The way the Philadelphia Eagles have opened up the 2016 season has clearly made them the new online NFL betting favorites in the NFC East. Coming into this season many football betting sites predicted the Birds would finish last in the division, but as things stand now Philadelphia is tied with New York as the frontrunners to take the East. The reason for the Eagles’ surprise can be attributed to various factors; the brand new coaching staff that was brought in, plenty of signings during free agency, and a superb draft class. But of all the additions Philadelphia made during the offseason the most impressive has certainly been Carson Wentz.
The Eagles decided to pick Wentz 2nd overall in this year’s draft and so far this season Gang Green has not regretted their decision. The 23-year old quarterback made his debut against the Cleveland Browns and delivered one of the better Week 1 performances. Sure the Browns’ may have one of the worse passing defenses in the league, but the young star still carved them up for 278 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 0 interceptions. After completing 22/37 passes, the rookie finished the day with a 101.0 passer rating. Those may not have been the best numbers in opening week, but unlike many of his competitors, Wentz was able to continue his success the following week. Against the Bears Wentz completed 21/34 passes for 190 yards, 1 touchdown, and 0 interceptions. While that performance may not have been as eye-catching as Week 1’s was, it is still a step in the right direction for the young quarterback. Even some of the most veteran quarterbacks failed to beat those numbers. So far the way both Wentz and the Eagles have been playing in 2016 has been an answer to fans’ desperate calls for a turnaround. The first year of the Doug Pederson era looks promising for the Eagles, and with the NFC East being notoriously up for grabs, Philadelphia might just be an online NFL betting steal in the East. Carson Wentz has already proven himself to Gang Green fans, now he’ll get his chance to prove himself to all of Pennsylvania.
The Pittsburgh Steelers will be traveling to take on the Eagles this upcoming Sunday. Pittsburgh’s offense has had no problem so far this season and they’re currently averaging 31 points per contest. That ranks Pittsburgh’s offense as the 4th best in the league, however, Philadelphia’s defense is currently ranked 2nd overall with only 12 points allotted per game. There’s no doubt the Steelers will be the toughest team Philadelphia has faced so far this season, but either way, the matchup between the Steeler’s high-powered offense and the Eagles hard-nosed defense will be one fans won’t want to miss. Whoever wins this contest will prove themselves the best team in all of Pennsylvania; who do the online NFL betting odds think will win?
Week 3 – Sunday the 25th of September
Steelers -5 ½ (-115) 40 ½ (-110)
Eagles +5 ½ (-110) 40 ½ (-110)
The Steelers are coming in as the favorites and will have to cover a 5 ½ point spread. Both teams are currently undefeated, so fans can be assured that this will be a hard-fought game. While the odds favor the Steelers the turnovers don’t; Roethlisberger has already thrown 3 interceptions this season. Also, the Eagles are coming into this contest with a +4 turnover ratio, so you know those Philly backs are licking their chops coming into this contest. In the end, ball possession might make all the difference come Sunday.
