NFL Week 3: Falcons vs. Saints Picks & Predictions
By Anthony Rome
In what could turn out to be the best matchup on the NFL Week 3 schedule, the New Orleans Saints host their NFC South Division rivals the Atlanta Falcons on Sunday. Let’s take a look at the odds and make a prediction on this game.
Oddsmakers from online sports book BroburySports.com, the Saints are 4-point favorites over the Falcons for this Week 3 NFL matchup. The over/under total for this game is currently listed at 50.
When making my prediction for this game, I looked hard at the strengths and weaknesses of each team. And the Falcons matchup very well with the Saints, even though New Orleans has every right to be favored in this contest.
The Falcons can run the ball as well as any team in the league and if you were to spot a weakness on the Saints, it has to be the interior of their defense. Their tackle positions have a tendency to get blown back at the snap and if the Falcons can dominate the line of scrimmage like they did last weekend in a blowout win over the Cardinals, then they have a good chance to win this game outright.
Another thing that factored into this pick for me is injuries and rest. The Saints played on Monday night in San Francisco and now have to prepare for their toughest division rival on one day less of rest and preparation. That’s an advantage for the Falcons, who have played well defensively the past two weeks and who don’t have to worry about facing Reggie Bush (leg injury) in Week 3.
The Free Pick Prediction:
The Falcons are the pick here and my prediction is that they’ll cover the 4-point spread. They have enough weapons to keep Drew Brees and the explosive Saints’ offense (which hasn’t exactly been firing on all cylinders to start the year) on the sidelines and if they can control this game on the ground, an outright win certainly is within reach. Make sure you shop the lines when making your pick, however, because it’s key to get the Falcons at +3.5 or more. Obviously one of the key numbers in football is 3 and with this being a field goal game either way, it’s vital to get the Falcons at +3.5 or better.
2010 NFL Week 3 PICK & PREDICTION: ATLANTA FALCONS +4