New England vs Atlanta Betting?
The New England Patriots have lived up to the billing once, starting the season 3-0. The Atlanta Falcons on the other hand are reeling, starting the season in a 1-2 hole after going to the NFC Championship last year. It’s Tom Brady versus Matt Ryan in a battle of playoff teams on Sunday Night Football.
Sunday Night Football – New England Patriots (3-0) vs Atlanta Falcons (1-2)
Sunday, September 29th
The Georgia Dome – Atlanta, GA
8:30
Moneyline: 115
Spread: Atlanta -1
O/U: 49.5
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The NFL has moved to quicker, more agile quarterbacks signaling this as a matchup of ALMOST old school quarterbacks in Brady and Ryan.
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One gunslinger still has all his weapons while the other is working with the newest batch of interchangeable parts the team has brought him.
New England
After starting the year 3-0, the New England Patriots can’t rest on their laurels. With a trip to Atlanta, the Pats must be ready to face a playoff caliber team. The offense is no issue, of course, as they manage to put up 340 yards of offense per game.
Brady on the year is 73 of 127 with 698 yards, 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. Brady’s leading receiver is the always reliable Julian Edleman, who has 27 grabs on the year for 201 yards and 2 touchdowns. Rookie Kenbrell Thompkins had a big game last week, bringing his season total to 9 catches for 130 yards and 2 touchdowns.
On the ground, the Patriots have been enigmatic. With no true #1 out of the backfield, several running backs have been in the running back by committee, and have benefitted greatly from Brady’s precision. This season, Stevan Ridley has had to step up in the wake up the injury to Shane Vereen. On the season, Ridley has 36 carries for 121 yards on the season. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
On defense, Jerod Mayo has been the leader with 20 tackles on the season as well as a sack. Defensive end Chandler Jones leads the team in sacks with 3 while Aqib Talib has 3 interceptions. As a whole, the defense gives up an average of 309 yards per game.
Atlanta
Matt Ryan wants nothing but to get his team back on track after a rough start to the year. After finally getting the playoff win monkey off his back last season, Ryan is looking to bring his team to new heights this season. Despite the 1-2 record to start, it IS still early, and the Falcons have a semi-favorable schedule ahead of them.
Matt Ryan has thrown for 909 yards on 81 of 119 passing. He’s got 6 touchdowns and 2 interceptions on the year. With Roddy White hampered by injury, wide receiver Julio Jones has stepped up in a big way, grabbing 27 passes for 373 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Behind him is scrappy slot receiver Harry Douglas who has 9 catches for 145 yards and no score yet. On the ground, running backs Jacquizz Rodgers and Jason Snelling have had to fill in for an injured Steven Jackson, doing an effective job. Rodgers has 31 carries for 102 yards while Snelling has 72 yards and the only Falcons rushing touchdown on the year.
On defense, Robert McClain is leading the team in tackles with 23 on the year. He’s also got a sack and 2 passes defended. Osi Umenyiora leads the team in sacks with 2 while 3 different guys have an interception a piece.
A few trends to consider
Patriots are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games in Week 4.
Falcons are 1-5 ATS in their last 6 games overall.
Falcons are 0-4 ATS in their last 4 games in Week 4.
Betting Prediction: New England -1
Home field advantage is huge in the NFL, but with the injuries limiting the Falcons the way they have, New England has a big advantage. With the teams #1 receiver and #1 running back on the bench or on the mend, it doesn’t look good for the dirty birds.
