Atlanta Falcons versus Detroit Lions point spread, line and betting odds

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The Atlanta Falcons (12-2) will play against the Detroit Lions (4-10) on Saturday night. Scheduled for a 8:30 pm EST kickoff the game will air on ESPN from Ford Field in Detroit, MI.

What is the spread in the Falcons and Lions game? The Falcons are 4.5 point favorites against the Lions. The over/under for the game is set at 51 points.

The Falcons put on a convincing performance in last weekends thumping of the New York Giants. Atlanta has put up nice records before so the talk about them continues to be their post season prospects. Before the post season starts though the Falcons will play two more games, the first being a Week 16 match-up against the Lions.

ATL
DET
W-L 12-2 4-10
Avg Points 26.5 23.6
Avg Points Allowed 18.5 27.1
Home Record 7-0 2-4
Road Record 5-2 2-6

Atlanta’s success falls on the shoulders of quarterback Matt Ryan. Ryan was 23 of 28 for 270 yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions against the Giants. Two of those touchdowns went to wide receiver Julio Jones. The Falcons are scoring 26.5 points per game while their opponent in this one is allowing 27.1.

Atlanta’s defense subscribes to the bend but not break philosophy, they give up a fair number of yards on the ground and though the air but keep opponents from putting up large numbers. They are fourth in points allowed.

Detroit is the opposite. The Lions have allowed 24 or more points in their last eight games, losing the last six in a row.

Detroit got blown out by Arizona last week thanks in part to two interceptions returned for touchdowns.

The Lions offensive strategy is no secret. Since losing Javid Best they have been a throw only team. They lead the NFL in passing yards and wide receiver Calvin Johnson is on pace to break Jerry Rice’s single season receiving yards record, something the Lions have stated that they want to see happen.

Will the Falcons stop Johnson or will the Lions rebound from an embarrassing performance last week?

John Boarman
John Boarmanhttp://www.tireball.com
Founder and Owner of Tireball Sports.

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