A key all-NFC showdown will unfold during the early slate of action here in Week 7, as the 2-3 Detroit Lions head south to take on the revamped Atlanta Falcons.
Though Atlanta enters this game sitting at just 1-5, a new wave of optimism has entered the group following the firing of their coach and general manager last weekend. The skilled Falcons showed their potential last week, netting their first victory of the season in convincing fashion against Minnesota. Is this a sign of things to come? Read on to find out.
Meanwhile for the Lions, they came out of their bye week with some fire to their game. Rookie running back D’Andre Swift finally seemed to hit his stride, and the mostly healthy group also played to their full potential. Many dubbed the Lions as a team that could win the NFC North division, and they showed that last Sunday. Can it continue for another week on the road is definitely something worth watching.
It’s clear talent will not be at a shortage here on Sunday, as both Detroit and Atlanta possess plenty. Whether or not that can translate to an exciting game, and a win for one of these desperate groups remains to be seen. As always, read on beneath the posted odds below for our full game analysis, team news, and betting prediction for this NFC showdown.
Detroit Lions vs. Atlanta Falcons Betting Odds:
Detroit Lions +2 (-110)
@ Atlanta Falcons -2 (-110)
Over 55 (-110)
Under 55 (-110)
*Betting odds provided by BetOnline.ag
Detroit Lions vs. Atlanta Falcons Pick:
Last week showed us that when the Falcons are on, their offense is clearly clicking. Matt Ryan was great last time out vs. the Vikings, along with Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley – that trio could not be stopped.
Can they repeat their success? Perhaps, though consistency hasn’t been the Falcons’ forte of late. But Detroit has struggled defensively, especially within their secondary right now. Last week Detroit was without two of their top three corners, and as of now – there’s still no indication about their availability.
On the ground, Falcons’ running back Todd Gurley is enjoying a nice bounce back campaign this year. He’s been healthy and explosive, and finding holes with regularity. Against Detroit, that could and should continue as the Lions have proven to be quite porous against the ground attack.
Though Detroit clearly has some defensive deficiencies, kudos to their coach Matt Patricia who has been decent thus far at limiting how weak they appear to be. They’re also fortunate that they have an explosive attack of their own, and certainly one that could definitely bully the Falcons come Sunday.
Though the Lions line has dropped throughout the week, they still are showing good value as they prepare to take on Atlanta away from home. The Falcons’ remain banged-up in their secondary, and though there’s a ton of optimism and positivity surrounding not having to deal with former coach Dan Quinn, look for the Lions to emerge victorious here. They’ll do a better job at exploiting weaknesses, and their defense should certainly hold up. Roll with the Lions on Sunday.
