, can’t have significant impacts in this game.

Minnesota’s absence of their center and the potential absence of their left tackle, it’s reasonable to doubt the Vikings’ ability to compete with the Eagles’ defensive line rotation. History has shown that bad things tend to happen when QB Kirk Cousins is faced with pass rushes.

TJ Hockenson over 48.5 receiving yards | (-115) at DraftKings

The injury news has played an effect here, as Hockenson’s over was 45.5 last night. I still like this prop here, as the Eagle’s defense is prone to get carved up in the middle of the field by tight ends due to the safety and linebacker positions being question marks.

In the Week 2 matchup of 2022 against the Eagles, Kevin O’Connell, the coach, clearly favored the tight end matchup, targeting them 11 times, resulting in 7 receptions, despite ultimately facing a loss. Given this, I anticipate another high-volume game for Hockenson. Furthermore, the Eagles’ performance in Week 1 is a telling sign, as they surrendered the most yards to opposing TEs (92) while allowing an average of 11.5 yards per reception.

DeVonta Smith over 5.5 receptions | (+105) at DraftKings

The Eagles targeted wide receivers on 69% of their passes in 2022. In week 1, the birds continued that strong trend as 73% of their passes were targeted at receivers. So, you factor that into DeVonta Smith being poised for a more prominent role as a WR1, shedding the WR 2 status many places on him; Smitty has an excellent game Thursday night.

Last season, the Vikings gave up the second most passing yards per game (266.9), only trailing the Tennessee Titans (274.8) in the entire NFL. After a very unencouraging passing attack from the Eagles in week 1, I fully expect it to be different in week 2.

Long Shot Bet for Value

If Gainwell is ruled out (currently Q with ribs), I’ve spent $10 on worse. Also played single at +750 while odds are decent.

If you don’t have DraftKings you can get a free $200 here: https://t.co/c7zCQM9frD pic.twitter.com/jjqqrDZA4L

— Victor Williams (@ThePhillyPod) September 12, 2023

Due to Kenneth Gainwell’s injury status, this is of tremendous value here. While the original odds have changed here, you must always keep an early eye out for these factors. Luckily, we always have you covered here at TheLibertyLine.

Mandatory Credit: Getty Images