2012-2013 Regular Season: 13-3 SU | 9-6-1 ATS
2012-2013 Postseason: 1-1 SU | 0-2 ATS
The Atlanta Falcons had a great start last year racking up 8 wins (6-2 ATS) to start the regular season. The wheels did come off a bit in the 2nd half of the year when they went 5-3 SU and 3-4-1 ATS. They still secured a bye in the postseason and were defeated by the San Francisco 49ers in the conference championship after having a sizable lead. Matt Ryan got the monkey off his back by getting a playoff win but now Super Bowl expectations abound for the Falcons.
In the offseason Atlanta released ineffective RB Michael Turner and replaced him with Steven Jackson, who should provide a shot in the arm for the Falcons’ running game. Atlanta was 29th in the league in rushing yards per game (87.3). Atlanta also signed DE Osi Umenyiora to help out the Falcon’s pass defense as they ranked just 23rd in the league in that area.
Atlanta’s Super Bowl 2014 odds of winning are priced at +1600 and +800 to win the NFC this season—and considering the changes the Falcons made in the offseason, both of these seem like value bets. Atlanta opens the season against division rival New Orleans as 2.5 underdogs in Week 1.
Key Betting matchups of 2013 NFL Season:
Week 5 vs. New York Jets: continued turmoil in the Jets camp plus the fact that the Falcons are 4-1 SU and 3-1-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings, makes this an enticing game for Atlanta backers.
Atlanta Falcons bettors should pay attention to:
– Jackson and Umenyiora, who were both acquired via free agency. Both players are expected to boost the only Falcons weaknesses: running game and pass defense.
