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Which NFL team gives away points to its adversaries with the same intensity as they score them? Well, the Atlanta Falcons, of course! – Dan Quinn’s team is ranked amongst the worse defenses in the league, but they will try to give themselves a lift up from the bottom by defeating the likewise-battered New York Giants (1-5) on Monday Night Football at 8:15 pm EST. The Falcons will get the home advantage as the Giants travel to the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the first time ever.
The Big Blue are hoping that this game will result in a victory that could propel them to become Playoffs material, but the odds seem pretty much against that notion. Despite Manning’s underwhelming record, the Giants have a new star in running back Saquon Barkley, who’s responsible for 6 of New York’s total touchdown count this season. At the other hand, the Falcons are hemorrhaging points left and right, as they’re allowing an average 32 points per game to the competition. Matt Ryan’s squad is still better positioned at the charts, probably due to their 28 pts per game in average (ranked 9th), with expert odds-maker YOUWAGER.eu listing Atlanta at -4 point spread.
Injury-prone Falcons
Atlanta has been troubled by injuries all through the 2018 season and the trend doesn’t seem anywhere close to its end. Just recently, running back Devonta Freeman was placed on injured reserve, following a groin wound that worsened after their last encounter with Pittsburgh. He’s already been taken out of the roster for Monday’s game, and he will now join an exclusive club of no-shows, that includes safety Ricardo Allen, Keanu Neal, guard Andy Levitre and linebacker Deion Jones. Freeman will find replacement in running backs Ito Smith and Tevin Coleman.
Meanwhile, the Giants can’t seem to get a break, as they were handed with yet another defeat by the Philadelphia Eagles last week, raising their losing streak to 3 in a row.
Never mind Eli Manning; Barkley has taken center-stage in the action and stands as New York’s best chance for a comeback. He led his team in rushing yards (130) –plus a touchdown- during their last attempt against the Eagles.
Betting Insight
The New York-Atlanta rivalry features a very mixed report card, with both teams achieving victories that include both short margin wins and massive point differentials throughout the ongoing decade. The Giants are taking the lead with an 8-4 SU track record as a visiting team to Atlanta, while the over has taken precedence during the last 4 home games at the Falcon’s nest.
My Prediction: Atlanta has continuously failed to present a strong defense during the season, which makes them liable to New York’s competent offensive line, however, they could still match the Giants in scoring power and supersede them. Considering the expected point blowout for both teams, I don’t see the total going anywhere near the under; the spread is another thing completely, and while the negative points stay low on the Falcons, they still make the better bet. Keep your eyes wide open and try snatching the smallest Atlanta spread you can find.
