Atlanta Falcons vs Detroit Lions Free NFL Spread Pick, 9–24–2017
Free NFL Pick by James Gunnar of King Sports Picks
Atlanta Falcons (2–0) vs Detroit Lions (2–0)
NFL: Sunday, September 24th, 1:00 PM EST
Line: Lions +3 | 50.5
Last Meeting: 10/25/14 DET 22 ATL 21
Trends:
Lions are 0–4 ATS vs. a team with a winning record
Falcons are 4–0 ATS in their last 4 meetings
The defending NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons travel to the Motor City to take on the Detroit Lions. Both teams enter this Week 3 matchup undefeated and leaders in their respective divisions. Atlanta is off to another impressive start after beating the Bears 23–17, followed by a win over the Packers 34–23 in Week 2. Detroit is coming off a Monday night win over the Giants, which was preceded by a victory over Arizona.
Atlanta handled the Packers in their NFC Championship rematch as Matt Ryan, Julio Jones, and Devonta Freeman powered the team’s surge. The Falcons have an explosive top 10 offense that has performed very well over the past couple of years. Their defense really stood out over their win vs Green Bay, holding the Packers to 10 points through three-quarters only to give up 13 points in the 4th quarter. This defense will need to finish strong vs a dangerous Lions team and they will be without LB Vic Beasley for a month.
Since 2015 the Falcons are (8–2 SU & ATS) their last 10 games on the road.
Detroit has turned some heads early on in the 2017 season with an offense that averages 29 PPG and a defense that has allowed 16.5 PPG. Either the Cardinals and the Giants aren’t as good as expected or the Lion are simply that good. Regardless, they get a marquee matchup at home in Ford Field.
Matthew Stafford signed the richest contract in NFL history in the offseason and he has performed thus far. Stafford has completed 71% of his passes and thrown for 414 yards with 6 touchdowns and 1 INT. Detroit has an impressive offensive unit that could rival Atlanta’s with Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, and Kenny Golladay. The biggest detriment to the Lions offense in recent years has been their run game but Ameer Abdullah could be the answer they have been looking for to ignite the rush.
Detroit’s defense looked sharp vs New York, sacking Eli Manning five times and holding the Giants offense to 270 total yards. Their true test will come vs Matt Ryan and a more stable offensive line of the Falcons.
Detroit is 6–2 ATS in their last eight home games and 2–5 ATS in their last seven games overall.
The Lions will be playing on shortened rest after their Monday Night game vs the Giants which isn’t ideal when you’re hosting the Falcons. Atlanta has avoided a Super Bowl hangover so far and they may be out to prove that 2016 was not a fluke season and they have unfinished business. It’s tough to gauge this Lions team and therefore I am siding with the Falcons -3 on the road and like them to win by a touchdown in a close game.
Falcons vs Lions FREE Pick: Falcons -3
