Week 1 brings us a battle of the birds, as the Eagles fly south to take on the Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta. It’s time to continue our NFL odds series and make an Eagles-Falcons prediction and pick.

In a matchup of young quarterback (Jalen Hurts) vs. old quarterback (Matt Ryan), all eyes will be on the dynamic receiving corps of each team. Highlighted by DeVonta Smith (Alabama) and Kyle Pitts (Florida), SEC rookies will be the talk of this game. Given that this game is being played at the same venue as the annual SEC Championship, it makes sense to expect great performances from both of these former college football greats.

Here’s how the bookmakers have set the lines for Sunday’s matchup.

NFL Odds: Eagles-Falcons Odds

Philadelphia Eagles +3.5 (-120)

Atlanta Falcons -3.5 (+100)

Over 48.5 points (-114)

Under 48.5 points (-106)

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Why The Eagles Could Cover

This is the beginning of a new era in Philadelphia. Jalen Hurts, entering this season as the solidified starter at quarterback, has a new rookie wide receiver to throw to – DeVonta Smith, the former Alabama star. Hurts and Smith crossed paths in Tuscaloosa by just a couple of years, but now the duo is reunited in Philadelphia to create one of the most exciting QB-WR threats in the league. The Eagles’ offense otherwise doesn’t scream top-tier, but I believe Hurts and Smith alone are enough to change a game. Look for Smith to have an incredible rookie debut – tailing over 100 yards with a receiving touchdown – as the Eagles win on a last-second field goal in the ATL.

Why The Falcons Could Cover

While much of the Falcons team from their 2017 Super Bowl appearance is now gone, perhaps their most important still remains. And that is quarterback Matt Ryan, still one of the most clutch players in the league. Joining the Atlanta offense is tight end Kyle Pitts, drafted with the fourth overall selection out of Florida. Pitts has the potential to be one of the league’s premier pass-catchers, and joining a team that already employs Calvin Ridley gives Atlanta an offense to be feared by opposing defenses. Although the Falcons have struggled ever since 2017, this is a new era in Atlanta with Pitts in town. I believe that the veteran Matt Ryan will connect with Pitts for a touchdown, while Calvin Ridley has a 70+ yard receiving game as well. This is another contest that will likely hit the over-point total, and Ryan, Pitts, and co. will play a large role in reaching that number. In doing so, the Falcons defense could hold off Jalen Hurts just enough to pull out a close victory.

Final Eagles-Falcons Prediction & Pick

Jalen Hurts and DeVonta Smith steal the show in Atlanta. The duo connects for a 30+ yard touchdown as Philadelphia’s new era begins with a bang. The Eagles assert themselves as one of the most underrated offenses in the NFC as they go on to win on that aforementioned game-winning kick.

FINAL PICK: Eagles +3.5 (-120)