The opening matchup of the 2018 NFL season kicks off in just a few hours, showcasing the Philadelphia Eagles vs. Atlanta Falcons. It’s an intriguing Week 1 matchup between the defending Super Bowl champs and the runner-ups from the 2016 campaign, as well as a rematch of January’s closely contested Divisional Round playoff bout. These teams have quite a bit of recent history against one another and it should make for an exciting battle to open up the new season.
Oddsmakers are slightly favoring the Eagles in this one, with the spread on the contest currently PHI -2. That line has been cut in half from the opening number, as Philadelphia quickly fell from four-point chalk after it became clear that star quarterback Carson Wentz would not be ready for the start of the 2018 season. The Eagles have a competent backup in Nick Foles, the signal-caller that started for the organization’s first Super Bowl-winning squad, but he struggled in his last appearance against the Dirty Birds. Atlanta won’t have it easy either, as they weren’t able to get much going either at Lincoln Financial Field during their 15-10 loss back in January. The sportsbooks are still projecting far more points to be scored tonight than there were in that matchup, placing the total at 45. The over/under also fell based on the Wentz announcement, news that head coach Doug Pederson officially confirmed on Monday, dropping a point-and-a-half.
Will the Eagles find a way to come through with Foles once again guiding the ship, or will the Falcons manage to generate more offensive production than they did against this foe back in the playoffs and come away with the upset? Pro handicapper Jon Price of SportsInformationTraders.com has a lean on the outcome that you will not want to miss. Before getting to the pro handicapper’s projections for this Thursday Night Football clash, have a look at the complete schedule, start time, TV info, live stream coverage and updated odds for the Eagles vs. Falcons and other Week 1 games to start the 2018 NFL season. You can also find relevant tweets, quotes from star players and coaches and much more.
NFL Week 1 Complete TV Schedule And Odds
Time (ET) Matchup (TV) Odds Total Thursday, Sept. 6 8:20 p.m. Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles (NBC) PHI -2 45.5 Sunday, Sept. 9 1 p.m. Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints (FOX) NO -9.5 49.5 1 p.m. San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings (FOX) MIN -6.5 46 1 p.m. Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens (CBS) BAL -7.5 41 1 p.m. Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Giants (FOX) JAX -3 43.5 1 p.m. Houston Texans at New England Patriots (CBS) NE -6.5 51 1 p.m. Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins (FOX) TEN -1.5 45 1 p.m. Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts (CBS) IND -3 47.5 1 p.m. Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns (CBS) PIT -4 45.5 4:05 p.m. Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers (CBS) LAC -3 47.5 4:25 p.m. Washington Redskins at Arizona Cardinals FOX) ARI -1.5 44 4:25 p.m. Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos (FOX) DEN -3 43 4:25 p.m. Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers (FOX) CAR -3 42.5 8:20 p.m. Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers (NBC) GB -7.5 48 Monday, Sept. 10 7:10 p.m. New York Jets at Detroit Lions (ESPN) DET -6.5 45 10:20 p.m. Los Angeles Rams at Oakland Raiders (ESPN) LAR -4 49.5
NFL Odds courtesy of BetDSI Sportsbook
Week 1 kickoff game between Eagles and Falcons will be live streamed via NBC Sports Live
2018 NFL Week 1 Kickoff Game Media
Frank Schwab commended the NFL for scheduling this matchup:
The NFL got the opening night matchup as right as they ever have. Falcons vs. Eagles is absolutely an incredible way to start the season. What a game. Can't wait. — Frank Schwab (@YahooSchwab) September 4, 2018
Accuweather forecasted conditions for the game:
The Eagles and Falcons will kickoff 2018 NFL regular season on Thursday night amid hot weather in Philadelphia: https://t.co/K2jUlR9cCR pic.twitter.com/ySTgCUsBt6 — AccuWeather (@breakingweather) September 5, 2018
Ian Rapoport confirmed that Nick Foles is Philly’s starting quarterback for Week 1:
The #Eagles plan to start QB Nick Foles on Thursday in the season opener, sources say. Carson Wentz (ACL, LCL) has done fantastic in rehab. But this is a long-term decision for the face of the franchise. — Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) September 1, 2018
Eagle head coach Doug Pederson revealed that injured signal-caller Carson Wentz is “close” to making a comeback from a torn ACL that cut his sterling 2017 campaign short (via ESPN):
Obviously more rest and more time off heals the wounds, heals the [surgery]. But listen, you’ve got to understand, too, Carson’s been out there, he’s been in 11-on-11 drills in training camp and this week, and so we’re just waiting to get the clearance. He’s had some great workouts here over the last few days.
Mike Clay highlighted the sheer amount of talent that the Eagles will be without for their opener:
Key players the Eagles will be without against the Falcons on Thursday:
QB Carson Wentz
WR Alshon Jeffery
DT Tim Jernigan
LB Nigel Bradham
ST Chris Maragos — Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) September 2, 2018
Zack Blatt pointed out that the Eagles are not going to have a size advantage at the wideout position tonight:
Of note: The #Eagles will have zero receivers taller than 6-feet against the Falcons. — Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) September 4, 2018
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan gave the scouting report on the defensive front he’ll face this evening (via AJC.com):
Obviously a very good front, front four. The defensive line rotation, their stout inside they’ve got good edge rushers. They have Michael Bennett, who we’ve seen a lot in Seattle, I know he’s a talented player. It’ll be a good test for us up front, for sure and they do a good job with their scheme of utilizing all those guys and creating matchups that they find favorable. It’ll be a good challenge, a good task for us on Thursday night.
The Falcons tweeted out running back Tevin Coleman’s impressive stat line over his last two games against Philadelphia:
In the last 2 matchups against the Eagles, Tevin Coleman has 30 carries for 159 yards. Nerdy Birdz - https://t.co/n6rSrUTVwX pic.twitter.com/ccRFJkLwmq — Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) September 4, 2018
Matt Karoly compared the time of possession that these teams accumulated in their 2016 and 2017 matchups:
The time of possession battle the last two times the #Falcons and Eagles played each other: 2017: ATL- 27:54; PHI- 32:06
2016: ATL- 21:50; PHI- 38:10 It all starts up front. #ATLvsPHI — Matt Karoly (@mattkaroly) September 3, 2018
Eliot Shorr-Parks believes earning home-field advantage in the NFC Playoffs will be critical and a win tonight will help secure that:
Home field advantage is going to be huge in the NFC. The difference between Saints/Falcons/Vikings at home vs. away is big. Trip to GB wouldn’t be ideal either. #Eagles were 9-1 at home last season, undefeated in games that mattered — Eliot Shorr-Parks (@EliotShorrParks) September 5, 2018
Falcons head coach Dan Quinn outlined the key matchups for Week 1 (via AtlantaFalcons.com):
We certainly know – let’s talk offensively – finding ways to get runs against a good eight-man front, the way they play downhill and get on the edges. For us, at our best, having to defend the whole field. We’ve got some tough matches, as they do too. I think both teams, the trenches on both sides, are equipped and have their stuff together – both offensive lines, both defensive lines. Defensively, the ball, the tackling, you’ll always hear us talk about that. But I do like the speed that our defense is starting to play with. Some of that comes from the talent. Some of that comes from anticipation and seeing plays and knowing that now that you’ve been in the system a few years you have some of that experience.
2018 NFL Week 1 Kickoff Game Pro Picks
Pick: Eagles -2
Prediction: Eagles 24 – Falcons 20
Richard Shotwell/Associated Press
Former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick remains out of the NFL, but football fans will be able to see him during Thursday's season opener between the Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles.
The New York Times' Kevin Draper reported Wednesday that Nike purchased airtime on the broadcast to run an ad, titled "Dream Crazy," that includes Kaepernick.
Nike spokesman Josh Benedek also told Draper the ad will air during coverage of MLB and college football games and the U.S. Open.
Nike released the ad two days after Kaepernick shared a picture of himself as part of the company's "Just Do It" campaign:
The image was featured on a billboard in downtown San Francisco:
According to ESPN.com's Darren Rovell, Nike maintained its endorsement deal with Kaepernick since first signing him in 2011. Gino Fisanotti, Nike's vice president of brand for North America, told Rovell that Kaepernick's social advocacy played a role in the company's decision to feature him more prominently.
"We believe Colin is one of the most inspirational athletes of this generation, who has leveraged the power of sport to help move the world forward," Fisanotti said. "We wanted to energize its meaning and introduce 'Just Do It' to a new generation of athletes.
Yahoo Sports' Charles Robinson reported Kaepernick's contract includes a signature line of apparel and is worth "millions per year plus royalties." Rovell refuted the report about Kaepernick's merchandise deal, but Robinson answered back to say "there is absolutely a contract commitment by @nike for a signature shoe and 'Kaepernick 7' line of apparel."
Kaepernick filed a grievance against the NFL in October 2017, alleging the league and its team owners have worked in concert to keep him from continuing his playing career. An arbitrator last week declined the NFL's motion to dismiss the case, thus allowing the grievance to continue to a hearing.
The NFL regular season is back! Tonight on Thursday Night Football, the Atlanta Falcons travel to Lincoln Financial Field to face the Philadelphia Eagles. Here is everything you need to watch, listen to and wager on Thursday’s game.
The Eagles, of course are the defending Super Bowl champions. Tonight we begin to find out if they can defend that title. Nick Foles will start at quarterback for Philadelphia as Carson Wentz is not quite ready after last season’s knee injury.
Game details
What: Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles
When: Thursday, Sept. 5
Where: Lincoln Financial Field
Game time: 8:20 p.m. ET
TV: NBC
Announcers: NBC - Al Michaels (Play-by-Play), Cris Collinsworth (Color Analyst)
Radio: National — SiriusXM National Broadcast (Channel 803), SiriusXM Internet (Channel 801 – Atlanta), SiriusXM Radio (Channel 802 – Philadelphia) and online; Falcons Radio Network FM 92.9.
Odds: Eagles -1.5 [Odds Shark]
Prediction: Odds Shark predicts a 30-14 Eagles victory
Online Stream: NBC Sports Live or FuboTV
Replay: NBC Sports Live
Weather: 83 degrees at kickoff, Mostly cloudy [NFL Weather]
SB Nation Patriots website: The Falcoholic (Falcons), Bleeding Green Nation (Eagles)
CLOSE SportsPulse: We want you to become a better bettor. Get it? So we enlisted Action Network's Chad Millman to tell you the bets you need to bank on and one you should blank this week in the NFL. For more analysis check out ActionNetwork.com USA TODAY
Nick Foles led the Eagles to a divisional playoff win over the Falcons last season. (Photo: Bill Streicher, USA TODAY Sports)
Two Super Bowl contenders open the NFL season on Thursday night, even though only one of them has hoisted the Lombardi Trophy in the last two years.
The Atlanta Falcons will face the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles Thursday night in the NFL Kickoff Game at Lincoln Financial Field, but the Eagles’ troubling preseason might not bode well for a repeat campaign. They’re already depleted as injured QB Carson Wentz hasn’t returned from his knee surgery that cut his 2017 season short, and so the Eagles will roll out Super Bowl hero Nick Foles under center. They’ll also be without wide out Alshon Jeffery.
The Falcons, knocked out by the Eagles in last year’s playoffs, have a renewed motivation to get back to the Super Bowl after their embarrassing collapse vs. the New England Patriots two seasons ago. This year’s Super Bowl will be hosted in Atlanta, and Matt Ryan, Julio Jones and Devonta Freeman have been a trendy pick to return.
TIME: 8:20 p.m. ET (pregame coverage starts at 5 p.m. ET on NFL Network)
TV: NBC and NFL Network
MUST-READ STORIES:
Burning questions for Week 1: Can Foles break Eagles' out of preseason funk?
NFL power rankings: Eagles, Patriots still on top heading into Week 1
USA TODAY Sports' NFL predictions: Super Bowl LIII winner, MVP and more
NFL's best position groups: Eagles are loaded
Wentz out: Foles named Eagles' starting QB for Week 1
Shh! TheHuddle: Fantasy football's secret weapon
COMPLETE WEEK 1 SCHEDULE
(All times Eastern)
Thursday
Atlanta Falcons at Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Sunday
Buffalo Bills at Baltimore Ravens, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Jacksonville Jaguars at New York Giants, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at New Orleans Saints, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Houston Texans at New England Patriots, 1 p.m. (CBS)
San Francisco 49ers at Minnesota Vikings, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Tennessee Titans at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. (FOX)
Cincinnati Bengals at Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Pittsburgh Steelers at Cleveland Browns, 1 p.m. (CBS)
Kansas City Chiefs at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m. (CBS)
Seattle Seahawks at Denver Broncos, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
Dallas Cowboys at Carolina Panthers, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
Washington Redskins at Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 p.m. (FOX)
Chicago Bears at Green Bay Packers, 8:20 p.m. (NBC)
Monday
New York Jets at Detroit Lions, 7:10 p.m. (ESPN)
Los Angeles Rams at Oakland Raiders, 10:20 p.m. (ESPN)
If you love talking football, we have the perfect spot for you. Join our new Facebook Group, The Ruling Off the Field, to engage in friendly debate and conversation with fellow football fans and our NFL insiders.
