Sunday is a very, very good day to put your football predictions to the test! The Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts, who both lost in their respective home openers in Week 1, take the road with a similar goal of getting their first win of the new season in mind. Can they both do so, or will the Oakland Raiders and Denver Broncos keep them winless? Read on below for a quick preview of today’s best games.
Atlanta’s defense, particular its pass rush, in the season-opening loss to Tampa Bay was bad to say the least. The Falcons ended up allowing Jameis Winston to torch them by passing for nearly 300 passing yards along with four scores. On the other side of the field though, the passing game looked respectable with Matt Ryan throwing for 334 yards and two touchdowns, while Julio Jones, who was playing through an ailing ankle, managing to put in a decent output: four receptions for 66 yards with a touchdown. Both should be able to connect with each other a lot easier, especially against an Oakland defense that surrendered 419 passing yards to the Saints last week.
Writer’s Prediction
Atlanta (+4.5) squeaks out the huge road win, 24-23.
Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos (4:25 PM ET)
The Broncos still look sketchy in the quarterback position, but it’s the complete opposite on the other side of the field. Their defense remains as solid and as intimidating as ever. A proof of that was shown in Denver’s hard-fought 21-20 win over Cam Newton’s Panthers last week. And now for Week 2, the Broncos D will be tested by Andrew Luck and the Colts, who are coming off a high-scoring setback to the Lions. Luck’s bound to find less room and time to work inside the pocket, but surely, he will find some openings. Defense, however, is the biggest concern for Luck and company. Indy surrendered 448 yards of total offense in the loss to Detroit.
Writer’s Prediction
Denver (-6.5) contains Luck and eventually wins it, 26-17.
