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In an ultra-competitive NFC East, the Philadelphia Eagles have taken the early lead at the quarter pole. They are 3-1 on the season with a couple of close wins and will aim to stay ahead of the pack with a home win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 5. The Cardinals were expected to push for a playoff spot this season and have started 2-2, but have not looked very good and are perilously close to falling out of contention without a reversal of fortunes.
The Eagles have the more talented team and play at home, so they are the easy call as the favorite in this matchup. The Cardinals have a good defense and that unit will need to play really well to give the team a chance at the upset because the offense is struggling currently.
This matchup in Week 5 of the regular season will take place on Sunday, October 8, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Arizona Cardinals +6.5
Philadelphia Eagles -6.5
Over/Under 45.5
Odds Analysis
The Eagles are solid favorites, and they are an enticing choice on the spread because a win by a touchdown would result in a cover of the spread. Philadelphia is the choice to cover in more than 86 percent of the early action.
The scoring total is about middle of the road for an NFL game, but it might be too high as both teams have solid defenses. Even so, the “over” is the more popular choice thus far.
Injury Report
Markus Golden — The Cardinals linebacker tore his ACL in Sunday’s win over the 49ers and is out for the rest of the season. He led the team with 12.5 sacks in 2016 and the loss of the upper-tier pass-rusher is a tough blow. The Cardinals still have Chandler Jones to get after quarterbacks off the edge but teams can never have enough players who can get consistent pressure.
D.J. Humphries — The Cardinals’ starting left tackle is not expected to play in this game. He suffered a knee injury in the team’s season opener against the Lions and suffered a setback last week. The Cardinals are dealing with several injuries on the offensive line, as starting left guard Mike Iupati was recently placed on injured reserve with an arm injury.
Fletcher Cox — The Eagles defensive tackle had a tremendous start to the 2017 season, but missed Sunday’s game against the Chargers with a calf injury. Eagles coach Doug Pederson told reporters he hoped Cox would practice this week in preparation for Sunday’s game game against the Cardinals.
Key Stat
12. That’s how many times Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer has been sacked in the last two games. Injuries have plagued Arizona’s offensive line, but the team must do a better job of protecting Palmer this weekend in Philadelphia.
The Cardinals re-signed Earl Watford on Monday and he could see a role immediately. The Eagles have a strong defensive front, especially if Cox is in the mix. The venue will also help Philadelphia as the noise will make it hard for the Cardinals’ linemen to communicate.
If Palmer is under duress throughout the contest, the Eagles could cruise to an easy victory.
Free ATS Pick
The Eagles are 3-1 but have won their past two games by a combined five points. Close-game wins are a large part due to luck, and that could even out as the season goes along. However, this one might not be a one-possession margin.
The Cardinals are missing some key pieces on offense and could struggle to score points. Take the Eagles to both win this game and cover the spread against a Cardinals team that is undermanned. The “under” is the choice on the scoring total.
NFL Odds: Eagles 27, Cardinals 16
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