Vikings Eagles Betting – Eagles Close In On Division Title, Seek First-Round Bye

The Philadelphia Eagles just completed the most remarkable victory of the 2010 NFL season. They now try to build off that momentum as they take on the Minnesota Vikings.

Why To Bet On The Vikings

The Vikings have no expectations as they go to Philadelphia. They can play fast and loose and take risks all over the field. It’s also highly likely that Brett Favre is done not only for the season, but for his career. The 41-year-old veteran absorbed a nasty injury in last Monday’s game against the Chicago Bears, so now Minnesota will go to battle with either Joe Webb or Tavaris Jackson. Either one of those quarterbacks can legitimately run and make plays out of the pocket when a defensive front generates a good pass rush. Favre used to be that kind of quarterback, but he can’t muster that kind of magic any longer.

Minnesota now needs to rebuild around a more youthful quarterback who can really burn opposing defenses with the run. Now, the Vikings have that formula under center. Moreover, since Webb got valuable experience against a very strong Chicago defense, the Eagles won’t be quite so intimidating to him.

It also has to be said that young quarterbacks have really done well in their first full outings this season. Take the example of the Green Bay Packers’ quarterback Matt Flynn. The backup quarterback from LSU struggled when filling in for Aaron Rodgers on Dec. 12 in a 7-3 loss at Detroit, but when he was coached up, he performed very well in a 31-27 loss at the New England Patriots on Dec. 19. Minnesota could benefit from a similar dynamic with Webb this Sunday night.

Why To Bet On The Eagles

The Eagles are flying high after pulling off the most remarkable comeback of the 2010 NFL season this past Sunday in New Jersey. Down 31-10 with eight minutes left in regulation, the Eagles scored four touchdowns in the final 7:28 to stun the New York Giants, 38-31. The win means that the Eagles only need to win one game to clinch the NFC East title.

What’s also available for the Eagles as a result of that escape at the (new) Meadowlands is the number two seed in the NFC playoffs. Philadelphia can get the two seed – and with it, a bye in the wild card round of the postseason – if it wins each of its remaining regular-season games while Chicago loses at least once. Getting a first-round bye is an important part of a championship season, at least in most years. Bypassing one round of the playoffs is very important; being able to heal various wounds accumulated over the course of the regular season is even more valuable. Philadelphia is playing for a lot in this game. That’s why the Eagles should not let down their guard against Minnesota.

How The Game Will Play Out

Philadelphia has no reason to let up against Minnesota. The Eagles want that number two seed, and against the banged-up and road-weary Vikings, they should cruise on their home field. Take Philly, no matter what the line might turn out to be.

Vikings Eagles Betting Pick: Eagles