The New England Patriots opened as 4.5-point favorites against the Atlanta Falcons according to BookMaker.eu, with an over/under of 53.5. Other oddsmakers had the Patriots anywhere from a 3-point to a 5-point favorite, with most of the books tightening the spread down to just 3-points.
The over/under has also creeped up to around 55, implying that most think the Falcons will be able to score against the Patriots defense to make this a close game.
While the Patriots are 4-2 and sitting atop the AFC East, the Falcons have lost two straight games, sandwiching a bye week. Those two losses came against the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins, so the Patriots are hoping they can keep the AFC East ahead of the reigning NFC champion.
The Falcons 2016 record-setting offense is off to a slower start in 2017, ranking 12th in points per game. Quarterback Matt Ryan has just 6 touchdown passes through five games, along with 6 interceptions.
Will the Patriots defense be the cure for the Falcons offensive woes? Probably, although the New England defenders have played well in recent weeks despite a handful of injuries. Hopefully the Patriots can prove the oddsmakers right and walk away with a victory.