Eagles open 2018 NFL season as Week 1 favorites (not underdogs)

It’s time to take off the masks, Chris Long and Lane Johnson.

The Philadelphia Eagles are home underdogs no longer.

According to early Week 1 odds from Westgate LV Superbook, the Eagles are actually favored by 3.5 points against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 1.

Now, it’s hardly surprising to see the reigning Super Bowl champions favored at home in the NFL’s opening kickoff game. But it wasn’t too long ago when we were constantly reminded how the Eagles were the first ever No. 1 seed to be underdogs to a No. 6 seed when the Falcons were favored by 2.5 points in the Divisional Round of the 2018 NFL Playoffs.

That line wasn’t so crazy at the time. The Eagles were playing ugly football heading into the postseason. And Atlanta even came very close to winning that game at the end. But thankfully Matt Ryan’s pass for Julio Jones went through his hands in the end zone.

This time, the Falcons are the underdogs. Or are they? In the literal sense, yes, but is 3.5 points really showing respect to the defending champs? I don’t think it is. I don’t think people betting on the Falcons to cover are giving enough weight to the fact Lincoln Financial Field is going to be rocking after seeing that Super Bowl LII banner raised before the game. I don’t think people are ready for a super hungry Carson Wentz who wants to be this year’s Super Bowl MVP. Philly should be favored by five points, at least.

I changed my mind. Put the masks back on.

Underdogs for life.