Jim Feist 9/27
Jim Feist's 15* NFL Inner Circle Game of the Month
NFL (417) ATLANTA FALCONS at (418) NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
Take: (417) ATLANTA FALCONS (15* Inner Circle Game of the Month)
Reason: The Falcons (2-0 SU/ATS) are as good as many predicted, with excellent balance on offense behind QB Matt Ryan (5 TDs, 1 pick), RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White and newcomer 33-year old TE Tony Gonzalez (96 catches, 1,058 yards, 10 TDs with the Chiefs in 2008.) The defense has been a concern, replacing 5 starters, and they just gave up 440 yards (308 passing) to Jake Delhomme and the Panthers. But they got another win, 28-20, pounding out 151 yards on the ground as Turner had 105 yards. The Falcons dominated Miami in the opener, 19-7, allowing just 259 total yards. Ryan likes his new safety valve: TE Gonzalez has 73 and 71 receiving yards in the two games, leading the team each time. The new-look defense has 6 turnovers. QB Matt Ryan returns to his home, playing at Boston College. The Patriots (1-1 SU/0-2 ATS) are not ready to be crowned one of the elite teams of the AFC, even with QB Tom Brady back. They are off a 16-9 loss at the NY Jets, being held without a TD for the first time in 37 games. The ground game hasn't gotten going, forcing New England to rely on Brady’s golden right arm. They were lucky to win the opener, 25-24, with only 13 points until the final three minutes of the game. The offense looked a bit rusty at times despite 451 yards (378 passing) against the Bills, then they were shut down by the attacking Jets. The Patriots passing attack could be severely hamstrung after Randy Moss (back) and Wes Welker (knee) were among 10 players the team listed on Friday's injury report as questionable for Sunday's game. New England outgained New York 197-57, but still led just 9-3 at halftime. This shapes up as a close one as we take the points with the very confident Falcons.
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