Falcons at Lions: Preview, prediction, odds and pick
By Brad Weiss
The Atlanta Falcons will hit the road in Week 3, as they travel to the Motor City to take on the Detroit Lions inside Ford Field.
In a game that could have serious playoff implications down the road, the Atlanta Falcons will head to Detroit to take on the Lions. Both of these teams made it to the playoffs last season, though the Falcons did have a bit of a longer run. The Lions were eliminated in the Wildcard Round, while the Falcons made it all the way to the Super Bowl.
When they meet inside Ford Field, all of that will be history, as each team is looking to move to 3-0 on the young season. The Falcons are coming off a convincing win against the Green Bay Packers on Sunday Night Football, in a game that saw them play their first regular season game inside brand new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Detroit took care of business in primetime as well, beating the New York Giants on Monday Night Football.
The Lions surprised some people by making it to the playoffs last season, but they are not surprising anybody this season. They have become one of the best teams in the NFC, and their high-priced quarterback has proven worth the big contract this season. They did a nice job bolstering their defense this offseason, and they will need all hands on deck against a high-octane Falcons offense on Sunday.
Atlanta can score with anybody, and their defense also has some nice playmakers on it as well. They will be without their best pass rusher on Sunday, however, as Vic Beasley Jr. is out with a torn hamstring. Giving Stafford time to throw is never a good formula for beating Detroit, so they better hope someone comes up big in his absence.
Odds
Line: Atlanta (-3.0)
Over/Under: 48.5
The Falcons should win this game, but the score could be very close to the three-point spread. The over/under is pretty high, which is based on the fact that these two teams stop playing defense at times. This line and over/under has changed a bit over the past week or so, so head on over to sportsbookreview.com for any changes up until kickoff.
Next: NFL power rankings, Week 3: Broncos rise, Bengals fall
Prediction
One of these teams will move to 3-0 on the season, and that team will be the Atlanta Falcons. They have too many weapons on offense for the Lions to hang with them for four quarters, and the Lions are coming into this game on a short week. Look for Matt Ryan to make enough plays to put Detroit away late, in what could be one of the better games of the 1pm ET slate on Sunday.
Final Score: Falcons 30, Lions 24