Falcons Primed to Topple Visiting Lions

It might be too late for Atlanta to salvage its season – but the Falcons are still an opponent to be feared as they host the Detroit Lions on Sunday. The Falcons (1-5 SU, 2-4 ATS) cruised to a 40-23 win over the Minnesota Vikings last weekend for their first victory of the season, and they’re modest favorites against a Lions team (2-3 SU, 2-3 ATS) that has also stumbled out of the gate.

Sportsbook Odds Analysis

The line opened with Atlanta as a 4.5-point favorite, but a flood of money on the underdog has dropped the line down to -3. The total, on the other hand, has risen from 54.5 to 56.5 in most spots.

Detroit News & Notes

It’s fair to say that the Lions probably deserve a better fate than their five-game record; they dropped one-possession home games to the Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints after leading by 14 or more points in both games. Detroit has won two of its past three games coming into its Week 7 matchup in Atlanta, having easily dispatched the Jacksonville Jaguars 31-16 last time out.

There’s also excitement building in the Motor City over the emergence of rookie running back D’Andre Swift, who took a back seat in the first few weeks of the season but broke out in a big way against the Jaguars.

Swift had 116 rushing yards and a pair of TDs in the victory and makes for an intriguing DFS play even though the Falcons have allowed the fifth-fewest rush yards per game.

Atlanta News & Notes

Who knew that having Julio Jones in the lineup would enhance the Falcons’ chances of victory? A healthy Jones was a nightmare for the hapless Vikings, as he racked up 137 yards and two touchdowns on eight catches in the win. His presence made life a whole lot easier for Matt Ryan, who finished with 371 passing yards and four TDs in his best showing since Week 2.

The passing game will once again be the focus for the Falcons, but there’s reason for optimism in the ground attack as well. Todd Gurley II was a non-factor against the Vikings (20 carries, 47 yards) but should have a much better showing against a Lions defense that ranks 26th in the league in yards per carry against (4.9) and 29th in rushing yards allowed per game (145.0).

Betting Pick: Falcons -3 (-110)

The Falcons are a completely different team with Jones in the lineup – and while it doesn’t make them perfect by any means, it should be enough to cover against the visiting Lions.