What was supposed to be a promising season for the Atlanta Falcons has been a disappointment thus far. They are 2-4 after their first six games of the season. In contrast, the Baltimore Ravens are once again looking like playoff contenders this season. With two high-firing passing offenses against each other, this should turn out to be an exciting slugfest between Matt Ryan and Joe Flacco.
Speaking of surprise contenders, fresh off their win over defending Super Bowl Champions, the Dallas Cowboys take on the New York Giants in what should be a fun NFC East showdown. Check out our preview for that game here.
[sc:Football ]Atlanta Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens Preview
Where: M&T Bank Stadium, Baltimore
When: Sunday, October 19, 1:00 PM ET
Line: Atlanta Falcons (+7) at Baltimore Ravens (-7); total 49.5 – view all NFL lines
Betting on the Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons are left searching for answers after losing their third-straight game on Sunday. Quarterback Matt Ryan threw 19-for-37 for 271 yards with a touchdown and an interception and was sacked four times as the offensive line was beaten by Chicago’s pass rush.
[sc:NFL240banner ]Still, Ryan isn’t the only one to blame for an underwhelming performance. His receivers had dropped several passes which severely hindered his output. Leading wide receiver Julio Jones only caught four of 12 targets. Meanwhile, Antonie Smith scored the Falcons’ lone touchdown on a 41-yard reception.
Atlanta’s passing game may see some improvement against Baltimore’s defense that has allowed over 300 yards in back-to-back games against Tampa Bay and Indianapolis. The Ravens have held opponents to 16.2 points per game (third in the league).
While Ryan may be up for a big game, the Falcons’ rushing offense will need to play out of their minds against Baltimore. The Ravens have limited their opponents to 3.7 yards per carry, and have not allowed a 100-yard rushing performance other than their Week 2 showdown against the Steelers. Lead running back Steven Jackson has run for 3.2 yards per carry in the Falcons’ losing streak. He last met the Ravens as a Ram in 2011, taking four handoffs for 23 yards.
The Falcons have lost 10 of their last 11 games on the road.
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Betting on the Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore quarterback Joe Flacco set career-highs of five touchdowns in a game and a 146 passer rating in their 48-17 demolition of the Buccaneers on Sunday. He became the fastest to throw five touchdowns since the NFL-AFL merger in the first 16 minutes and three seconds of the game. Flacco finished completing 21 of 29 passes for 306 yards and the five scores.
Part of Flacco’s success stemmed from the offensive line’s ability to keep their quarterback safe in the pocket, despite starting two rookie backups tackle James Hurst and guard John Urschel on the left side. Flacco was not sacked against a Tampa Bay side which had averaged 1.8 sacks per game before meeting the Ravens. The same O-line may be able to keep out the Falcons’ pass rush which was already shutout by Cincinnati, New Orleans and Minnesota.
Wide receiver Steve Smith Sr. led the Ravens in receiving with five receptions for 110 yards. His first catch of the day was a long 56-yard touchdown pass. Even at 35 years old, Smith has been able to outmanoeuvre opposing secondaries, averaging 95.5 yards per game. He’ll be a deep threat in this game, especially against Atlanta’s sketchy secondary which allows 277.7 yards per game. Meanwhile, WR Torrey Smith caught Flacco’s first two touchdown passes to put the Ravens up on the scoreboard.
Nevertheless, Baltimore’s rushing offense was not to be left out of the game. Running back Justin Forsett had his first 100-yard game this season. He rushed for 52 yards in the opening drive, which set up the first touchdown pass of the game. Bernard Pierce scored the lone Ravens touchdown in the second half. The two should give the Ravens a well-rounded attack against Atlanta, especially against the Falcons’ front seven who have allowed 141.3 rushing yards per game.
The Ravens are 4-1 ATS in their last five games, and are 8-1 SU as home favorites since 2013.
Writer’s Prediction
The Ravens (-7) entertain their fans with a comfortable win at home.
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