Falcons vs Patriots Odds - Patriots' home environment to overwhelm Ryan, Falcons

The Falcons vs Patriots odds pit one undefeated team against one so-so team. But if you thought the undefeated team was the Patriots, you would be wrong. The Pats are at 1-1 and are in danger of falling below .500 for the first time in a long time (with Tom Brady in the lineup). But instead, online betting cappers should look for the Patriots to confuse quarterback Matt Ryan.

Falcons vs Patriots odds: Patriots -4

• WHAT: NFL betting
  
• WHEN: Sunday, September 27th – 1:00 PM ET
  
• WHERE: Gillette Stadium – Foxboro, MA
  
• PICK: Patriots -4, Over 44.5

Falcons vs Patriots odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
The Falcons (2-0), who were supposed to come down to Earth this year, have looked even better than last year’s version but now they will get a stiff test. They head to New England to face what’s supposed to be the Super Bowl favorite, and they will get to measure themselves.

Sportsbook odds makers have quickly adjusted to the New England Patriots’ (1-1) early season struggles. They are a small four-point home favorite to Atlanta, and a lot of people are wondering whether the dynasty has crumbled. Save for a miracle in the opener, the Patriots would be 0-2. They need this win badly to prove that everything is still OK in Foxboro.

Betting Edge: Patriots

Falcons vs Patriots odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Falcons offense has been very smooth in the first two games, and they have quickly integrated Tony Gonzalez into the fold. Michael Turner hasn’t been the burner he was last year, but it’s still early in the year. Opposing defenses have keyed in on him. The Falcons will need him this week - they won’t win in New England without a running game.

The Patriots should have the better offense but they have been struggling so far. It took the Pats three-and-a-half quarters to wake up against the Bills, and then they were completely shut down by the Jets. Playing without Wes Welker hurt the Pats on Sunday but they are supposed to be a multi-faceted offense. Was losing Josh McDaniels that big of a deal?

Betting Edge: Patriots

Falcons vs Patriots odds maker breakdown: Defense
The Falcons defense has played well so far, but they need to temper expectations. Both contests were at home. They are still an improved unit over last year, especially with Mike Peterson lighting people from his linebacker spot, but they haven’t been fully tested yet.

The Pats defense has been so-so to start the year. They were burned by a questionable Buffalo offense in Week 1 and then failed to contain rookie quarterback Mark Sanchez in Week 2. They’ll be back at home but if they don’t figure out a way to start pressuring the quarterback, they are going to be a weakness all year long.

Betting Edge: Even

Falcons vs Patriots odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Patriots will be without linebacker Jerod Mayo for this contest, who is expected to be out at least four weeks. That will definitely hurt the Patriots rush and pass defense.

Betting Edge: Falcons

Falcons vs Patriots odds for total: 44.5
The Falcons defense has played well on the road while the Patriots defense has struggled everywhere. Look for the Patriots offense to wake up in this contest, but the Falcons will score points too. Take the over in this game.

Pick: Over 44.5

Falcons vs Patriots betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Falcons are in tough in this spot. NFL betting fans know that the Patriots are bound to wake up at some point, and this week is when it will happen. The Falcons are an indoors team heading outdoors on the road to face a team in desperate need of a good win. The Falcons are getting better but they won’t win or cover on Sunday.

D.J.’S PICK: Patriots -4

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D.J. Tomkins is one of BetOnline.com's NFL experts.