This week’s game between the Atlanta Falcons (2-0) and the Dallas Cowboys (2-0) looks to be a key matchup. The NFL’s third-leading passer, Matt Ryan (661 yards, 3 TDs), and second-leading receiver, Julio Jones (276 yards ) will be the focal point of this matchup. It starts at 1:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, Sep 27 and can be seen on FOX.
Dallas notched a win over Philadelphia 20-10 last week. Jason Witten had a solid game in the win, registering seven catches for 56 yards. Terrance Williams contributed with 84 yards on four receptions. Atlanta managed to get the win as well, beating New York 24-20. Matt Ryan had an outstanding performance passing the ball for the Falcons, completing 30 of 46 passes for 363 yards and one TD. Julio Jones had a big game as well, totaling 135 yards on 13 receptions.
Oddsmakers have deemed the Dallas and Atlanta game as an even matchup and the Over/Under (O/U) is 44 points.
The Cowboys enter the game with records of 2-0 Straight Up (SU) and 1-1 Against The Spread (ATS) this season. The Dallas offense features a strong pass attack, currently ranking fifth in the NFL with 303 passing yards per game. As for the Dallas defense, there are important areas to keep an eye on. With 53 rushing yards allowed per game, the Cowboys have the top run defense in the NFL and could hurt the Atlanta. The Cowboys might get the second half off to a solid start against the Atlanta’s defense. The Falcons allow an average of 10.5 points in the third quarter, making them one of the worst in the league. The Cowboys may rely on Atlanta’s special teams as a means for better field position in this week’s game. Out of all teams, the Falcons rank last in return yards allowed, with 95.5 allowed per game.
In comparison to the Cowboys, the Falcons have started the season strong with records of 2-0 SU and ATS this season. The Falcons need to capitalize on takeaway opportunities against the turnover-inclined Cowboys, who rank 26th in the league in turnovers with 2.5 per game. Don’t be surprised to see lots of calls against the Cowboys when they take the field. Dallas is among the most penalized teams in the league, receiving an average of 10.5 penalties per game.
Predictions: SU Winner – Dal, ATS Winner – Dal, O/U – Under
Notes
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas’s last 6 games.
Dallas is 7-1 SU in its last 8 games.
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Dallas’s last 6 games at home.
Dallas is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games at home.
Dallas is 1-5 ATS in its last 6 games at home.
Dallas is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Atlanta.
Both teams are 1-0 SU when leading at the half this season, and both teams are 1-0 when losing at halftime.
The Dallas passing attack is ranked fifth in the league, while the Atlanta pass defense is only ranked 29th. The Falcons’ passing game is ranked third, compared to the ninth-ranked pass defense of the Cowboys.
Atlanta has allowed 22.0 points per game this year, which is ranked only 22nd in the league. Dallas has put up 23.5 points per game this year and is ranked 15th overall.
