Fansided

NFL lines, Week 7: 5 best bets

By John Buhler

CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 08: Andy Dalton No. 14 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks to pass against the Buffalo Bills at Paul Brown Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - OCTOBER 08: Andy Dalton No. 14 of the Cincinnati Bengals looks to pass against the Buffalo Bills at Paul Brown Stadium on October 8, 2017 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 15: Matt Ryan No. 2 of the Atlanta Falcons calls out to his offense against the Miami Dolphins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – OCTOBER 15: Matt Ryan No. 2 of the Atlanta Falcons calls out to his offense against the Miami Dolphins at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on October 15, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Atlanta Falcons (+3.5) at New England Patriots

I think I hate myself, but that’s alright. Why would I take the Atlanta Falcons for a second straight week, especially after seeing them lose at home to the Miami Dolphins as a 12.5-point home favorite? It’s because this is the biggest revenge game imaginable for the Dirty Birds.

This is Foxborough and these are the New England Patriots, but New England has already lost two home games this year and has the worst pass defense in football. Atlanta should have back its excellent No. 2 receiver Mohamed Sanu for this game. All that does is give Matt Ryan another weapon to sling the ball around on a back New England secondary.

Atlanta can generate pressure and at times force turnovers defensively. Tom Brady has spent far too much time on his back this season. New England is still the king of the AFC East, but man did the New York Jets give them a scare last week.

Atlanta was embarrassed at home in Week 6 versus Miami. It’s on head coach Dan Quinn to light a fire in his guys. One could argue that maybe Atlanta overlooked Miami to get ready for New England? Those sort of things happen. New England will probably still win this game, but I’ll take the Falcons getting more than a field goal. Neither team looks to be as good as it was last year.

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