Oakland Raiders vs. Philadelphia Eagles Odds, Analysis, NFL Betting Pick

The Philadelphia Eagles, chasing the top seed in the NFC, are 5-1 against the spread at home this season. The Oakland Raiders, near elimination, are 1-4-1 ATS on the road this year. Can Philadelphia cover a big number against Oakland at home Christmas Day?

NFL point spread: The Eagles opened as 7.5-point favorites; the total was 48.5 early in the week, according to sportsbooks monitored by OddsShark. Line updates and matchup report.

NFL betting pick, via OddsShark computer: 32.7-12.4 Eagles. NFL picks on every game.

Check out the OddsShark podcast on iTunes or at OddsShark.libsyn.com for more picks and a breakdown of this week's top sports betting news.

Why the Raiders Can Cover the Spread

The Raiders used back-to-back victories in Weeks 12 and 13 to stay alive in the AFC playoff race, but they are now trying to halt a two-game losing skid after falling to the Dallas Cowboys 20-17 in Week 15.

Oakland trailed the Cowboys at the half 10-0 but rallied to tie the score at 17-17 early in the fourth quarter. Then, down by a field goal late, the Raiders drove inside the Dallas red zone, but quarterback Derek Carr lost a fumble stretching for the pylon with 30 seconds to go, and that was it.

On the day, Oakland also had a Carr touchdown pass negated by a penalty, one of 14 called on the Raiders, and missed a 39-yard field goal. Nonetheless, at 6-8 on the season the Raiders are still alive in the AFC playoff race. It might take a minor miracle, but there is hope.

Why the Eagles Can Cover the Spread

The Eagles just won their first game with Nick Foles at quarterback this year, rallying to beat the New York Giants 34-29 last time out. Philadelphia started slowly, trailing New York 20-7 in the second quarter, but the team went on a 24-3 run to take the lead and hung on from there.

Philly, at +900 on the Super Bowl LII odds, outrushed the Giants 108-75, won the turnover battle 1-0 and held a 31-29 edge in time of possession. Foles, the starter in place of the injured Carson Wentz, threw four touchdown passes without an interception, and the special teams helped out by blocking an extra-point attempt, a punt and a field goal.

The NFC East champions have outgained 10 of their past 11 opponents and outrushed 11 of their past 12 foes. And at 12-2, the Eagles can clinch the top seed in the NFC playoffs with one more victory or one more Minnesota Vikings loss.

Smart Pick

If the Vikings lose to the Green Bay Packers Saturday night, this game becomes meaningless to the Eagles. Also, while the Raiders are still alive, they will probably be eliminated from playoff contention sometime Sunday afternoon.

Therefore, there a chance this game won't mean anything to either team, and bettors should keep that in mind. Philly is outrushing opponents by 70 yards per game, while Oakland is getting outrushed by 20 yards per game. That should be enough for the Eagles to win this game and cover this spread.

NFL Betting Trends

The Raiders are 4-1 ATS in their past five games against the Eagles.

The total has gone under in three of the Raiders' past four games against the Eagles.

The Eagles are 4-1 SU and ATS in their past five games at night.

All NFL odds and betting trends according to Bleacher Report's official odds partner, OddsShark. All quotes gathered firsthand unless otherwise noted. Check out Twitter for injury and line-movement updates and the OddsShark YouTube page for picks and analysis, or download the free odds tracker app.