New England Patriots at Atlanta Falcons Betting Preview
Thursday Night Football features a battle of AFC versus NFC as the New England Patriots (6-4) take on the Atlanta Falcons (4-5). The Falcons will host this one at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with kickoff scheduled for 8:20 pm ET.
The Patriots come into this one red hot as they have won four in a row. Last week, it was a 45-7 drubbing of the Cleveland Browns.
In the win, rookie sensation Mac Jones threw for 198 yards and three touchdowns while Rhamondre Stevenson ran for 100 yards and another two scores.
The Falcons have struggled a bit of late as they have lost two of three, including a 43-3 road loss to the Cowboys last week. Matt Ryan just couldn’t get anything going as he threw for just 117 yards and two interceptions.
The Patriots are the heavy favorite in this one despite playing on the road. They are -295 to win while the Falcons’ moneyline is +240. The spread features Atlanta +6.5 (-108), and the over/under for total points is 47.
More Odds
The Patriots currently are tied for the 10th-best odds of winning the Super Bowl at +2700. The Falcons are just +28000 to win Super Bowl LVI.
By The Numbers
The Patriots rank sixth in scoring in the NFL this season, averaging 27.5 points per game. The Falcons are 25th, averaging 19.8 points per game (16.3 at home).
Defensively, it is New England that once again has a big advantage. They are second overall in scoring defense, allowing opponents just 17.7 points per game (14.5 on the road). The Falcons rank 31st allowing 29.2 points per game.
No Brady, No Problem
After Tom Brady won a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay last season, most assumed that Bill Belichick’s success was more in thanks to Brady than his own coaching. This season, Belichick is proving that couldn’t be further from the truth.
First, rookie Mac Jones is currently playing the best of any rookie quarterback in the pros. He has thrown for 2,333 yards, 13 touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
His leading receivers include Kendrick Bourne (33 receptions, 520 yards, three touchdowns), Jakobi Meyers (50 receptions, 483 yards, one touchdown), and tight end Hunter Henry (31 receptions, 353 yards, seven touchdowns).
One area to watch in this one is the backfield. Damian Harris sat last week due to a concussion, but he is no longer on the injury report for this week.
On the season, he has rushed for 547 yards and seven touchdowns on 133 carries. Even without him, though, the Patriots have shown they can find success on the ground with the likes of Rhamondre Stevenson and Brandon Bolden.
Falcons Trying To Find Consistency
Currently dead last in the NFC South, the Falcons are trying to find some consistency to their game, especially at home. To date, they are just 1-3 at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Leading the way under center is veteran quarterback Matt Ryan. This season, he has thrown for 2,274 yards, 15 touchdowns, and eight interceptions.
Ryan’s favorite target to date has been rookie tight end Kyle Pitts. Thus far, the tight end has 40 receptions for 606 yards and a touchdown.
One of Ryan’s deadliest weapons, though, is Cordarrelle Patterson. He leads the team on the ground with 77 rushes for 303 yards and two scores. He also has 39 receptions for 473 yards and another five touchdowns.
One of the biggest questions for Atlanta is whether their defense can get off the field. They currently rank 17th in passing defense (246.2 yards allowed per game) and 21st in rushing defense (122.1 yards allowed per game (166 at home).
Taking New England To Win And Cover
Thursday night matchups are always concerning. Especially playing on the short week, it always feels like anything could happen.
Still, the trends make New England the safer play. Not only have they been stronger on both sides of the ball, but they have been playing the much better ball as of late too. Throw in the fact that Atlanta has really struggled at home, and New England feels like a solid bet.
Take them to both win and to cover the 6.5-point spread as well.
