Jalen Hurts Week 1 Eagles starting quarterback odds, NFL props; Deshaun Watson trade to Philadelphia very unlikely before 2021 season

Last week, SportsLine oddsmakers addressed the possibility that Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson would be traded by Week 1 with no the -200 favorite. That number stands despite a tweet Wednesday night from CBS Sports' Chris Trapasso that talks were "heating up" between the Texans and Philadelphia Eagles on a Watson trade. However, that report has been largely contradicted and it's fully expected that Jalen Hurts will be the Week 1 starter for Philadelphia. He is a +1200 fifth favorite at Caesars Sportsbook to lead the NFL in interceptions.

Both Pro Football Talk and the Houston Chronicle's Aaron Wilson have since said no Watson deal is close – and, frankly, why would any team trade for him now with so much uncertainty surrounding his status for 2021 and going forward? Wilson's tweet read: "No trade imminent or developing at this time for Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson, according to league sources. While there is interest and teams are conducting extensive due diligence, complex legal situation, no-trade clause are all difficult factors to work through still."

Pro Football Talk reported from a source that: "Teams have to wait to make sure jail isn't a possibility." Shoot, Watson isn't even 100 percent healthy right now as he's dealing with calf and ankle tightness and not practicing again Thursday at Texans camp.

New Eagles coach Nick Sirianni hasn't named Hurts the team's Week 1 starter yet and didn't again when asked Thursday: "We're just not there yet," he said, while adding that Hurts is "doing a great job of running the offense and learning the offense." It is a bit odd that Sirianni hasn't proclaimed Hurts the guy over way past-his-prime Joe Flacco, but Sirianni also has no ties to Hurts. SportsLine oddsmakers fully expect Hurts to be the Week 1 starter in Atlanta.

The betting favorites to lead the NFL in picks this year are Carolina's Sam Darnold and Washington's Ryan Fitzpatrick at +800, followed by Detroit's Jared Goff and New York Jets rookie Zach Wilson each at +900. Then Hurts, Pittsburgh's Ben Roethlisberger and Jacksonville rookie Trevor Lawrence each at +1200.

Of course, then-Eagles QB Carson Wentz tied for the 2020 lead for most picks along with Denver's Drew Lock with 15. Hurts had four picks in 148 attempts last year. He is given Over/Under totals of 3650.5 passing yards and 20.5 passing TDs in 2021.

Philadelphia opens its preseason schedule next Thursday at home vs. Pittsburgh, which is playing Dallas tonight in the Hall of Fame Game. Eagles first-round rookie WR DeVonta Smith is expected to miss the entire preseason – and precious time with Hurts – due to a knee injury.

Via SportsLine oddsmakers: Will Jalen Hurts be the Eagles' Week 1 starting QB?

• Yes -700
• No +500

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