Atlanta Falcons vs. Cleveland Browns Betting Preview Week 10
The Atlanta Falcons head up to Cleveland early on Sunday for a showdown with the Browns. Atlanta is desperately trying to keep their head above water in the NFC South as the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers have sprinted ahead of them in the standings.
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The Browns, though just 2-6-1, have shown vast improvement this season but are fighting off coaching changes at the top of the organization. Everyone knows the Browns are in the midst of a rebuild, but the Falcons are looking to contend right now with Matt Ryan and Julio Jones in their prime. The Falcons desperately need a road win in Ohio. Atlanta sits as a -6 point favorite.
Falcons Surging
The Atlanta Falcons have won three in a row after starting the season 1-4. In that stretch, the Falcons defense has allowed just over 20 points per game after allowing over 37 in each of the three games prior to the winning streak. The Falcons looked to improve on that defense this week when they signed Raiders’ castoff Bruce Irvin to fortify their defensive line. Matt Ryan threw for 350 yards and 4 touchdowns last week against the division leading Washington Redskins and things should be even easier for him this week.
The Browns have given up big passing weeks to the Chiefs and Steelers their last two times on the field. What has really changed about the Falcons offense lately has been the emergence of Calvin Ridley. Unsurprisingly, his prominence in the offense directly coincides with the Falcons record on the season. His play has given Atlanta one of the best receiving corps in the league when put together with Julio Jones and Mohamed Sanu.
Browns in All Sorts of Drama
The Cleveland Browns have dumped Hue Jackson and Todd Haley right in the middle of the season. After showing some promise at the beginning of the year, the Browns have tailed of considerably. Their first five games of the season were decided by four points or less, but now three of their last four losses have been via the blowout.
Largely, the Browns defense has been to blame as the rookie offensive backfield duo of Baker Mayfield and Nick Chubb have looked adequate. The defense is decimated by injuries, especially in the secondary. Six of the projected Browns starting defensive players will either miss this game or be limited after injury. This is not the game to be missing talent on the back end.
Pick and Prediction
If Atlanta loses this game, they face long odds at catching the Panthers and moving ahead of them in the wildcard hunt. Matt Ryan is a veteran who understands what is at stake. Look for him to take advantage of a depleted Browns secondary and move the ball up and down the field at ease. The young Browns offense will again provide some glimpses of a promising future, but it is just not their time yet. Has there ever been a coaching hire in Cleveland as important as their next one? Atlanta wins and covers 37-20.
