ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 22: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons attempts a pass against the Green Bay Packers during the second quarter in the NFC Championship Game at the Georgia Dome on January 22, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
The 2018 NFL season begins Thursday night, with the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles hosting the Atlanta Falcons.
In their last matchup, Philadelphia defeated Atlanta 15-10 early in the postseason in a game the Falcons came close to winning after a dangerously close interception attempt just seconds before halftime:
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Reigning Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles is set to be the starter for the Eagles after recovering from a preseason shoulder strain, while Carson Wentz is still nursing an ACL injury from last December. Wide receiver Alshon Jeffrey will also sit out Thursday’s contest, as he continues to recover from a shoulder injury.
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The Falcons will keep benefiting from veteran offensive players like Matt Ryan, Devonta Freeman and Julio Jones — who is arguably one of the league’s top receivers — although they could also see a new batch of younger players give them a boost. Rookie wideout Calvin Ridley — a first-round (No. 26) pick out of Alabama — may get some playing time, while other first-year defensive players like Colorado cornerback Isaiah Oliver and South Florida defensive tackle Deadrin Senat could also have an opportunity to make a strong first impression.
Despite advancing to Super Bowl LI after the 2016 season, some Falcons veterans like Ryan and Jones have seen their performance statistics drop, although they could make a resurgence this year.
Thursday’s game in Philadelphia will start at 8:20 p.m. EST and will air on NBC.
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