The last time we saw Carson Wentz in an NFL game, he was lifting the Philadelphia Eagles to new heights before suffering a season-ending knee injury in a Week 14 matchup with the Los Angeles Rams a year ago. While Nick Foles was able to take the reins and lead the Eagles to their first-ever Super Bowl victory in February, the club will receive a big boost when Wentz returns to action in Week 3 against the Indianapolis Colts. Sportsbooks opened the Eagles as 6-point home favorites with a total of 47.5.
- The Eagles are 8-2 ATS in their last 10 games at home.
- The total has gone UNDER in five of the Eagles’ last six games at home (avg. combined score: 28.17).
- The Colts are 0-8 SU in their last eight games after a win.
How will Wentz fare in his return to the gridiron?
Wentz, who was medically cleared for contact on Monday, looks to be in tip-top game shape after he was seen throwing bombs of 50-plus yards during warm-ups before the Eagles’ 27-21 Week 2 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In 13 games last year, the North Dakota State product had 3,296 passing yards, 33 touchdowns and only seven interceptions. Philly’s offense has been lackluster to say the least through two games in the new season, as the unit is averaging 19.5 points and 322 passing yards per game – 25th and 24th in the league so far.
The good news for Eagles backers is the club’s penchant for covering the spread at home, as Philadelphia is 8-2 ATS in its past 10 contests at Lincoln Financial Field. The UNDER has also been a rock-solid wager in this spot, evidenced by the Eagles going below the closing total in five of their last six home games, with an average combined score of 28.2 points.
Foles will be celebrated as a folk hero in the City of Brotherly Love forever after his Super Bowl performance, but this offense is going to look completely different with Wentz back in the fold.
Colts rarely win two in a row
Indianapolis is coming off a big 21-9 triumph over the Washington Redskins in Week 2, but the biggest story so far for the club in 2018 is undoubtedly Andrew Luck. Like Wentz, Luck has had no shortage of injury issues of late, but the 29-year-old has looked more like his old self in two games this season.
Indy’s defense stole the show against the Redskins, as rookie linebacker Darius Leonard recorded a total of 18 tackles, a sack and a forced fumble. While the Colts are riding some momentum in light of the victory, they have had some major issues rattling off consecutive wins lately. Dating back to last season, Indianapolis is 0-8 SU in its last eight when coming off a win.
Why I’m picking the Eagles
Many football bettors will likely be fading the Eagles this week due to their underwhelming start to the season, but Foles’ spotty play has completely stalled Philly’s offense time and time again through two weeks. With Wentz back in the mix, I expect the Eagles to regain their mojo at home, and their 8-2 ATS trend in their last 10 home games only gives me more confidence in the reigning Super Bowl champs.
