Eagles Jaguars Betting – Vick, Eagles Roll Over Toothless Jaguars
Online betting players have watched Philadelphia make the first big move of the season by switching quarterbacks, and it paid off handsomely. The Eagles will take the same starting unit into Jacksonville this week to face the Jaguars, who have to show some signs of life or the Eagles will run riot.
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, September 26th, 4:05 PM ET
- Where: EverBank Field, Jacksonville, FL
- Pick: hiladelphia Eagles -3
What’s On The Line
The Eagles (1-1) got themselves into a quarterback controversy after Michael Vick came on to lead them to a 35-32 win in Detroit, and he’s earned another week (or more) as Philadelphia’s starting pivot. The Jaguars (1-1) looked lethargic in a 38-13 loss in San Diego, and they can’t afford a performance like that in front of their declining home base.
Offensive Matchups: Eagles Jaguars Betting
Vick made the most of his first NFL start since 2006, going 21-of-34 for 284 yards and two touchdowns, and while he was sacked five times, he also showed his famous scrambling ability. However, Vick isn’t the amazing athlete that he was before his downfall, and he showed some great touch on his passes. He also got some help from LeSean McCoy, who ran for 120 yards and three scores. The offensive line is going to have to learn how to block for Vick as opposed to Kevin Kolb, and it was only against Detroit, but Vick gives the Eagles a dynamic threat that Kolb doesn’t.
David Garrard was 15-of-23 for 173 yards and a touchdown, but four picks earned him a seat on the bench in favor of Luke McCown. Garrard figures to be back in the saddle against the Eagles, but that can’t be encouraging for Jacksonville fans. If they can get the passing game going, they could open up the field for Maurice Jones-Drew, who has struggled because of the poor aerial attack. Teams can afford to put seven and eight in the box if they’re not afraid of Garrard.
Betting Edge: EaglesDefensive Matchups: Eagles Jaguars Betting
The Eagles’ defense still needs some work, giving up 444 yards against the Lions, and being without middle linebacker Stewart Bradley didn’t help. The Eagles couldn’t stop the Lions on the ground, through the air, and they almost lost a late 35-17 lead, although a lot of that was also due to a recovered on-side kick by the Lions. Philadelphia shows glimpses of how good they can be defensively, but they’re not consistent enough.
The Jaguars gave up 477 yards against the Chargers, and they’re 29th in the league in defense, which is four spots worse than Philadelphia. It’s hard to find even one thing that the Jaguars did right against the Chargers, and they just look like they’re not giving a 100% effort, which is unacceptable at this level.
Betting Edge: Draw
Notable Injuries: Eagles Jaguars Betting
The health of Kolb (concussion) may have factored into the decision to start Vick, but even if he’s healthy, he’s on the bench. Bradley (concussion) should be back in the lineup this week.
Safety Anthony Smith (undisclosed) looks to be ready to step back into his starting spot this week.
Betting Edge: Draw
Outlook and Pick: Eagles Jaguars Betting
NFL betting odds have the Eagles as a 3-point favorite on the road, and these two have met three times, with the Jaguars winning all three. Look for the Eagles to break that duck, though, as the Jacksonville defense doesn’t look anywhere near ready to handle Vick, who has added a spark to the Philadelphia offense. The players are excited for him, and to play with him, and that’s more than you can say about their Jacksonville counterparts. Jaguars coach Jack Del Rio may be out of a job sooner than the end of the year if he can’t get his team to at least pretend like they care. Take the Eagles in a big sports betting win here.
Stan’s Pick: Philadelphia Eagles -3
