Atlanta Falcons Betting Odds

Team Overview

The Atlanta Falcons are entering the 2024/2025 NFL season with a renewed sense of optimism and ambition. After a 7-10 finish last year, the Falcons have made significant changes to their roster and coaching staff, aiming to break their playoff drought, which dates back to 2017. With the acquisition of veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins and a new offensive scheme under play-caller Zac Robinson, the Falcons are poised to compete for the NFC South title. The team is banking on a mix of experienced players and emerging talents to lead them to success in what is considered one of the league’s more open divisions.

Offensive Line Analysis

The Falcons’ offensive line is one of the team’s key strengths, ranked sixth in the NFL by Pro Football Network. This unit is anchored by right guard Chris Lindstrom, who is recognized as one of the top players at his position. The line also includes reliable veterans such as left tackle Jake Matthews and right tackle Kaleb McGary, providing stability and protection for Kirk Cousins. The addition of rookie left guard Matthew Bergeron adds youthful energy and depth to the line. This strong offensive front is crucial for both pass protection and creating running lanes for star running back Bijan Robinson, who is expected to be a focal point of the Falcons’ offense.

Defensive Line Analysis

The Falcons have focused on strengthening their defensive line, which has been a point of emphasis in their offseason strategy. The addition of veteran pass rusher Matthew Judon and safety Justin Simmons bolsters a defense that struggled in previous seasons. The line is led by Grady Jarrett, a consistent force in the interior, and is complemented by young talents like edge rusher Bralen Trice, who was drafted to enhance the team’s pass rush capabilities. Despite losing Calais Campbell, the Falcons have made strategic moves to improve their defensive front, which will be crucial in a division with dynamic offenses.

Week 8 – Vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Final Score: Atlanta Falcons 31, Tampa Bay Buccaneers 26

• Key Players
  • Kirk Cousins (Falcons QB): Threw for multiple touchdown passes, including two to Kyle Pitts.
  • Jessie Bates III (Falcons S): Forced a fumble and intercepted a pass, making crucial defensive plays.
  • Baker Mayfield (Buccaneers QB): Kept the game competitive with a strong first-half performance.
  • Cade Otton (Buccaneers TE): Led the Buccaneers in receptions and scored two touchdowns.
• Game Dynamics
  • The game started as an offensive shootout, with both quarterbacks combining for five touchdown passes in the first half. Scoring slowed in the second half, but the Falcons maintained their lead with timely defensive stops.
• Game Statistics
  • Total points: Falcons 31, Buccaneers 26
  • Total net yards: Falcons 364, Buccaneers 432
  • Third-down efficiency: Falcons 58%, Buccaneers 64%
  • Red-zone efficiency: Both teams 100%ChallengesThe Buccaneers’ secondary struggled, leading to a rookie cornerback being benched. The Falcons’ defense allowed yards but made crucial stops when needed.
• Context
  • This victory gives the Falcons a season sweep over the Buccaneers and strengthens their hold on the NFC South division lead. For Tampa Bay, this marks their third consecutive loss.
• Reaction
  • Falcons fans are celebrating the win and Jessie Bates III’s impact. Buccaneers supporters are concerned about defensive issues but see promise in the offense’s performance, particularly Cade Otton’s emergence as a reliable target

Week 7 – Vs Seattle Seahawks

Final Score: Atlanta Falcons 14, Seattle Seahawks 34

• Key Players
  • Geno Smith (Seahawks QB): Completed 18 of 28 passes for 207 yards and two touchdowns.
  • Kenneth Walker III (Seahawks RB): Scored two touchdowns (one rushing, one receiving) and gained 69 yards on the ground.
  • DK Metcalf (Seahawks WR): Caught a 31-yard touchdown pass but left the game with a knee injury.
  • Kirk Cousins (Falcons QB): Struggled with three turnovers before being replaced.
  • Michael Penix Jr. (Falcons QB): Made his NFL debut in garbage time.
• Game Dynamics
  • The Seahawks dominated from the start, scoring on four of their first six possessions. They added a defensive touchdown by Derick Hall, effectively putting the game out of reach. The Seahawks’ defense applied consistent pressure, sacking Cousins three times and forcing turnovers.
• Game Statistics
  • Seahawks’ offensive output: 207 passing yards, multiple rushing touchdowns
  • Falcons’ rushing: 132 yards (mostly in the first half)
  • Turnovers: Falcons committed three, including two interceptions
• Challenges
  • The Seahawks faced a potential setback with DK Metcalf’s knee injury, though the team is optimistic it’s not long-term. The Falcons struggled to maintain their rushing effectiveness in the second half and couldn’t overcome their turnover issues.
• Context
  • This victory snapped a three-game losing streak for the Seahawks, improving their record to 4-3 and keeping them atop the NFC West. For the Falcons, it represented a missed opportunity in what appears to be a two-team race in the NFC South.
• Reaction
  • Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith told PFT that the extra time after their Thursday night loss to the 49ers helped the team mentally and physically reset. The Seahawks’ coaching staff and players are likely pleased with the all-around performance, showing improvements in all three phases of the game.

Week 6 – Vs Carolina Panthers

Final Score: Atlanta Falcons 30, Carolina Panthers 20

• Key Players:
  • Bijan Robinson: Scored two touchdowns for the Falcons
  • Tyler Allgeier: Rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown
  • Andy Dalton: Completed 26 of 38 passes for 221 yards, 2 TDs, and 2 INTs for the Panthers
• Game Dynamics:
  • The Falcons maintained a strong running game, totaling 198 rushing yards
  • The Panthers stayed competitive for most of the game but struggled defensively
  • The Falcons pulled away in the fourth quarter, securing a comfortable win
• Game Statistics:
  • Falcons total yards: 368.3 (8th in the league)
  • Panthers’ Chuba Hubbard: 92 yards on 18 carries (5.1 yards per carry)
• Challenges:
  • Panthers faced defensive woes, partly due to missing key players like Derrick Brown, Jadeveon Clowney, and Shaq Thompson
• Context:
  • This was the Falcons’ third consecutive win against a divisional opponent
  • The victory solidified the Falcons’ position atop the NFC South with a 4-2 record
• Reaction:
  • Falcons coach Raheem Morris praised the team’s balanced offensive approach
  • Falcons fans expressed satisfaction with the win but noted areas for improvement, particularly in the pass rush

Week 5 – Vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Atlanta Falcons emerged victorious in a thrilling Week 5 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning 36-30 in an overtime.

The game was a high-scoring affair that showcased both teams’ offensive prowess, with Baker Mayfield impressing for the Buccaneers and the Falcons’ passing game proving particularly effective. KhaDarel Hodge sealed the win for Atlanta with a game-winning 45-yard touchdown run in overtime, propelling the Falcons to the top of the division standings.

Looking ahead to Week 6, the Atlanta Falcons will face their division rivals, the Carolina Panthers. This upcoming matchup will be crucial for both teams as they jockey for position in the competitive NFC South.

Week 4 – vs. New Orleans Saints

Final Score: Atlanta Falcons 26, New Orleans Saints 24

• Key Players:
  • Kirk Cousins completed 21 of 35 passes for 238 yards, but threw one interception with no touchdowns.
  • Tyler Allgeier led the rushing attack with 60 yards on 8 carries, averaging 7.5 yards per attempt.
  • Drake London was the top target, hauling in six receptions for 64 yards.
• Game Dynamics:
  • The Falcons played a tightly contested game against the Saints, with their defense making key plays and Younghoe Koo‘s reliable kicking proving to be the difference. Despite being outgained in total yards (366 vs. 315) and time of possession, the Falcons’ efficiency in key moments allowed them to edge out the Saints.
• Game Statistics:
  • The Falcons were efficient with limited rushing opportunities, averaging 6 yards per play.
  • Atlanta’s defense played a crucial role, with Troy Andersen recording an interception that set up a key scoring drive.
• Challenges:
  • Kirk Cousins struggled to find the end zone and threw one interception, missing key opportunities to capitalize on the Saints’ defensive lapses. Additionally, Kyle Pitts was held without a catch despite being targeted three times.
• Context:
  • Atlanta’s defense bent but didn’t break, coming up with big plays to hold off the Saints’ late-game surge. Younghoe Koo’s accuracy, hitting all four field goals including a long of 58 yards, helped secure the narrow win.
• Reactions:
  • The Falcons’ fans remain hopeful as the defense and special teams carried the load in a hard-fought game, but concerns are growing over the consistency of the offense and Kirk Cousins’ ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

Week 3 – vs. Kansas City Chiefs

Final Score: Kansas City Chiefs 22, Atlanta Falcons 17

• Key Players:
  • Kirk Cousins threw for 230 yards, completing 20 of 29 passes, with one touchdown and one interception.
  • Drake London had a strong performance, catching six passes for 67 yards and one touchdown.
  • Tyler Allgeier led the Falcons’ rushing attack with 32 yards on seven carries, but the team struggled to run the ball effectively.

• Game Dynamics:
  • The Falcons’ offense struggled to find consistency against the Chiefs, particularly in the running game, as they were held to just 82 rushing yards. Despite an efficient passing game, the Falcons couldn’t capitalize on key opportunities, converting only 22% of their third-down attempts. Meanwhile, the Chiefs controlled the time of possession and ground game, which helped them secure the win.
• Game Statistics:
  • The Falcons averaged 6.0 yards per play, slightly better than the Chiefs’ 5.0.
  • Atlanta’s offense struggled on third downs, converting only 22% of their attempts.
• Challenges:
  • The Falcons’ inability to establish a strong running game hurt their overall offensive output, and their defense couldn’t prevent the Chiefs from converting crucial third downs, allowing Kansas City to control the clock.
• Context:
  • Despite a promising passing attack, led by Kirk Cousins and Drake London, the Falcons’ ground game failed to provide balance. The defense, while making key plays, could not stop the Chiefs when it mattered most.
• Reactions:
  • The Falcons’ fans are concerned about the team’s third-down efficiency and run-game struggles, raising questions about offensive adjustments moving forward.

Week 2 – vs. Philadelphia Eagles

Final Score: Atlanta Falcons 22, 21 Philadelphia Eagles

• Key Players:
  • Kirk Cousins executed a perfect final drive for the Atlanta Falcons, culminating in a seven-yard touchdown pass to Drake London with just 34 seconds left on the clock
  • Jessie Bates III intercepted Jalen Hurts’ final pass, sealing the victory for Atlanta and sparking a wild celebration on the sidelines.
• Game Dynamics:
  • Younghoe Koo put the Falcons ahead with a 48-yard extra point following an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty on London. The decisive drive took only 65 seconds to complete.
• Game Statistics:
  • Cousins delivered an impressive performance, completing 20 of 29 passes for 241 yards and throwing two touchdowns.
• Challenges:
  • The Falcons managed only one touchdown in the first three quarters.
  • Cousins received strong criticism from fans and experts throughout the week leading up to the game
• Context:
  • This win has tied up the series for the Falcons (1-1)
• Reactions:
  • A celebration erupted on the sidelines after Bates sealed the last minute win.

Week 1 – vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

• Final Score: Pittsburgh Steelers 18, Atlanta Falcons 10.
• Key Players:
  • Justin Fields, filling in for the injured Russell Wilson, led the Steelers with 156 passing yards and 57 rushing yards.
  • Chris Boswell was instrumental for the Steelers, scoring six field goals, including three from beyond 50 yards.
• Game Dynamics:
  • The Steelers maintained possession for over 10 minutes longer than the Falcons, controlling the game’s tempo.
  • The Falcons struggled offensively, particularly in the second half, gaining only one first down in three possessions.
• Game Statistics:
  • Cousins completed 16 of 26 passes for 155 yards, with one touchdown and two interceptions. He was also sacked twice.
• Challenges:
  • Cousins appeared slow in the pocket and indecisive under pressure, especially in the second half where he managed only 19 passing yards.
  • His performance was hampered by turnovers, including a crucial interception late in the game that thwarted a comeback attempt.
• Context:
  • This was Cousins’ first game back after a significant injury (torn Achilles) last season, which might have contributed to his rusty performance.
• Reactions:
  • Cousins expressed disappointment with his debut, acknowledging the need for improvement.
  • Falcons head coach Raheem Morris emphasized the importance of Cousins playing better and expressed confidence in his ability to bounce back.

Odds to Win Division and Super Bowl

– Odds to Win NFC South: -145, making them the favorites to win the division.

– Odds to Win Super Bowl: +3000, indicating a 3.2% chance, positioning them as a potential dark horse contender.

Predictions

– Overall Record: The Falcons are projected to finish with a 10-7 record, reflecting their potential to capitalize on a favorable schedule and improved roster.

– Playoff Chances: With odds of -185 to make the playoffs, the Falcons have a strong chance of securing a postseason berth, contingent on consistent performances from key players.

– Super Bowl Chances: While not among the top favorites, the Falcons’ odds suggest they have the potential to make a playoff run, especially if their new acquisitions perform well.

In summary, the Atlanta Falcons are entering the 2024/2025 season with high expectations and a revamped roster. With Kirk Cousins leading the offense and a fortified defense, the team is well-positioned to compete in the NFC South. The success of the Falcons will largely depend on the integration of new players and the effectiveness of their offensive and defensive lines. As they aim to return to the playoffs, the Falcons are poised to be a formidable force in the NFL.