We have three tips for TNF’s clash between the Minnesota Vikings and the Philadelphia Eagles
It’s almost time for Week 2 of the 2023 NFL season already, after an action-packed opening weekend setting the tone for the remainder of the campaign.
The Vikings were left stunned by the Buccaneers, despite a strong passing performance from Kirk Cousins. The Eagles, on the other hand, dug deep to beat the Patriots 25-20.
The Vikings head to Pennsylvania in Week 2, as they face off against an Eagles side that have won 10 of their last 13 games at the Lincoln Financial Field.
Our in-house tipster has named three selections for Thursday Night Football, focusing on a trio of player markets.
Here are the best bets for TNF’s matchup between Minnesota and Philadelphia.
CAPTAIN KIRK’S FLYING
Despite being on the losing side in Week 1, there were positives to take on Kirk Cousins’ performances against the Buccaneers.
The Vikings QB chalked up 344 passing yards for two touchdowns and an interception on Sunday, claiming a 102.8 Quarterback Rating in the process.
Cousins could register another strong passing performance on Thursday night, particularly when looking at his record versus the Eagles.
Cousins has hit 300+ passing yards in three of his last four starts against Philadelphia, as well as averaging 297.7 passing yards across ten career starts against the NFC East side.
The Minnesota quarterback has been given a generous line of 257.5 passing yards, and he could well hit that total with ease this week.
TIP: Kirk Cousins Over 257.5 Passing Yards (-115, DraftKings Sportsbook)
HOCKENSEN HAULS THEM IN
Since being traded to the Vikings partway through last season, experienced tight end T.J. Hockenson has built a strong rapport with Kirk Cousins in a short amount of time.
The former Detroit recruit could spell trouble for the Eagles defense, who allowed 35 completions at the hands of New England on Sunday – which was the most in the NFL in Week 1.
Eight of those completions were to tight ends, and with Hockenson being the main man in the position for Minnesota, he could easily drum up a nice reception total on Thursday night.
The bookmakers have handed the Vikings TE an over/under line of 4.5 receptions – which looks achievable when you see Hockenson has recorded at least five receptions in eight of his 11 games for Minnesota.
TIP: T.J. Hockenson Over 4.5 Receptions (-115, DraftKings Sportsbook)
QUEZ-TIONABLE TARGETS
While the likes of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith will be the main targets in the Philadelphia pass attack, there could be some value in Quez Watkins finding the endzone in Week 2.
The fourth-year receiver caught both of his targets for 17 yards against the Patroits, and he looks to have secured the third receiver job ahead of Olamide Zaccheaus.
The Viking allowed 21 receptions to seven different recievers in Week 1, so if the Eagles take the same sort of approach here – Watkins could see a few targets come his way.
Watkins also scored a touchdown against the Vikings last season, and his price of +550 to do the same again looks good value here.
