Falcons vs Lions: Game Pick – Falcons enter Lions den
The 2-0 Atlanta Falcons go on the road to take on the 2-0 Detroit Lions in week 3. Something has to give. Here is the pick for Falcons vs Lions.
Falcons vs Lions is the top game of week 3. Both teams are unbeaten at 2-0 and the winning team will emerge as the top team in the NFC. The Lions got a big win on Monday Night Football over the New York Giants and look to keep the momentum going with a win on Sunday.
The Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford played well as usual, but one surprise was how well the Lions ran the football. In particular running back Ameer Abdullah, who rushed for 86 yards on 17 carries against the Giants.
If the Lions can keep Ameer Abdullah on a hot streak, then this will help in keeping the Atlanta Falcons high-powered offense off the field. In the event that the Lions running game sputters then more pressure will be on Stafford to try to keep the game close.
The Falcons top defensive player Vic Beasley is out with a strained hamstring. So, Stafford and company won’t have to worry about the Falcons best pass rusher. However, the Falcons defense is deep, and others like Brooks Reed and rookie Takk McKinley could step up in Beasley’s absence.
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The Detroit Lions defense will have their hands full with the Falcons offense. Defensive end Ziggy Ansah must have a big game and put consistent pressure on quarterback Matt Ryan. Also, defensive tackle A’Shawn Robinson has to clog up the middle to slow down the Falcons running game.
However, that’s easier said than accomplished. Matt Ryan has been a zone since the beginning of last season. He has at his disposal the best wide receiver in football, Julio Jones. Mohammed Sanu, tight end Austin Hooper and throw in running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman and it’s obvious why this offense is so dangerous.
Matthew Stafford will keep the Lions close initially. The Lions are a good football team and they won’t roll over and die in Falcons vs Lions. But the reality is that the Atlanta Falcons are a deeper more talented team and while the Lions will fight hard, the Falcons have too much for them. Who do you think will win this game?
Next: NFL Power Rankings – Week 3: A Shake up in Top 10
Winner: Falcons
Score prediction: 27-23 Falcons
Points spread: Falcons -3.0
Over/under: 50.5 – Under
1:00pm – FOX