Author: Bill Gelman

Bill Gelman is a veteran sports writer based just outside of Philadelphia and not too far from the Jersey Shore. Bill spends time in Atlantic City writing about casino openings and expansions, special events and world championship boxing at Boardwalk Hall. He is now adding NJ sports betting and online gambling to the mix.

New Jersey Soars To Record Month Of Sports Betting, Nears $3 Billion In Handle

After topping Nevada in back-to-back months, NJ sportsbooks stayed hot by smashing the previous record handle of $385M. Total handle nears $3B for 2019.

The New Jersey sports betting number to beat is now $445.6 million.

That was the total amount wagered in September.

The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement released the latest numbers today, and let’s just call it a record-shattering month.

The Garden State’s previous best month came in January with $385 million. And September 2019 was miles above what was bet in September 2018, which posted just $184 million.

Head to head with Nevada

No surprise, the bulk of the September handle ($374.2 million) came via those 17 sportsbook apps. In 2018, there were just eight apps.

NJ sports betting revenue came in at $37.9 million for the month, which reflects a 59.3% increase from the $23.8 million posted a year ago.

But while the new tally may be impressive, it’s likely not going to be enough to top Nevada for the third month in a row. Last fall, the Silver State reported a record-smashing $571 million for September.

For the year, total bets in New Jersey near $3 billion. In 2018, Nevada’s total amount wagered was $5 billion.

No surprise: FanDuel still setting the table in NJ sports betting

Like the NFL’s New England Patriots, FanDuel Sportsbook continues to be the operator everybody else is chasing.

The Meadowlands Racetrack, its land-based partner, reported $16.9 million, which includes PointsBet NJ.

That figure marks a significant jump from the $7.2 million reported a year ago, which came just weeks after FanDuel’s NJ launch. (PointsBet did not arrive until December.)

So in terms of the overall picture, the sports betting giant continues to keep a significant distance from the rest of the pack.

Here is a breakdown of how the other operators fared:

Property (Online)Online RevenueRetail RevenueSeptember Total
TOTAL$29,418,312$8,455,063$37,883,375
Bally's (Caesars, 888)$486,668$241,703$728,371
Borgata (BetMGM, Borgata Sports)$721,801$756,416$1,478,217
Golden Nugget (BetAmerica, GN Online)$336,740$150,698$487,438
Hard Rock (Hard Rock online, Bet365 NJ, Unibet)$178,255$231,150$409,405
Harrah's-----$118,102$118,102
Meadowlands (FanDuel, PointsBet)$13,288,150$3,644,456$16,932,606
Monmouth (William Hill, SugarHouse, TheScore Bet)$2,364,466$996,844$3,361,310
Ocean Resort (William Hill)$1,301,140$1,804,785$3,105,925
Resorts (DraftKings, Fox Bet, Resorts Online)$10,721,309$340,117$11,061,426
Tropicana (William Hill)$29,783$170,792$200,575

Welcome to the party, Fox Bet

The big question going forward is this: Do any of the current license holders have what it takes to knock FanDuel and the Meadowlands out of the No. 1 position?

Well, Resorts Digital is definitely one to watch, as DraftKings Sportsbook and Fox Bet NJ make for a potent one-two punch.

The latter is, of course, the rebranded BetStars NJ app from The Stars Group that launched in early September.

The three platforms reported a combined $10.7 million, all of which was online. That number is 26% higher than in 2018 and a 60% increase from August.

The DGE does not include a monthly breakdown of each sportsbook app, but it’s safe to assume that Fox Bet and DraftKings are gaining ground thanks to NFL betting.

Ocean Casino + William Hill = a winning team

It’s no secret that Ocean Casino Resort continues to make positive strides under new owner Luxor Capital.

While the numbers on the casino floor continue to tick upward, the property’s William Hill sportsbook is attracting NFL and college football betting crowds.

Ocean reported $3,105,925, marking an eye-opening 140.4% year-over-year increase. The retail portion came in at $1,804,785.

Besides being one of Atlantic City’s bigger spaces, customers can rent skyboxes to watch the games. And the centralized location of the sportsbook likely attracts attention.

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European + Canadian newcomers: where do they fit in?

Another thing to keep in mind is the NJ sports betting market will continue to expand with new mobile offerings.

Hard Rock Atlantic City, for instance, could potentially become a strong contender with the arrival of new skins from European giants Unibet NJ and Bet365 NJ.

October may be a better time to judge performance though, as Unibet didn’t fully launch until Sept. 10. Bet365 opened its doors on Aug. 30.

Neither brand seems to be spending significant marketing dollars just yet either.

TheScore Bet, operating under the Monmouth Park license, is another one to watch closely. The Toronto-based media company is the first of its kind to crossover to the sports wagering world.

The brand had its official launch on Sept. 3.

The question is how much will that well-established sports audience convert over to the world of legal betting? Getting into the game a year after FanDuel and DraftKings may limit the growth for TheScore sportsbook… at least at first.

The combination of William Hill, SugarHouse sportsbook and TheScore could see some significant growth as we get further into football season.

Monmouth reported $3,361,310, with $2,364,466 coming via mobile.

Bottom line: There are no shortage of contenders and competitors in New Jersey.

And when you combine all 17 apps and 10 retail operators together, there is no questioning the strength of New Jersey’s sports betting industry.

AmEx Leaps Into NJ Online Gambling As A Caesars Deposit Option

Caesars Casino & Sports app customers can now pull out their American Express card to deposit funds, a first for AmEx and online gambling.

Caesars online gambling customers in New Jersey can now deposit funds using an American Express card.

If that doesn’t sound all that exciting, note that this is something completely new to the industry. This would be a worldwide first for AmEx.

It’s one of the small pieces of news to come out of the first day of the Global Gaming Expo in Las Vegas this week.

This image on the Caesars Casino & Sportsbook deposit page confirms the operator does indeed allow AmEx credit card transactions.

And for now, Caesars is the only NJ sports betting or online gambling operator accepting AmEx (the option is not available for withdrawals).

How to make an American Express deposit at Caesars

Depositing funds via a credit card is far from a new concept. And adding funds using American Express card works exactly the same:

  • Login in to your account, click on “my account,” and select deposit.
  • Select MasterCard, Discover, Visa, or American Express credit card from the list of deposit methods.
  • Enter the amount and click continue.
  • Fill in the required details and click pay now to process.
  • Funds are available to use for both the casino and sportsbook.

Customers should check with the credit card company before making the transaction as the deposit could be considered a cash advance.

So the best bet is to check the cardholder agreement.

Caesars + other deposit methods

If you don’t have an American Express card, no worries.

Caesars has several options for NJ online casino depositing.

And with the sportsbook integrated with the casino app, funds are available for NFL and college football betting, slots, or any other type of wagering.

Here are the current deposit methods:

  • ACH (Electronic Check)
  • MasterCard/Discover/Visa/American Express
  • Online Bank Transfer
  • PayPal
  • CaesarsCasino.com prepaid card
  • Cash at the Caesars Atlantic City casino cage
  • PayNearMe

Neteller was previously available, but parent company Paysafe has discontinued its e-wallet payment option, at least in the United States.

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Will more NJ gambling sites add the AmEx option?

Is American Express testing the NJ online gambling waters with Caesars? It’s hard to say, but as a first step, it has merit.

Here in the Garden State, online sports betting and gambling is a multi-billion-dollar industry. Since its inception in 2013, the industry has grown from just a few sites to a multitude of brands, apps, and websites.

And credit cards are an extremely common deposit method with NJ’s 17 sports betting apps. Plus, there are more than 20 online casino and poker offerings.

Whether or not AmEx expands beyond Caesars is an unknown. For now.

10 Unforgettable Moments In The Philadelphia Eagles And Dallas Cowboys Epic Rivalry

Eagles vs. Cowboys week is the stuff of legend. Here are 10 great moments in Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys rivalry (from a Philly perspective).

Whenever and wherever the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys play each other, it’s much more than another game. Eagles vs. Cowboys is the stuff of legend.

Ignore the records as this is a true definition of an NFL rivalry. OK, the ‘Boys lead the all-time series 68-52.

But a couple of them have a spot on the list of top 10 Eagles games.

Fittingly, the first of two regular-season meetings is this week’s Sunday Night Football game on NBC. Both teams head into the contest with identical 3-3 records.

And so, welcome to the official start of Eagles vs. Cowboys week. Let the hype and buildup begin.

On Monday, DraftKings Sportsbook had the Cowboys as an early 2-point favorite. It is, after all, a Cowboys home game.

Besides all the NJ sports betting chatter and trash-talking, the die hard Birds fans out there, including myself, are looking forward to another thrilling moment.

The Eagles have certainly delivered plenty of them over the years.

Here are my 10 hard to forget Eagles-Cowboys moments (from a Philly perspective, of course).

10. Never go home early

I prefer watching Eagles vs. Cowboys games in the comfort of home or, nowadays, at one of the 10 NJ sportsbooks. However, it’s hard to forget the 1999 game at Veterans Stadium.

This is the one in which Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin was stretchered off the field with a career-ending spinal cord injury. Yes, the Eagles fans even cheered when it happened (I wasn’t one of them).

Of course, the part I remember most is deciding to leave early in the fourth quarter. The Birds were trailing 10-0, and quite frankly I didn’t think they had any shot of winning.

My team proved me wrong. Then-quarterback Doug Pederson (yes, that Doug Pederson) and crew decided to make a comeback after I made my exit.

Two Norm Johnson field goals and a 28-yard touchdown pass to Charles Johnson with 1:07 remaining sealed the deal.

I listened to it all unfold on the car ride home.

9. Eagles vs. Cowboys and NFC East bragging rights

I have a tough time coming up with fond memories of the Chip Kelly era in Philadelphia.

The former University of Oregon head coach arrived with a lot of hype but did not exactly live up to those high expectations.

However, he did lead the Birds to an NFC East crown in his first season.

The 24-22 victory over Dallas on Dec. 29, 2013, was a memorable one (the losers clinched a Wild Card).

But Kelly did not do it alone. LeSean McCoy rushed for 131 yards and caught a three-yard touchdown pass from some guy named Nick Foles (in his first go-around with the Birds).

This was a back-and-forth battle. The Cowboys got within two points with 3:50 remaining in the game. When the home team needed it most, Brandon Boykin came up with a huge interception to clinch the win.

8. Stopping Emmitt Smith on 4th and 1

As much as I do not like the Cowboys, I have no problem admitting that Emmitt Smith is one of the most talented running backs that I’ve ever seen play.

His three Super Bowl rings are proof.

At the same time, I recall several times when the great Eagles defense made a huge stand against the Cowboys star.

The Dec. 10, 1995, game tops the list.

The score was tied 17-17, and the Cowboys were facing a 4th and 1 in the fourth quarter. Smith got the ball, but the defense stopped him.

Not so fast. It was the two-minute warning; no play.

So with another opportunity, the ‘Boys ran the same exact play. Same result!

The Birds got the ball back with a chance to win. Gary Anderson’s 42-yard field goal gave us fans another reason to celebrate.

Ironically, he had to kick it twice.

emmitt smith cowboys eagles best games

7. An Eagles vs. Cowboys Thanksgiving classic

I remember having my family over for Thanksgiving dinner in 2014. It happened to be the same year the Eagles were playing the Cowboys.

We moved the dining room table into the family room so we didn’t miss a second of the game.

It turns out we ended up enjoying two feasts, the one on the table and the one unfolding on the TV screen. We’re talking a 33-10 Birds victory.

McCoy was one of the stars in this one, rushing for 159 yards. including a 38-yard touchdown. The defense sacked Tony Romo four times.

And everybody went home full and thankful for the win.

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6. Brian Westbrook takes a knee

Not every Eagles-Cowboys game is a high-scoring affair. A perfect example of this took place on Dec. 17, 2007.

The final score: Eagles 10, Cowboys 6.

But the most memorable part of this one is the score that never happened.

Running back Brian Westbrook could’ve easily scored a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. He had a 24-yard run but stopped just short of the end zone. He took a knee at the 1-yard line.

At the time, I was thinking, “Why not score the touchdown? You’re right there!”

Well, in the history of Eagles vs. Cowboys games, it ended up being a genius move. Dallas had no timeouts left. Quarterback Donovan McNabb took three knees, and the rest is history.

5. DeSean Jackson’s 2010 catch-and-run

I am one of the many Eagles fans out there hoping DeSean Jackson is finally healthy for Sunday night’s game.

There is a very good reason why. This speedy receiver is capable of making a big play every time he catches the ball.

A perfect example of this took place on Dec. 12, 2010, in Arlington, Texas.

With the Eagles vs. Cowboys game tied 20-20, the visitors started their drive on the 9-yard line. What happened next is one of the most exciting and longest offense plays in franchise history.

Michael Vick passed the ball to Jackson on what ended up being a 91-yard catch and run play. The Birds jumped out in front 27-20, with close to 12 minutes to play.

David Akers added a 28-yard field goal to make the score 30-20.

Dallas got within three points, but Jackson’s performance is one still worth talking about today. He finished with 210 receiving yards.

4. Bounty Bowl

When Buddy Ryan was coaching the Eagles, he gave fans and members of the media plenty to talk about.

This Thanksgiving Day game from 1989, aka the Bounty Bowl, is one that us Eagles fans have a tough time forgetting.

Ryan and the Eagles were accused of putting a $200 bounty on Dallas kicker Luis Zendejas.

The comments by Ryan and Cowboys head coach Jimmy Johnson that came afterward were almost as entertaining as the game.

By the way, Philadelphia also happened to win the game 27-0.

3. Bounty Bowl II

The Eagles-Cowboys rivalry got so heated in ’89, it’s hard to forget the sequel to the Bounty Bowl.

The hatred between these two teams resembled a WWE feud minus the body slams and chair shots.

Let’s be crystal clear, Eagles fans have pure hatred for the Cowboys. When Dallas came to Philly on Dec. 10, 1989 (two weeks after Bounty Bowl), it was like an enemy invasion.

Remember we are talking about a fan base that isn’t afraid to throw snowballs at Santa Claus.

The feisty Eagles fans were equipped with a full arsenal of snow and ice. The Bounty Bowl signs hanging around the stadium made it extremely clear that this one was going to get extremely ugly.

Anyone standing on the Cowboys sideline was an open target. Luckily, I was watching this one at home.

Trash talking is fine. Throwing snowballs and ice at innocent bystanders took things way too far. The CBS announcers sitting in the booth even found themselves ducking as they were calling the game.

Years later, this Birds 20-10 victory over the 1-12 Cowboys remains a heavy footnote to the Bounty Bowl saga.

2. Lito Sheppard’s 102-yard touchdown return

Lito Sheppard is not one of those players I would include on my list of greatest Eagles of all time.

However, when talking about the greatest plays in this rivalry, he accomplished something that I will never forget.

When these two teams played in 2006, everyone thought Terrell Owens (the former Eagle playing for the Cowboys) was going to hog the spotlight. After all, the game was taking place at Lincoln Financial Field.

Owens finished with just three catches for 45 yards.

Sheppard turned out to be the real playmaker in this one. He intercepted a Drew Bledsoe pass on the Eagles 6-yard line and ran 102 yards all the way to the end zone.

Eagles won 38-24.

1. Wilbert Montgomery leads the way

Nothing says classic better than an Eagles vs. Cowboys matchup for the NFC Championship game at the Vet. Talk about adding meaning to a storied rivalry.

Being a young kid at the time, I don’t exactly remember what I was doing on this extremely cold day (below freezing temps and strong wind gusts) in January 1981.

The Philadelphia Phillies were fresh off their first-ever World Series win, and the City of Brotherly Love was hungry for more.

With the national spotlight now on the Birds, one of the greatest players ever to wear the green and white delivered big time. Running back Wilbert Montgomery dashed 42 yards to pay dirt and an early 7-0 advantage.

Two Tony Franklin field goals and a late 9-yard run by Leroy Harris sealed the 20-7 victory.

And FINALLY, my Eagles were going to the Super Bowl.

Of course, it ended up taking nearly another 40 years before I experienced the Super Bowl celebration in front of the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

Will New Jersey Always Wear The Sports Betting Crown?

Total bets in NJ sports betting recently topped Nevada for the third time in four months. But does the state have what it takes to remain the top dog?

New Jersey did it again.

For the third time in four months, total bets in NJ sports betting topped the performance of Nevada’s sportsbooks.

The August number out of the Garden State came in at $294 million.

The Silver State reported $288 million.

Is New Jersey destined to lead the US sports betting market? Or just dominate on the East Coast?

Well, it all starts with NJ online gambling and 17 sportsbook apps.

Dialing up NJ online sports betting

When talking about the amount wagered (or handle); New Jersey’s mobile operators are absolutely crushing it.

The year-to-date online handle currently sits at $2 billion.

Retail, on the other hand, accounts for $460.3 million of the business.

Keep in mind, the current NFL and college football betting season includes several new products for the NJ sports betting crowd.

Since late August, three new and two rebranded apps have launched. They are:

The bottom line is the New Jersey market is still growing. With 80%+ of bets going online, the addition of more apps now and in the future will only fortify that growth.

That’s not to say that Nevada doesn’t have mobile betting, but its regulations do not allow for remote sign-up of betting apps. This limits the online dominance considerably. And gives New Jersey an edge.

DraftKings and FanDuel set the sports betting table

DraftKings Sportsbook made history back in August 2018 by launching NJ’s first mobile sports betting app. The product operates under the Resorts Digital umbrella (with Fox Bet and Resorts Sportsbook).

And since that summer launch, the Boston-based company has watched the numbers climb past those in Nevada.

New Jersey took the crown for the first time in May.

And in July, the Garden State flirted with Nevada’s all-time record again.

When asked if he is surprised about New Jersey topping Nevada in handle for the third time, Johnny Avello, director of sportsbook operations for DraftKings, said he is “not surprised at all.”

“The product we offer the NJ residents is paramount so in my opinion, it’s the best place to wager on sports in the country,” said Avello.

He did note that Nevada has a population of 3 million compared to 9 million in NJ.

And the market-leading FanDuel Sportsbook (under the Meadowlands Racetrack license) continues to play a major role as well.

Kevin Hennessy, a spokesman for FanDuel Group, said sports betting in New Jersey continues to surpass all of the company’s expectations.

“We have a great product that offers customers an unsurpassed sports experience and that is what has made it the No. 1 online sportsbook in New Jersey and Pennsylvania,” he said.

For August alone, the Meadowlands reported $11.8 million in sports betting revenue (a portion of it is from PointsBet NJ). The majority of betting revenue, $9.3 million, came via online.

Resorts Digital claimed the distant No. 2 spot with $6.7 million.

NY’s loss continues to be NJ’s gain

The other side of the coin, of course, is that New Jersey operators continue to benefit from the business coming out of the New York City area where there are more than 8 million residents.

Retail sports betting is available in NY, but the casinos that are currently offering it are more than a three-hour drive from the city.

FanDuel operates out of Tioga Downs. The Meadowlands location, on the other hand, is less than 10 miles from the Lincoln Tunnel.

Plus New York state does not have mobile sports betting. At least not yet. So, all customers need to do is cross the George Washington Bridge or one of the tunnels to place those bets.

As a result, New York’s loss is FanDuel’s gain.

Hennessy said there is no doubt the scenario benefits New Jersey.

“We have 20% of our online customers coming from New York. Our retail space at the Meadowlands Racetrack has more than 50% of the retail market, and a good reason for that is being a stones throw away from the New York border.”

New York may be bigger, but New Jersey has its numbers.

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But should New Jersey fear Pennsylvania?

If we add Pennsylvania to the equation, things get a bit dicier for NJ’s East Coast sports betting crown. One train of thought is the Keystone State could eventually overtake New Jersey.

They are a much bigger state and have a population of more than 12 million.

Plus there are 12 casinos (with another under construction). The NJ sports betting field consists of nine casinos and two racetracks.

Pennsylvania also recently launched online sports betting, and there are currently five apps on the market.

Thanks to the addition of FanDuel, the PA handle for August came in at $109 million.

The big difference is the New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement permits each license holder to have three online skins.

The Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board currently limits the online skins to one per license holder. That does give them 12 possible apps by the time the market is in full launch.

So clearly, the two neighboring states have what it takes to be the sports betting beast of the East.

When asked if New Jersey is set up for long-term dominance over a bigger state such as PA, Avello declined to make any long-term predictions.

However, he did offer up this thought:

“I do not want to speculate who will have the biggest sports handle down the road, but I will say the Division of Gaming Enforcement in New Jersey has been aggressive and open to new ideas, which has been a difference maker,” Avello said.

Until another state knocks down the champs, the sports betting handle title belongs to New Jersey. With football season in full betting mode, it’s likely Nevada will regain that crown in the months ahead.

In any case, the next round will be decided later this month.

888 And New York Jets Team Up Again For 2019 Season

Besides both calling North Jersey home, 888 Casino and the New York Jets share “similar values and DNA,” and their extended partnership is proof.

Look closely at the logos for 888 Casino and the New York Jets.

Notice any similarity in color schemes?

Now the two companies share something else in common.

They have a unique partnership that is billed as “the first and only one between a pure digital gaming company and an NFL team.”

The original agreement from the 2018 season was centered around the 888 brand as a whole.

The big difference for this year is the marketing is centered around the casino product and its new Orbit platform.

888 Casino’s new deal with the NY Jets

In a nutshell, the new deal means for the six remaining Jets regular-season home games, including the Week 6 contest against the Dallas Cowboys, this is what fans will see:

  • 888 Casino branding will be on display across the 82,000-plus capacity MetLife Stadium.
  • The Red Zone feature (aka highlights from around the league) will be sponsored by 888 Casino.
  • There will be additional promotions spread online across the team’s website and social channels, and broadcast over 98.7 ESPN during radio coverage of the Jets games.
888 casino ny jets advertising

While featuring the 888 Sportsbook brand seems to make much more sense, NFL rules prohibit teams from promoting sports betting.

As it is, the NJ online gambling operator is based out of Secaucus. The Jets play their home games in nearby East Rutherford (aka the Meadowlands) and practice in Florham Park.

The partnership seemed to be a perfect match.

888 + Jets partnership = benefits

Yes, the Jets did finish the 2018 season with a 4-12 record. And they head into this week’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles still seeking their first win of the new season.

But based on the press release, this deal clearly isn’t based around the franchise’s on-the-field performances.

Building brand and customer awareness are what it’s all about.

“The extension of the deal between the New York Jets and 888casino.com for a second year in a row only reaffirms our expansion efforts and reiterates the interest in online gaming within the US sports community,” said Yaniv Sherman, head of group commercial development.

“The continuation of the partnership marks another milestone for 888casino.com in the US, as we continue to pioneer betting operations through this sponsorship agreement, our second consecutive with an NFL team!”  

888, which operates under the Caesars Interactive license, is building on the momentum from a very busy summer. The highlight is, of course, the July launch of its new casino platform.

NFL training camps opened around the same time.

NY Jets but not NY Giants

Keep in mind the New York Giants also call MetLife home. But the partnership does not apply to those home games.

In an interview, Sherman said the focus was on “opting for a specific team from a big market.”

It just so happens the Jets are from the New York market but call the Garden State home.

“I think there are very few brands today in American sports that regardless of whether the team wins or not or who plays on the team the franchise brand is bigger than anything else,” said Sherman.

“The Jets are one of a handful of teams associated with the city and that is important to us. I think we share similar values and DNA. We are a very good cultural fit.”

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888 Casino getting Monday night NFL spotlight

The 888 Casino brand (that shares a wallet with 888 Sport and 888 Poker) will be front and center on Oct. 21. That’s when the Jets host the currently undefeated New England Patriots in a Monday Night Football game.

That would be Tom Brady and the defending Super Bowl champion Patriots.

As the game sponsor, there will be an additional 888 Casino branding. This will include digital ribbons around MetLife Stadium, along with Jumbotron and audio mentions during the contest.

Yes, the Patriots won the first contest handily, 30-14. And it’s safe to say the 888 team will be rooting for a Jets win the second time around.

However, if 888 Casino customers sign up and deposit as a result of the deal, that will count in the win column, too.

Top 10 Philadelphia Eagles Games Worth Remembering (Minus The 2018 Super Bowl)

As the Philadelphia Eagles get ready to play the Green Bay Packers, it brings back memories of 4th and 26. Here are 10 best moments in Eagles history.

When talking about the greatest moments in Philadelphia Eagles history, few would argue about which game takes the top spot.

That would be Super Bowl LII when the Birds defeated Tom Brady and the New England Patriots, 41-33.

Then there are the three NFL championships from the pre-Super Bowl era:

  • 1948: 7-0 victory over the Chicago Cardinals
  • 1949: 14-0 win over the Los Angeles Rams
  • 1960: 17-13 win over the Green Bay Packers

Speaking of Green Bay, that is where the Birds are playing tonight. FanDuel Sportsbook and DraftKings Sportsbook both have them listed as a 4-point underdog.

But let’s forget about NJ sports betting for a moment and remember that before the 2018 Super Bowl, the Eagles thrived on being the underdog.

This season is perhaps a different story. At 1-2, Philadelphia is in desperate need of a win.

And the last thing this team needs is another embarrassing moment on Thursday Night Football.

The upside is some of the Eagles greatest moments have come against the Packers. A couple of them are even worth including on the list of 10 best Eagles games of all time (minus the previously mentioned championships, of course).

Keep in mind that there are several other contests that could easily crack the top 10 in Philadelphia Eagles’ history. After reading this list, feel free to agree, disagree or add one you think we missed.

10. 4th and 26

Since Thursday Night Football features Eagles versus Packers, it’s only fitting that we start off with this 2004 playoff game between these two teams.

Philadelphia was trailing 17-14 at home with 1:12 remaining and no timeouts. And it came down to 4th and 26. Quarterback Donovan McNabb connected with Freddie Mitchell on a 28-yard pass.

Kicker David Akers added two clutch field goals (including the game-winner in overtime) to give the Eagles a 20-17 win.

9. The Double Doink

The defending Super Bowl champion Eagles almost missed the playoffs last season. And if it wasn’t for a miscue by Chicago Bears kicker Cody Parkey, it would’ve been one-and-done for Nick Foles and company.

Philadelphia took a 16-15 lead with 56 seconds remaining in the game (thanks to Golden Tate’s 2-yard touchdown reception). However, the Bears drove and got in position for a 43-yard field goal to win the game. Fortunately for Eagles fans, the kick hit the upright and the crossbar for the game-ending “double doink.” People are still talking about it several months later.

8. Donovan McNabb plays with a broken ankle

When you’re a mobile quarterback like Donovan McNabb, playing with a broken ankle would seem impossible. But there is no quitting in Philly. Just ask Rocky Balboa.

In this 2002 regular-season game against the Arizona Cardinals, he went down with an injury early in the first quarter. McNabb got taped up in the locker room and came back out to finish the game. All he did was pass for 255 yards and four touchdowns while essentially playing on one leg. Eagles won the game 38-14 but lost their quarterback for the rest of the regular season.

7. What a Vick-tory

This Nov. 15, 2010, NFC East matchup between the Eagles and Washington Redskins came down to a dominating performance by one man — starting quarterback Michael Vick.

Yes, the 59-28 final score on Monday Night Football is hard to forget. But the passer turned in a performance for the ages, throwing for 333 yards and four touchdowns while rushing for another two (to go along with 80 rushing yards). It marked the first time in NFL history that a player put up those kinds of numbers in a single game.

By the way, the starting QB for the Redskins was some guy named Donovan McNabb.

6. The Pickle Juice Game

Have you ever tried pickle juice? Well, back in 2000 — Andy Reid’s second year as head coach — it ended up being the formula to victory in the season opener against the Dallas Cowboys.

The temperature was only 109 degrees outside, and even hotter on the playing surface. The Eagles players drank the pickle juice to avoid getting dehydrated in the excessive heat. It may not have tasted great, but the 41-14 victory made drinking it worthwhile.

eagles cowboys pickle juice game

5. Miracle at the Meadowlands

You never know what’s going to happen when the Eagles and New York Giants play. The first Miracle at the Meadowlands takes us back to Nov. 19, 1978.

Most times, a 17-12 advantage with 31 seconds left in regulation means victory is moments away. But on a 3rd-and-2, instead of taking a knee, the home team ran a play, and the Eagles took full advantage of a costly mistake.

Giants quarterback Joe Pisarcik fumbled the ball, Herm Edwards recovered it and ran 26 yards for the game-winner. Eagles won 19-17.

4. Super Bowl, here we come

The day the Eagles punched their ticket to the first Super Bowl in franchise history obviously belongs on the list. Even better, it came against the rival Cowboys at home.

The date was Jan. 11, 1981, and the game time temp was in single digits. Wilbert Montgomery rushed for 194 yards, highlighted by his 42-yard touchdown run. Tony Franklin added three field goals to secure the 20-7 victory. Bring on the Raiders.

3. McNabb throws 5 TDs, beats the Packers

Sticking with the Eagles-Packers theme, this one is hard to ignore. It took place during Week 13 of the 2004 season.

The Birds entered the game with a 10-1 record. Unlike the 2019 team, this squad absolutely dominated in the first half, outscoring Green Bay 35-3. Donovan McNabb passed for 464 yards and five touchdowns, three of which were caught by Brian Westbrook.

2. Finally over the hump

Losing three straight NFC Championship games are the moments that Eagles fans tend to avoid talking about. This playoff game from the 2004 season, however, is nearly impossible to forget.

The Atlanta Falcons came to the City of Brotherly Love, with a trip to Jacksonville on the line. The home team was hungry and ready, and it showed in the 27-10 final score.

1. Eagles vs. Vikings 2018

US Bank Stadium is home to the Minnesota Vikings. It also happened to be the site of Super Bowl LII. But the road to Minnesota came through Philadelphia and Lincoln Financial Field.

On Jan. 21, 2018, the home team made it crystal clear that this was their year. Minnesota scored the first touchdown of the game, and the Birds responded with 38 unanswered points. Foles threw for 352 yards and three touchdowns. And, we all remember what happened next.