Sunday, October 25, 2020, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia, 1 p.m. ET
Lions at Falcons Betting Preview: Lions (+2.5/-110), Falcons (-2.5/-110)
Detroit Lions
Rookie running back D’Andre Swift and quarterback Matthew Stafford aim to make triumphant returns to the Peach State on Sunday when the Lions (2-3) seek their third win in their last four games. A second-round pick out of Georgia, Swift rushed 14 times for 116 yards and two touchdowns in Detroit’s 34-16 win over Jacksonville on Sunday.
Stafford, a proud former Bulldog in his own right, is completing just 60.7 percent of his passes this season. While the 32-year-old made good on just 19 of 31 throws for 223 yards versus the Jaguars, he is averaging 303.8 yards per game in four career encounters against Atlanta.
Pro Bowl wideout Kenny Golladay leads the Lions in receiving yards (224) despite playing in just three games, including 105 on just four catches in last week’s win over Jacksonville. Tight end T.J. Hockenson, who has club-best totals in receptions (17) and receiving touchdowns (three), has found the end zone in each of the last two games.
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons (1-5) answered a winless start to the season and the firing of head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff with a 40-23 victory over Minnesota on Sunday.
Interim coach Raheem Morris saw his charges earn an elusive win after NFC Offensive Player of the Week Matt Ryan (NFL second-best 1,843 passing yards) threw for 371 yards and four touchdowns versus the Vikings.
The return of Julio Jones played a significant role in Ryan’s outing, with the seven-time Pro Bowl wideout reeling in eight receptions for 137 yards and two touchdowns. Fellow wide receiver Calvin Ridley also found the end zone, boosting his touchdown total to five (tied for third in the NFL).
Running back Todd Gurley was held in check last week, however he looks to rebound against a Detroit rush defense that is ranked 29th in the league. Gurley also told reporters that he is motivated to make sure that a certain fellow former Bulldog (Swift) doesn’t get the best of him on Sunday.
Lions at Falcons Betting Pick for Week 7
One thing is for certain: No lead is safe with these two teams. The Lions have squandered double-digit leads in each of their three losses this season, while the Falcons’ troubles are well-documented following a certain onside kick in Dallas last month.
Atlanta played inspired football under Morris last week, and that likely will continue on Sunday.
Lions at Falcons Betting Pick:
Falcons 31, Lions 28
Lions at Falcons Best Bet for Week 7
Atlanta’s fourth-ranked offense (403.2 yards per game) has no issues moving the ball while its defense has little success in stopping it (second-worst 432.5 yards per game). Scoring points shouldn’t be an issue in this one, even with a high over/under.
Lions at Falcons Best Bet: OVER 55.5 total points (-110)
