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The Philadelphia Eagles were able to survive their first game without star quarterback Carson Wentz last week against the Giants. Another win in Week 16 will move them a step closer to clinching the top seed in the NFC.
They will aim to take care of business in a matchup against the underperforming Oakland Raiders. The Raiders expected to be in playoff contention this season but have been inconsistent on the season and are basically out of it at this point.
The Eagles are going to have a harder time making the Super Bowl now that Wentz is done for the year, but home field throughout the NFC playoffs would help immensely. Philadelphia would love to grab this victory over Oakland.
This contest in Week 16 of the regular season will go down Monday, December 25, 2017, at 8:30 p.m. ET at Lincoln Financial Field.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Oakland Raiders +9
Philadelphia Eagles -9
Over/Under 48
Odds Analysis
Even with a backup quarterback the Eagles are heavy favorites on the spread. Philadelphia is getting the majority of the action with more than 70 percent of the money headed that way to cover.
The scoring total is high as the Raiders have a solid offense but a poor defense. The “under” is the more popular choice, as 75 percent of the money is headed that way.
The Eagles are listed as -450 favorites on the moneyline. The Raiders are +351 underdogs to pull off the upset.
Injury Report
Amari Cooper — The Raiders’ wide receiver has had a disappointing season and missed the team’s recent game against the Cowboys with an ankle injury. He is a former top pick who has put together impressive years in the past but has regressed. It remains to be seen if he will be ready to play in this one.
Jordan Hicks — The Eagles’ linebacker has suffered an Achilles injury and won’t be playing in this one. He is a nice piece on defense and it will help Oakland that he won’t be participating.
Stefen Wisniewski — The Eagles’ guard missed the team’s most recent game against New York with an ankle injury. With a backup quarterback leading the way, Philadelphia is hoping to be as healthy as possible on the line. The team already lost star left tackle Jason Peters earlier in the season and hope Wisniewski is available in this one.
Player To Watch
Nick Foles — The Eagles’ quarterback will have everyone’s eyes on him the rest of the way with Wentz done for the season due to a torn ACL. Foles had a fantastic debut last week against the Giants. In his first start of the season, Foles threw for 237 yards and four touchdowns, giving more credence to the idea that he can keep this team among the NFL’s elite.
Foles is set up for success. He has impressive pass-catches, led by Alshon Jeffery, Nelson Agholor and Zach Ertz, along with a strong running game that features Jay Ajayi.
The Eagles’ defense is also good, which means Foles will rarely be counted on to lead the way by himself.
Free ATS Pick
The Raiders were expected to be a playoff team this year but they have never lived up to that billing. They are hoping to get things to click in this one, but a solid season doesn’t seem to be in the cards.
The Eagles don’t have the same ceiling as they used to but are still a very good team. Philadelphia is better in nearly every phase of the game and should have no trouble cruising to the win. The spread is high but the Eagles are still the choice to cover.
The “over” is the pick as Philadelphia is going to keep on scoring with Foles now captaining the offense.
NFL Odds: Eagles 31, Raiders 20
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