NFL: Monday's play

Play: Philadelphia +3 -101


Time: 8:30 p.m. ET


Reasoning: How good is the Eagles' offense? Last week it became the first team in NFL history to win by at least 17 points after being shut out at the half while trailing by at least 17. How good is Philadelphia's defense? In Week 1 it forced six straight punts to open the second half, including four consecutive three-and-outs. Granted, the Eagles were playing Jacksonville. But those are some fairly decent halftime adjustments, no? Philadelphia's offensive line is a bit beat up, and, though it didn't allow a sack in the second half against the Jaguars, it did allow five in the first 30 minutes. But I don't think Indianapolis can take advantage of that. Counting the preseason, the Colts' starting defense has just three sacks in five games. Indy won't have linebacker Robert Mathis (the NFL's sack leader in 2013) this season because of his banned-substances suspension and his torn Achilles. Add to that the Colts' other problems at linebacker, so I expect Eagles tight ends Brent Celek and Zach Ertz to play big roles in Philly's offensive attack. The Eagles also have Jeremy Maclin back this season following his knee injury and he had four catches for 97 yards last week. Newcomer Darren Sproles added a TD and 71 yards against Jacksonville. On offense, Indy's line is porous (Andrew Luck has suffered 76 sacks over the last two years) and I expect the Eagles to thrive against it. And I don't know what to make of these historical notes, but LeSean McCoy is looking for his third straight 100-yard game on Monday Night Football and Philadelphia has won five straight road openers.


Record: 188-137-8 (57.8%)
Bankroll: +133.59%