It’s an NFC showdown between a team that is ice cold and a team that is on fire so far this season. The Atlanta Falcons head to Wisconsin to face the Green Bay Packers, and although Falcons fans have been put through a lot of punishment already, they’ll be in store for even more on Monday Night Football.
Matt Ryan and the Falcons have had a tough go through the first few weeks, which usually starts with a big lead that gets forfeited late in the game resulting in a loss. Can the Falcons flip the script this week and hold on just enough to edge out the Aaron Rodgers led Packers? Or will the Packers give Atlanta a stomping on Monday night?
The biggest question is who bettors should take in a game like this? The team that has consistently lost leads through the first three weeks or the team that is 3-0 against the spread?
Atlanta Looking For A Reason To Fly
The Atlanta Falcons haven’t had a great start to their season, and for the most part, I’d say it isn’t their fault. There has been some really questionable play-calling late in the game that has seen large leads forfeited to opposing teams.
Head Coach Dan Quinn is under fire and on a hot seat that could get even warmer if they lose to the Packers on Monday. What’s so strange about the Falcons is how they possess one of the best offenses in the NFL but are unable to close games when it matters most.
Even with the addition of superstar running back Todd Gurley, Atlanta has still had trouble being consistent late in games. Against an opposing quarterback like Aaron Rodgers, if you don’t have consistency and an airtight defense in the fourth quarter, he’ll pick you apart.
It’s Nothing But Smiles In Green Bay
Aaron Rodgers is off to an incredible start already this season, and the Green Bay Packers are emerging as one of the best teams in the NFC. From a stellar passing game and a complementary running game, the Packers have their offense dialed in and ready to roll on the lackluster Falcons defense. Perhaps the best part of the Packers team, aside from a Hall of Fame quarterback, is their smash-mouth defense that stuffs the run and prevents big plays downfield.
Be sure to note when betting that the Packers have gone 3-0 against the spread, and all three games have gone over. However, the Atlanta Falcons have kept each of their three first games relatively close, and the spread in this one sits at Green Bay -6.5.
With the spread being around the margin of a one-possession game, you have to consider the kind of “smart football” Green Bay likes to play late in the game. If they’re up by a couple of touchdowns, they aren’t going to try to run up the score. They’ll likely try to use as much clock as possible and pin the opposing team deep in their own territory, allowing their defense to do the brunt of the work.
A-Rod or Matty Ice?
This is an interesting one. On the surface, the Green Bay Packers look like the easy bet, but the Atlanta Falcons have had the Packers number in the past. The key here is whether or not the Falcons can get ahead at any point in this game.
With their injury report filling up rapidly and both starting wide receivers being questionable for Monday’s contest, you have to take the team that’s been more consistent through the first three weeks. Take Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to secure the win at home and cover the spread on Monday night.
