Matt Ryan and Julio Jones showcased virtuoso performances Sunday against division rival Carolina. Atlanta’s QB-WR duo put up video game-like numbers, setting new career-highs and team records in passing and receiving yards, with Ryan passing for 503 and Jones receiving 300. The Falcons frustrated the Panthers early and knocked Cam Newton out of the game, en route to a big 48-33 win.
Ryan is living up to his nickname “Matty Ice” this season, as he is completing 72-percent of his passes (101 of 140) and has already thrown 11 TDs. His crew on offense includes two productive guys that also have great stats themselves: Julio Jones (122 receiving yards per game, 22 yards per catch) and Devonta Freeman (80.5 rushing yards per game, 6 yards per carry).
Heading into Week 5, though, the Falcons offense must understand that they will be matching up with the vaunted Denver Broncos offense. All those open looks and comfortable operating room they got in previous weeks won’t likely be there.
Defensively, Atlanta will have to be all over the field. The 34.2 points and 336 total yards per game they are allowing have to be fixed. Denver has no legit threat at the QB position, but their offense has the likes of Demaryius Thomas, Emmanuel Sanders, and CJ Anderson, players who certainly have strength, speed, and championship experience.
The Falcons have won three straight road games (3-0 ATS).
Every season, it is a given that the defending Super Bowl Champions have an “X” on their back. But through four games, it seems like the roles are reversed, the Denver Broncos are playing like the mark is on their opponents. This 4-0 start, coupled with beautiful all-around play, must be making these boys from Colorado feeling invincible.
The Broncos have no glaring weaknesses. QB Trevor Siemian, who’s only NFL regular season experience prior to this year was a kneel down, has provided serviceable play (67-percent completion rate with 6 TDs).
In Sunday’s 27-7 win over the Bucs, Siemian got hurt and was replaced by rookie Paxton Lynch, and he too played well, completing 14 of 24 passes for 170 yards and one TD. These QBs will have no problem throwing the ball, because as mentioned, they surrounded with gifted receivers and backs.
The defense… where do you even start? The group is just stacked with talent – Von Miller, DeMarcus Ware, Aqib Talib, Chris Harris, Bradley Roby, Derek Wolfe, Shane Ray, etc. It’s like football’s version of Murderer’s Row. They can destroy your offense inside and out. In four games, the Broncos D has 17 sacks and five interceptions, while allowing 16.5 points per game.
Denver has won seven straight games at home (4-2-1 ATS).
Writer’s Prediction
The Broncos (-4.5) win and remain unbeaten, 30-20.
