49ers Falcons Betting – Falcons Pile More Pressure On Singletary, 49ers
Online betting players saw the San Francisco 49ers as the trendy darkhorse pick in the NFC, but the 49ers are a mess right now and it doesn’t look like they’re going to improve anytime soon. They may be supplanted by Atlanta as the darkhorse to ride in the conference, and they’ll give the 49ers a rude welcoming on Sunday.
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, October 3rd, 1:00 PM ET
- Where: The Georgia Dome, Atlanta, GA
- Pick: Atlanta Falcons -6.5
What’s On The Line
The 49ers (0-3) are failing badly in the face of high expectations, and a 31-10 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs caused them to fire their offensive coordinator. The Falcons (2-1) won in New Orleans for the first time in five games with a 27-24 overtime upset, showing that the battle for the NFC South is going to be a dogfight. However, this seems like a perfect trap game for the Falcons after such a big win, and they’re going to have to be extra focused.
Offensive Matchups: 49ers Falcons Betting
Well, San Francisco had to fire Jimmy Raye and promote Mike Johnson to the coordinator’s role, and it’s almost like he has to simplify the offense for Alex Smith, who just doesn’t seem to be a good quarterback in the NFL. He was 23-of-42 for 232 yards, a touchdown and a pick but
Smith isn’t making the throws that a pivot is supposed to be making. This allows teams to stack the line against Frank Gore, who had just 43 yards on 15 carries.
The Atlanta Falcons put up 417 yards on the New Orleans Saints, and they limited their mistakes to one turnover against a New Orleans defense that lives off them. Matt Ryan was 19-of-30 for 228 yards and a pair of touchdowns, while Michael Turner’s 114 yards led a ground game that racked up 202 yards for the Falcons, who are sixth in the league in offense.
Betting Edge: Falcons
Defensive Matchups: 49ers Falcons Betting
The 49ers’ defense was supposed to be the crown jewel of their NFL betting chances, but they gave up 457 yards and looked completely out of sorts against the Chiefs, who started using trick plays against them. Patrick Willis had eight tackles and he’s trying his best, but he may be counted to drop back in coverage more against the Falcons as tight end Tony Gonzalez had a big game against the Saints.
The Falcons did give up 398 yards against the Saints, but in New Orleans against arguably the best offense in the game, that’s not too shabby. They turned the tables on the Saints, who are usually the ones winning the turnover battle, because Atlanta caused New Orleans to cough it up three times. They also made the Saints completely abandon the running game, and this underrated group should get more publicity as the season goes on.
Betting Edge: Draw
Notable Injuries: 49ers Falcons Betting
Receiver Ted Ginn Jr. (knee) didn’t play in Kansas City, and it’s not likely he’ll play against the Falcons, either.
Receiver Michael Jenkins (shoulder) is practicing lightly, while safely Erik Coleman (knee) has yet to practice for the Falcons.
Betting Edge: 49ers
Outlook and Pick: 49ers Falcons Betting
The Falcons are 6.5-point NFL betting favorites at home in this NFC clash, but the 49ers have been tough on them in Atlanta as the Falcons are 4-1 SU, but 2-3 ATS. The 49ers’ offensive players seem to like Johnson, so it’s possible that they’ll step up the intensity, but it all rests on Smith. The plays aren’t changing, he just needs to execute. We’re not sure if the Atlanta defense can have that type of performance again, but they likely won’t have to against a San Francisco offense in transition. Take Atlanta for the sports betting win.
Stan’s Pick: Atlanta Falcons -6.5
