The nightcap of Monday’s NFL doubleheader features the Philadelphia Eagles (1-0, 0-0 home) hosting the Minnesota Vikings (1-0, 0-0 away). The last time these two teams met was in 2019 when the Vikings handed the Eagles a 38-20 loss. Both teams have great chances to win their weak divisions in 2022.
Monday night’s kickoff is at 8:30 p.m. EST at Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA. The Eagles are currently a 2.5-point favorite, and the over/under total is 50.5 points.
What to Know – Minnesota Vikings
Minnesota opened the season with a blowout victory at home over divisional foe the Green Bay Packers, 23-7. The Vikings looked solid on both sides of the ball in the opener after going winless during preseason play.
Kirk Cousins looked in midseason form against the Packers’ defense, completing 23-of-32 passes for 277 yards and two touchdowns. Cousins had a quarterback rating of 118.9 and was sacked just once.
It was a quiet game on the ground for three-time Pro Bowler Dalvin Cook. The veteran rusher was a big piece of the game plan, carrying the ball 20 times for 90 yards but failed to find the endzone. Cook added three receptions for 18 yards as Cousins’ security blanket.
Wideout Justin Jefferson began the 2022 season on the right foot as the third-year receiver caught nine of 11 targets for 184 yards and both passing scores. Adam Thielen was targeted four times, catching three passes for 36 yards.
The Minnesota defense forced two interceptions and held Green Bay to 3-of-9 on third down.
What to Know – Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles won a thriller in last week’s opener against the Detroit Lions. Philadelphia built a 31-14 lead early in the third quarter and was able to hold on to a late Lions’ charge in a 38-35 road win.
Jalen Hurts was effective with his legs more than his arm, rushing for 90 yards and a touchdown. The dual-threat quarterback completed just 56% of his passes, 18-of-32, for 243 yards and failed to connect on any touchdown throws.
Philadelphia rushed for 216 yards and four touchdowns in the triumph over the Lions, doing whatever they wanted on the ground. Miles Sanders led the way with 96 yards and a score, while backups Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott found the endzone.
Through the air, former Tennessee Titans wide receiver A.J. Brown was Hurts’ favorite target, nabbing ten of 13 targets for 155 yards. Tight end Dallas Goedert was targeted four times, catching three passes for 60 yards as the only other Eagles’ pass catcher to have much of an impact in the win.
The Eagles’ defense surrendered 386 total yards to Detroit, allowing the Lions to rush for 181 yards to the tune of 6.5 yards per carry.
The Pick is In
Monday’s bout should be an entertaining battle between two high-octane offenses. The Vikings’ defense is going to force Hurts to beat them with his arm and key on his running ability. Philadelphia’s woes on run defense won’t get any better up against one of the best running backs in the league.
The Pick: Minnesota Vikings +2.5
