Atlanta will have its most thorough preseason showing in the third week of the preseason against the Arizona Cardinals. While these teams may not put in as much game-planning as the regular season, this will be the closest it comes to the real thing during the exhibition slate.
Atlanta averaged more than 33 points per game a season ago but the Cardinals have a pretty solid defense, so it will be an interesting matchup.
This game in Week 3 of the preseason contest will go down Saturday, August 26, 2017, at 7 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Arizona Cardinals +3.5
Atlanta Falcons -3.5
Over/Under 43.5
Odds Analysis
The spread is a little higher than normal for a regular preseason game because of Atlanta’s talent. The defending NFC champions are also playing at home in a brand-new stadium, so the fans should be into it. The Cardinals have some talent but are expected to rest running back David Johnson and wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald for the majority of the contest, which contributes to their underdog status.
The scoring total is higher than your standard exhibition matchup but that’s because both teams have big play guys that can light up the scoreboard. The “over” is an enticing wager in this one.
Quarterback Rotation
Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer has seen extensive action in the first two games. His coach, Bruce Arians, wants to pull the starters after 30 plays but allowed that they could stay in longer if they don’t play up to his standard.
Drew Stanton is the backup and should take over from there, while Blaine Gabbert could see some late action. Stanton was impressive in the Cardinals’ preseason home opener against the Raiders but struggled last time out against the Bears. Gabbert has not lived up to the hype of being a former first-round pick but has looked good all preseason, and that success is something to keep in mind if this game is close late.
Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan has only thrown nine passes this preseason, and while he should see an uptick this time out, it’s unknown how much playing time he will see. Ryan, wideout Julio Jones, running back Devonta Freeman and the rest of the Falcons stars showed what they could do all of last year. If the coaching staff is content with that, they might not be in the entire first half.
Matt Simms has seen a lot of work in the preseason and he could play a decent chunk in this one. Matt Schaub also figures to get some action. If the Falcons have Simms and Schaub in the game for a lot longer than Ryan, it’s reasonable to think the 3.5-point spread is too large.
Coaching History
Bruce Arians is 8-11 in his preseason coaching career, including a 1-2 mark this season. Arians hasn’t had a winning preseason since his first one with the team back in 2013.
Dan Quinn is 5-5 in the preseason. He won three of four a season ago but Atlanta is 0-2 thus far in 2017. That could change if the starters stay in the game for awhile against the Cardinals and play well.
Free ATS Pick
The Cardinals won’t be getting much from star running back Johnson, so it’s fair to wonder how effective their offense will be. The Falcons, though, may also choose to keep their biggest stars out of harm’s way for the most part.
The Falcons are a great team, but this spread is too big for a preseason game. Atlanta may win but the Cardinals will cover.
NFL Odds: Falcons 23, Cardinals 21
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