The Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles meet Thursday in NFL action from Lincoln Financial Field. The Vikings are coming off an opener matchup versus the Buccaneers. In that game Minnesota took a three-point loss. As for Philadelphia, they played the Patriots in their opener matchup. The Eagles would go on to win by five points. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.

Minnesota Vikings 

The Vikings weren’t able to win any games during the 2023 preseason. After an opener loss to the Seahawks 24-13, Minnesota followed that up with losses to the Titans 24-16 and the Cardinals 18-17. In Week 1 of the regular season versus the Buccaneers, Minnesota had a 10-10 tie at the break but eventually lost 20-17 after just seven second-half points. 

During the opener, Minnesota QB Kirk Cousins put up 344 yards, two touchdowns and an interception on 33-of-44 passing. Justin Jefferson led the receivers with 150 yards off nine catches, and Alexander Mattison had 11 carries for 34 yards to lead a fairly anemic rushing attack. 

Minnesota Vikings Team Facts

The Vikings have lost each of their last seven road games in September.
The Vikings have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven games against NFC East opponents.
The Vikings have lost the first half in each of their last 13 road games in September.
The underdogs have won the first quarter in each of the Vikings’ last two games.
The Vikings have scored the first touchdown in each of their last five Thursday games.

Philadelphia Eagles 

Over on the Eagles’ side, they weren’t able to win any games in the preseason either. Philadelphia lost 20-19 to the Ravens, then tied the Browns 18-18 before a 27-13 loss to the Colts on August 24. Last Sunday in the regular-season opener versus the Patriots, the Eagles held a slim 16-14 advantage going into the second half. Philadelphia outscored New England 9-6 from there and held on for the 25-20 win.

In Week 1 Philadelphia got 170 yards and a passing score on 22-of-33 from Jalen Hurts—who also rushed nine times for 37 yards. Kenneth Gainwell was the leading rusher with 54 yards, and AJ Brown had seven catches for 79 yards to top the receivers. DeVonta Smith caught seven balls as well, posting 47 yards and a score. 

Philadelphia Eagles Team Facts

The Eagles have lost five of their last six Week 2 games as favorites against NFC opponents.
The Eagles have covered the spread in eight of their last nine games at Lincoln Financial Field following a win.
The Eagles have scored the first touchdown in nine of their last 10 home games against NFC opponents.
The Eagles have won the first half in each of their last eight games following a win.
The Eagles have lost the first quarter in five of their last six Week 2 games as favorites against NFC opponents.

Matchup/League Facts

The Eagles ranked 1st in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game (179.8) last season
The Eagles were the only team in the NFL to have over 4,000 passing yards and fewer than 550 pass attempts last season
The Vikings ranked 1st in the NFC North for passing yards per game last season (263.8)
The Vikings ranked 31st in the NFL in yards allowed per game (388.7) last season

ANDREW’S FREE PICK 

I’m going to try the Vikings in this one. Probably staying away, though; this should be an interesting matchup. Minnesota generated 369 yards of offense in their Week 1 loss, with only 41 of those coming on the ground. To make matters worse, the Vikings also had a pretty sloppy game with three turnovers and six penalties for 45 yards. Minnesota has a better offense than that, and I think they’ll turn it around here. 

As for Philadelphia, they had a tepid 251 total yards (154 passing) in their win over the Patriots. The Eagles went just 4-of-13 on third downs and had 17 first downs to the Patriots’ 24. Minnesota is going to have to limit their mistakes in Week 2, but I think the Vikings can post a good offensive day in a Week 2 win.