San Francisco 49ers vs. Philadelphia Eagles Odds & Game Pick (2021)

Sep 17, 2021 - 10:48 AM

Two NFC teams who emerged from their season-openers victorious a week ago are set to clash this Sunday. The San Francisco 49ers rode a high-powered offensive attack to a shootout victory. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles won in blowout fashion in Week 1 despite being road NFL betting underdogs. The two teams will collide in Philadelphia this weekend, with the visiting 49ers currently a short favorite.

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Details

Opening Lines: 49ers -4; O/U 46.5
Current Lines: 49ers -3: O/U 50
Location: Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia, PA
Start Time: 1 p.m. EDT
TV: FOX
Last Meeting: October 4, 2020 — The Eagles defeated the 49ers 25-20 in Santa Clara.

Overview

The 49ers were one of many NFL teams who had a quarterback battle during training camp this year. Veteran Jimmy Garoppolo emerged as the Week 1 starter over rookie Trey Lance. He certainly made good on the trust bestowed upon him last week. Garoppolo threw for 314 yards, and a score as the 49ers’ offense looked unstoppable. Granted, they were playing the porous Detroit Lions defense, but it was certainly a positive way to open the season. Wideout Deebo Samuel dazzled with 189 yards and a score. Lance even came in for a red zone play and proceeded to throw his first NFL touchdown pass. 

After the 49ers were decimated by injuries last season, many NFL betting analysts predicted a strong bounceback year for the 2019-20 NFC champs. While San Fran won last week, unfortunately, the injury bug reared its ugly head once again. Running back Raheem Mostert was lost for the season to a knee injury. In his place, Eli Mitchell was impressive. He rushed for over 100 yards and a score. The other key injury saw cornerback Jason Verrett go down with a torn ACL. His absence from the 49ers’ secondary will be a bit harder to replace. 

Many NFL betting analysts came into the year expecting the Eagles to be the cellar dwellers in what remains a weak NFC East Division. Well, after one week of games, Philadelphia sits alone in first place. The Eagles got out to an early lead against the Atlanta Falcons last week and never looked back. The defense surrendered just two field goals to what many believed to be a high-powered passing attack. Quarterback Jalen Hurts was stellar as well. He threw for 264 yards and a trio of touchdowns, with one going to rookie first-round pick DeVonta Smith. The dual-threat Hurts added 62 yards with his legs.

Significant concerns regarding the Eagles offense as a whole and defensive secondary were put to rest last week. The O-line only allowed one sack while opening lanes in the run game that led to 173 total rushing yards. Meanwhile, the Philly secondary only surrendered 136 yards through the air. Whether the Eagles will look quite as impressive against a more formidable opponent in Week 2 remains to be seen.

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Trends

• 49ers are 0-1 ATS and 1-0 to the over this season.
• Eagles are 1-0 ATS and 0-1 to the over this season. 
• 49ers are just 3-7 both SU and ATS in their last ten games.
• The total has gone under in eight of the Eagles’ last 11 games.
• Eagles are 3-0 ATS in their last three head-to-head matchups against the 49ers.

Bottom Line

To see the 49ers sustain so many injuries early for the second straight year was quite disheartening. San Francisco’s ability to slow down dual-threat QB Jalen Hurts may very well depend on which of their defensive players can suit up on Sunday. Four key defenders did not practice on Wednesday, while two more were limited. If the 49ers have limited bodies on Sunday, don’t be surprised if the Eagles put up some points. 

One has to believe that the 49ers can find more success offensively against the suspect Eagles secondary than Atlanta managed last week. The loss of Raheem Mostert hurts, but Eli Mitchell proved plenty capable of handling the lead RB role. The Niners also have rookie back Trey Sermon waiting in the wings. 

Given the injury and matchup breakdown on both sides of the ball, it is no surprise to note that this total has steamed up from 46.5 to 50. While the move makes a lot of sense given what we saw last week, overreacting to Week 1 results has proven time and again to get bettors in trouble. The fact that both teams like to run the ball could also work to shorten the game. Look to play under on a total that has moved a bit too far.

Pick: Under 50

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Henry John is a featured writer at BettingPros. For more from Henry, check out his archive.

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