Atlanta Falcons -2.5 tonight

[Snowball]

Atlanta looked good in its first preseason win over the Chiefs.
Although it was a friendly practice, Falcon defense has appeared more than able to tie down Patriot offense.
Don't expect Bill Belichick to reveal anything or seek to win this game.
Focus is on evaluating Connoly as possible replacement to Mankins and Gerald Warren as replacement to Ty Warren.
RB Laurence Maroney is expected to get a lot of snaps. He's not hard to contain. He's also not a physical plowhorse who could grind down the Atlanta defensive line.
Expect Matt Ryan to have success downfield vs this young Pats backfield.
home field advantage, fwiw.

http://www.necn.com/08/19/10/5-To-Watch-For-In-Falcons-Patriots/v1_landing_patriots.html?blockID=293396&feedID=3352

http://atlanta.sbnation.com/2010/8/17/1628622/sbn-atls-notes-from-flowery-branch

http://blogs.ajc.com/atlanta-falcons-blog/2010/08/19/thomas-dimitroffs-shares-his-insights-on-running-the-falcons/?cxntfid=blogs_atlanta_falcons_blog

[D3 Mighty Ducks]

I don't bet pre-season action but I can see the Falcons covering the points tonight. Although both defenses are young I could see an Over type of game.

[isles71]

I think the Falcons will cover tonight

[joegavazzi]

Maybe Atlanta will be more focused on a quality opponent than they were in their 20-10 opening win over the Chiefs, in which they were outrushed 130-100. Winning only because they were +3 in the Turnover column. That does not make me convinced that 3rd year head coach Mike Smith places much importance on August games as he stands 5-4 Straight Up in these contests. QB Ryan and the starters are slated for 15-20 plays. Following a sub-par 10-6 Straight Up 2009 season, the Patriots may be a bit interested in establishing their calling card of dominance in these August games. Long time head coach Belichick is a profitable 33-24-4 ATS in August. Brady and the starters figure to play into the 2nd quarter with solid success against what appears to be a mediocre Atlanta defense. Linemakers' knee-jerk reaction to making every opening line less than or equal to 3 points implies clear line value for the superior team as underdog. Go with the Patriots.

[RageWizard]

I invested in the Falcons (-2.5) and the over (37) in this game mainly because the Falcons have offensive depth to throw at the New England defense, and I also think that New England will be able to score some points in the 1st half with the Brady bunch even if they only play a quarter. Basically it will be like the first game for New England they will jump out to an early lead, then they will get scored upon later in the game.

[WIZARDOFBEANTOWN]

pats and the over 37
over is the play good luck

[vboyt]

falcons here RISE UP

[COOGI]

Maybe Atlanta will be more focused on a quality opponent than they were in their 20-10 opening win over the Chiefs, in which they were outrushed 130-100. Winning only because they were +3 in the Turnover column. That does not make me convinced that 3rd year head coach Mike Smith places much importance on August games as he stands 5-4 Straight Up in these contests. QB Ryan and the starters are slated for 15-20 plays. Following a sub-par 10-6 Straight Up 2009 season, the Patriots may be a bit interested in establishing their calling card of dominance in these August games. Long time head coach Belichick is a profitable 33-24-4 ATS in August. Brady and the starters figure to play into the 2nd quarter with solid success against what appears to be a mediocre Atlanta defense. Linemakers' knee-jerk reaction to making every opening line less than or equal to 3 points implies clear line value for the superior team as underdog. Go with the Patriots.

good choice ...........all in my friend ...........

[lak420187]

i like the over too. i dont know where to stand on the pts tho....could go either way imo.

[DaProfessor23]

falcons plus 0ver parlay=gold

[Snowball]

I don't think over is a lock.
I can see Falcons winning by 10.
Atlanta GM worked for Belichick for years as a scout

Artificial Turf scares Belichick, Pats injuries like Welker on turf.

adding.

[zanman822]

Be careful on the over lots of things point to the under.

[JamesBrown]

Really like the Falcons tonight as well. BOL

[Pick'nParlays]

best of luck on your plays everyone

[Snowball]

Falcons were robbed. Did you see the bad call ?
Announcers all over it.. Roughing the Kicker b.s. gave Patriots 7 pts.
horrible refs

[Chuck Sims]

Maybe Atlanta will be more focused on a quality opponent than they were in their 20-10 opening win over the Chiefs, in which they were outrushed 130-100. Winning only because they were +3 in the Turnover column. That does not make me convinced that 3rd year head coach Mike Smith places much importance on August games as he stands 5-4 Straight Up in these contests. QB Ryan and the starters are slated for 15-20 plays. Following a sub-par 10-6 Straight Up 2009 season, the Patriots may be a bit interested in establishing their calling card of dominance in these August games. Long time head coach Belichick is a profitable 33-24-4 ATS in August. Brady and the starters figure to play into the 2nd quarter with solid success against what appears to be a mediocre Atlanta defense. Linemakers' knee-jerk reaction to making every opening line less than or equal to 3 points implies clear line value for the superior team as underdog. Go with the Patriots.

[CaptJames05]

yeaaa.. they got messed up