NFL Week 2 Thursday Night Football Betting Primer: Expert Picks & Predictions (Vikings vs. Eagles)

Welcome back to the Week 2 Thursday Night Preview, proudly presented by Bettingpros.com! I’m Andrew Erickson, and I’m here to be your guide through the NFL’s thrilling world of wagers, offering expert insights and recommendations on everything from sides to totals, and sometimes even player props that could lead to a game-changing single-game parlay. In this edition, we’re laser-focused on the Week 2 kickoff clash between the Vikings and Eagles, a taste of what’s to come in our official NFL Betting Primer every Friday.

Whether you’re a seasoned betting pro or just starting to explore the exciting realm of NFL wagering €“ like myself, now that my state has embraced sports betting €“ this one-game primer is tailored to provide valuable insights and picks for the upcoming matchup and boost those bankrolls into the weekend. Get ready to dive headfirst into the NFL season with a keen betting perspective as we dissect the MIN vs. PHI matchup, pinpointing our favorite bets, top picks, and enticing player props. So, fasten your seatbelts for a thrilling journey into the world of NFL betting €“ it’s time to up your game!

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Thursday Night Football Betting Primer

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Minnesota Vikings at Philadelphia Eagles – Line: PHI -7

The Minnesota Vikings’ home loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seemed fitting. They were the most overrated team last year and got straight-up served in Week 1. Although I missed on the over in Week 1, I was firmly against taking Minnesota as heavy favorites. Still, their offense moved the ball effectively €“ 369 total yards, 5.9 yards per play (tied for second highest in Week 2) €“ but two lost fumbles and one interception killed scoring opportunities for Minnesota. Two costly turnovers deep inside the Buccaneers’ territory.

Their offense was moving the ball with ease versus the Buccaneers’ defense, and I expect it to be more of the same with Justin Jefferson leading the charge. Starting CB James Bradberry is the concussion protocol. Mac Jones diced the Eagles’ secondary for over 300 passing yards and 3 TDs in Week 1 behind a patchwork offensive line. If the Patriots’ offense could inflict that much damage with no-name WRs, you better expect the Vikings can also post points with their offense littered with superior playmakers.

Except in the case of the ground game, which I do not have faith in for Minnesota. They couldn’t run versus the Buccaneers generating just 41 yards on 17 carries (2.4 yards per carry) behind Alexander Mattison. Given the injuries to offensive linemen Christian Darrisaw and Garrett Bradberry, you need to fade the Vikings ground game into oblivion. There’s a reason why Mattison’s rushing yardage prop has been beaten down from 55.5 to 49.5 since the line opened. The best number remaining is Mattison under 51.5 rushing yards on Prizepicks.com. Worth a sprinkle, but not an official play.

As for the Eagles’ offense, they didn’t look great versus the Patriots. No preseason reps may have contributed to the rust in Week 1. However, New England boasts a stout defensive unit, which is hardly the case for Minnesota as they have a severe lack of pass rush juice (which is why I liked the over last week). Alas, Tampa and Mayfield came through with enough big plays on offense to get the win. The Vikings generated just a 23% pressure rate on the Buccaneers QB (the 7^th-lowest mark in Week 1).

The Patriots defense generated pressure at a top-5 rate versus Jalen Hurts in Week 1. However, when kept clean, Hurts was flawless: 19 of 22 for 160 yards and a TD. With a lack of pressure coming his way, the Eagles’ offense should ROLL this horrible Vikings’ defensive unit.

I like the over and the Vikings to cover the seven-point spread. Their offense is good enough to keep this game close versus an overrated Eagles defense. Patriots got robbed of the +4 last week, and I don’t believe Philly backers will be as lucky two weeks in a row.

For props, there are a bunch that I love. Starting with of course€¦the tight end position.

T.J. Hockenson should go over 4.5 receptions with ease. The Eagles’ weakest position on their defense entering the season was at linebacker, and they just placed Nakobe Dean on IR. Starting safety Reed Blankenship is not practicing and has been ruled out. Hunter Henry was super productive against the Eagles in Week 1, going 5 for 56 on 6 targets with a score.

Considering Hockenson is way more involved in the Vikings’ offense and has gone over 4.5 receptions in 9 of his last 11 full games with Minnesota (including last week), easy over.

I also love the other tight end, Dallas Goedert. I am buying the dip after he goose-egged in Week 1 because he was No. 1 in route participation among TEs in Week 1. Routes lead to targets which lead to catches. Additionally, after the game, head coach Nick Sirianni said, “We can’t go a game without getting Dallas Goedert the football. He’s too good of a playmaker." He said something similar after DeVonta Smith was not involved in Week 1 last year. His stat line the following week? 7 catches for 80 yards on 7 targets and you can get the 4.5 number at plus-money at multiple books. Over 3.5 (-166) is on FanDuel.

My Picks:

Over 49.0 (-108 at DraftKings)
Vikings +6.5 (-110 at FanDuel)

My Props:

T.J. Hockenson OVER 4.5 Receptions (-175 at BetMGM)
Dallas Goedert OVER 4.5 Receptions (+110 at DraftKings)

Make sure to check out our other best bets for Thursday: