Atlanta at Philadelphia

The NFL opens its season at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia. The defending Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles will once again be without Carson Wentz, but Nick Foles showed he was an able bodied, and experienced QB, leading the Eagles through the playoffs to a Super Bowl victory. The Super Bowl this year is in Atlanta, and the Falcons will try to become the first team ever to play a Super Bowl on their home field, but that didn't help Minnesota last year. The Falcons offense suffered last season, replacing Kyle Shannahan with Steve Karsisian. The offense went from eighth best in the league to #15. The Eagles lost DE Vinny Curry and his 47 QB pressures from last season, but replaced him with Michael Bennett who finished 2017 with 70 QB pressures. LB Vinny Curry replaces Mychal Kendricks, which should also be an upgrade. Overall the stout Philly defense looks like they have a shot at being even better, especially at home celebrating their Super Bowl win. The Philly crowd should be as frenetic as ever, and Super Bowl winners have been potent in Game one. This Eagles team went 16-3 last season, winning by an average of 11 points per gaem (16 per gae at home). Over the past three seasons, Philly is a perfect 6-0 ATS in expected close games (line of -3 to +3). And, under Doug Pederson, this team is 13-5 ATS at home. Play on Philadelphia.