Monday, October 5, 2020, Lambeau Field, Green Bay, Wisconsin, 8:15 p.m. ET
Falcons at Packers Betting Preview: Falcons (+7/-110), Packers (-7/-110),
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons (0-3) are in a dire situation, with consecutive fourth-quarter collapses placing the employment of coach Dan Quinn in jeopardy. Atlanta held a 15-point lead over Dallas in Week 2 before the Cowboys rallied for 16 consecutive points over the final 4:57 for a 40-39 victory. Last Sunday, the unthinkable happened after the Falcons built a 16-point over Chicago before the Bears scored 20 consecutive points over the final 6:20 to record a 30-26 win.
The meltdowns leave Atlanta in a must-win situation against an unbeaten team that is very strong at home. Quarterback Matt Ryan is off to a strong start with 961 yards, seven touchdowns and two interceptions for a unit averaging 30 points per game and he is hooking up often with emerging star wideout Calvin Ridley, who is tied for the NFL lead with four touchdown receptions and has 21 catches for 349 yards. But the defense is being mauled by opponents and ranks last in scoring defense (36 points per game) and 31st in total defense (463.3 yards per game).
Atlanta placed veteran cornerback Darqueze Dennard (hamstring) on injured reserve, which is bad timing when you consider the efficiency of the Green Bay passing game. Defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (hip) and safety Keanu Neal (hamstring) will be observed closely while Ridley (ankle) also is working through soreness.
Green Bay Packers
The Packers (3-0) lead the NFL in scoring offense (40.7 points per game) and rank second in total offense (459.7 yards per game) as they look to take advantage of Atlanta’s suspect defense. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has been solid with 887 yards and nine touchdowns without throwing an interception, and he and coach Matt LaFleur are meshing much better this season in the play-calling area. Green Bay used a 2020 first-round pick on quarterback Jordan Love, but it is looking as if the rookie might be waiting awhile before he’s in line to become the starter.
Running back Aaron Jones ranks second in the NFL in rushing yards with 303 and is tied for the lead with four touchdowns on the ground. Her also is a solid receiver with 10 catches for 95 yards and one score. Allen Lazard is flourishing with 13 receptions for 254 yards and is developing into a strong No. 2 option to team with main wideout Davante Adams (17 for 192), but a report emerged Thursday that Lazard underwent core-muscle surgery. The Packers have already played two shootout games as the defense is allowing 28.3 points per game, including 30 or more in two of their wins.
Missed tackles were a problem last Sunday in a 37-30 victory over the New Orleans Saints, and that is the thing of type that could help Atlanta make it a close game. Linebacker Christian Kirksey (pectoral) will the miss the contest while pass rusher Za’Darius Smith (ankle) should be OK to play.
Falcons at Packers Betting Pick for Week 4
The Packers are flying high with Rodgers is playing at an elite level, and he figures to be motivated to guide his team to a 4-0 start. Atlanta is on the other end of the spectrum and has displayed in back-to-back weeks that an effort that seems like a winner can disintegrate rapidly in the other direction. It’s not looking as if Green Bay will need to stage a rally to knock off the Falcons.
Falcons at Packers Betting Pick:
Packers 41, Falcons 28
Falcons at Packers Best Bet for Week 4
Both teams can score fast and often and neither team is all that sharp on defense, especially the Falcons. There should be a lot of points on the scoreboard in this affair, making the over seem like a solid wager.
Falcons at Packers Best Bet: OVER 56.5 points (-110)
–Field Level Media
