Week 2 was a brutal one for the public.
It looked like they’d be bailed out with a miracle Monday night cover to end things on a high note.
Instead, it ended with one last gut punch as the Falcons stunned the Eagles with a last-minute rally.
Just how badly has the public been getting beaten? According to Action Network's Media and Research Director, Evan Abrams, the public is 11-20-1 ATS — which is the second-worst in the past 20 years.
The NFL betting public according to @ActionNetworkHQ data is 11-20-1 ATS (35.5%) through two weeks this season.
That is the 2nd-worst start ATS over the last 20 years (ahead of just 2018). pic.twitter.com/iQYLbnAOM0
— Evan Abrams (@EvanHAbrams) September 17, 2024
The public was all over the Eagles, laying 5.5 points with 80% of the bets and 81% of the money on them at BetMGM. It looked like it would hit when Saquon Barkley dropped an easy third-down pass to ice the game with Philly up three. Instead, he dropped it, forcing the Eagles to kick a 28-yard chip shot for a six-point lead.
Then, disaster happened for the masses.
Kirk Cousins drove Atlanta 70 yards in just six plays, finishing it off with a seven-yard touchdown pass to Drake London with 34 ticks left. Younghoe Koo’s extra point gave the Falcons the lead, which was another huge blow to the public as 80% of all bets and a whopping 96% of the money was on the Eagles to win straight-up.
The Eagles had a decent shot to get into field goal range, taking over at their own 30 with a pair of timeouts. However, Jalen Hurts threw an interception on the second play, sealing the Falcons’ win.
Atlanta’s rally continued what’s been the week of the dog as they went 10-5-1. Additionally, those getting at least three points won seven games outright, which was the most in any week since 2001.
The Bills started it all off with a 31-10-win Thursday night against the Dolphins. Things kicked into high gear, though, in Sunday's 1:00 p.m. window as underdogs went 7-3 ATS. Six won outright, which is tied for the most in that window since 2004.
Big dogs are also cashing at a historic rate through two weeks. Those getting at least six points are 8-0 thus far, which is the best mark to ever start a season. The Falcons were oh-so-close to making it 9-0 as they were 6.5-point favorites at one point before closing at 5.5.
Meanwhile, with big dogs hitting at such a high rate, it's worth noting six teams are getting at least six points as of Monday evening. The Patriots are +6.5 against the Jets, Broncos +6.5 against the Buccaneers, Giants +6 against the Browns, Dolphins +6.5 against the Seahawks, the Rams +7.5 against the 49ers and Commanders +8 against the Bengals.
