Thursday Night Football: Vikings vs Eagles Odds, Picks & NFL Week 2 Predictions

Key players to keep an eye on include the Vikings' seasoned quarterback, Kirk Cousins, who will be looking to improve his ball security after turning it over three times in the previous game. For the Eagles, quarterback Jalen Hurts is the man of the hour, having gone 22-33 for 170 yards and a touchdown in their season opener.

For those in search of the most reliable Vikings vs. Eagles prediction, this comprehensive analysis should serve as your go-to guide. Whether you're a seasoned bettor or a casual fan, understanding these dynamics will give you the upper hand in making informed decisions for NFL Week 2.

How to Watch Vikings vs. Eagles on Thursday Night Football

• Date: Thursday, September 14, 2023
• Kick Off: 8:15 p.m. ET
• Location: Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia, PA
• Where to Watch: Prime Video, FOX 29

The NFL Week 1 odds are pointing towards an exciting matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles are the favorites with a spread of -7 and a moneyline of -324, while the Vikings are at +253. The over/under is set at 48.5 (-110) with Caesars sportsbook, making this one of the NFL best bets for a moderate-scoring game.

The Eagles are coming off a win against the New England Patriots, with Jalen Hurts throwing for 170 yards and a touchdown. Philadelphia's offense was lackluster in their win against the Patriots, accumulating only 251 total yards, with 154 coming through the air. The Eagles struggled on third-down conversions, going just 4-for-13, and secured 17 first downs compared to the Patriots' 24.

The Eagles' defensive depth is being tested early in the season, especially with key players like Nakobe Dean and James Bradberry sidelined. Dean's absence could be filled by Christian Elliss or Patrick Johnson, while Bradberry's status remains uncertain.

Eagles Injury Report: Kenneth Gainwell (Ribs), Nakobe Dean (Foot), James Bradberry (Concussion), Fletcher Cox (Ribs), and Reed Blankenship (Ribs).

In the Vikings vs. Eagles prediction for Week 2, it's worth noting that Minnesota lost their opener to Tampa Bay 20-17 but showed promise. Despite accumulating 369 offensive yards, they struggled with only 41 rushing yards and were marred by three turnovers and six penalties. However, their offense, led by standout wide receiver Justin Jefferson, is expected to rebound. 

Jefferson had a career-high 184 receiving yards and two touchdowns in Week 1. Defensively, Harrison Smith is a player to watch; he notched seven tackles and his 30th career interception in the opener. Smith is the only active NFL player with 30+ interceptions and 16.5 sacks. As you make your NFL picks for TNF, consider that both Jefferson and Smith are likely to be key factors in Minnesota's performance.

Vikings Injury Report: Garrett Bradbury (Back), Christian Darrisaw (Ankle), Marcus Davenport (Ankle).

Let's explore some interesting NFL betting trends and look at the Vikings vs. Eagles NFL Picks and best  bets:

⭐ NFL Pick 1: Vikings +7 ATS (-110) at BetMGM

In this Vikings vs Eagles prediction, it's crucial to note that the Eagles won 24-7 when the teams met in Week 2 last season. However, the Vikings are looking to reverse their fortunes this time, taking cues from the Patriots' strategy to neutralize Jalen Hurts. Kirk Cousins displayed impressive arm strength in his last outing, and with Justin Jefferson as a key asset, the Vikings' passing game has strong potential. Considering Mac Jones and the Patriots managed 306 passing yards against the Eagles, Cousins and his team could likely do the same. The Eagles' defense may not pose much of a threat, while their offense could be stifled by the Vikings. Betting on the Vikings to cover the -7 spread at BetMGM appears to be a sound choice or our NFL Picks.

⭐ NFL Pick 2: Under 48.5 total points (-110) at Caesars

Both the Vikings and Eagles had lackluster offensive showings in Week 1, scoring 20 and 25 points respectively. Last season's matchup between these teams resulted in only 31 total points, well below the 48.5 over/under. With a short week ahead, it's unlikely that either offense will significantly improve. Expect turnovers and defensive plays to dominate the game. The Vikings' defense is poised to make the biggest impact, especially considering Minnesota's weakened offensive line and Philadelphia's running back dealing with rib issues. Given the Eagles' defensive vulnerabilities, particularly at linebacker and safety, betting the Under 48.5 total points at Caesars seems like a value pick. 

⭐ NFL Player Prop: Jalen Hurts anytime TD scorer (-135) at FanDuel

Jalen Hurts is a dual-threat quarterback who can make plays with his legs. The Eagles' offensive struggles in Week 1 could lead to more designed runs or scrambles for Hurts. Considering he's not known for shining in prime-time games, this could be a game where Hurts steps up to make a statement. Taking Jalen Hurts as an anytime TD scorer at FanDuel seems like a smart play.