NFL Week 6 Predictions: Can the Eagles Fly the Upset Flag?
If the 2017 NFL season ended tomorrow the winner of tonight’s game between the Philadelphia Eagles and Carolina Panthers would have home field advantage in the playoffs. Well, we’re only in week 6 so barring a zombie apocolypse the season isn’t ending tomorrow. That doesn’t mean that the NFL predictions Week 6 Eagles Panthers isn’t a crucial game for both teams.
Odds
The spread has stayed firm at its Carolina -3 open. A little over half the bettors are backing Philadelphia in this one and an outright bet on the Eagles moneyline pays back +132. Carolina will cost you -152 on the moneyline, not bad for a home contest on a short week. The total is set at 44.
Philadelphia Eagles
Trap game bettors will love Carolina for the NFL predictions Week 6 Eagles Panthers as Philadelphia has a matchup with division rival Washington at home next week. Trap games are viable on Sundays, but the prime time lights of a national Thursday audience usually allows players to keep their focus. The Eagles’ only blemish this year is a week two loss to undefeated Kansas City. They’ve won three straight mostly thanks to their offense that has scored over 27 PPG in four of five this season. Philadelphia dominated Arizona 34 to 7 last week thanks mostly to their #2 ranked run defense giving up only 31 yards on the ground to the Cardinals.
Carolina Panthers
Carolina has won two road games in a row after suffering their only defeat of the season in a 13-34 loss to New Orleans. The signature win of the year so far is going into Gillette Stadium and going punch-for-punch with the Patriots sneaking out a 33-30 victory. Cam Newton has posted back-to-back 300+ yard games in the win over New England and last season’s 27-24 victory over the Lions. If the Panthers can formulate an offense to go with their #3 ranked overall defense they’re surely going to be a squad to be reckoned with come the postseason.
NFL predictions Week 6 Eagles Panthers
It can be easy to side with the Eagles on this one because their offense and running defense has been such a strong point. Philadelphia is 4-1 ATS versus the NFC while Carolina is 1-5 ATS in their last six home games. The trends and the public point towards the Eagles, but tonight you should take the contrarian route. Carolina is on the way up and is developing an offense to go with their timeless dominating defense. Throw in the added benefit of the home crowd and a short week and you’ve got your play.
Pick: Carolina Panthers -3