Too the surprise of many, the undefeated Detroit Lions host the undefeated Atlanta Falcons in what could be a game that could affect the playoff standings at the end of the season. The reigning NFC champs Atlanta Falcons bring their high powered offense to Motown to take on the roaring Detroit Lions. Kickoff inside Ford Field is at 1 P.M. ET.
The Atlanta Falcons are coming off an impressive victory over Green Bay where they were able to outscore Aaron Rodgers and that powerful Packers offense 34-23. This week, the Falcons are going to play another powerful offense in the Detroit Lions. It’s not often the Lions are described as having an explosive offense, but this year they’re averaging 29.5 points per game and have beat two potential NFC Wildcard teams in the Cardinals and Giants.
Even more surprising, is the Lions defense that is only allowing 53.5 rushing yards per game and 16.5 points per game. They totally dominated the Giants on Monday Night Football and that was after they beat up the Cardinals in Week 1. The Lions are easily the surprise of the NFC right now and if they can win this game, it will show the rest of the NFC that this team is for real.
The spread opened with Detroit getting 3 points at home and the Over/Under at 49 points. Currently, the spread remains the same, while the Over/Under climbed up to 50.5 points.
If you think the Falcons are going to fly into Ford Field and make quick work of these Lions, then you better think again. The Lions are playing solid football on both sides of the ball. Defensively, they have beaten up two good teams and have shut down the run. If they can make the Falcons one dimensional then they have a great chance of winning. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done.
Atlanta looked shaky in their first game of the season against Da Bears. However, they bounced back nicely in Week 2 by handling the Packers. Matt Ryan is starting to heat up and already has 573 passing yards on the season. Jones rebounded from a mediocre game against the Bears in Week 1, to notc 108 yards on 5 catches. Even running back Devonta Freeman got in on the action with 2 rushing touchdowns and 84 yards rushing. All seems to be going well with Atlanta’s offense.
But, their defense seems to need more work. After two weeks, they’re giving up 370 total ypg with 278 passing yards per game. And, that’s exactly Detroit’s strength on offense. Matt Stafford has already thrown for 6 passing touchdowns and 414 yards on the young season. The Lions are averaging 253 passing yards per game and you can expect that to continue this week.
In fact, you can expect this game to be a shootout. Whether Atlanta gets out to a huge lead and Detroit comes storming back, or the two teams exchange scores like two heavyweight boxers, this game is going to hit the Over. These two teams are scoring 57 points combined and I expect them to eclipse that number this week.
Look for Ryan and Stafford to each hit the 300 yard passing mark. Stafford will probably tally a few more TDs than Ryan because Atlanta likes to run the ball at the goal line with Freeman. I also expect Jones to pass 125 receiving yards and Lions receiver Golden Tate to surpass the 100 yard mark. The Lions will hang tough with the Falcons this week and it could come down to whichever team has the ball last. Thankfully, we’re going with the Over and not trying to pick the spread for this one.
The Over is 10-1 in Atlanta’s last 11 games and 4 out of Atlanta’s last 6 road games.