Both teams have a short week to prepare for tonight's matchup. The Patriots are coming off of a decisive home win against the Browns. While the Falcons are returning home after being blown out by the Cowboys. While in previous years this might be a "trap game", I don't see that happening this year. Expect the Patriots to get their winning streak to 5 games and the Falcons to be still searching for their 5th win.
TIGHT ENDS- Belichick raved about Kyle Pitts all week. Well, he may all the skills and some great games under his belt, but he hasn't been doing a great job catching the ball in recent weeks. Looking at his past 3 games he's caught 9 of 20 passes thrown his direction and had no touchdowns. Meanwhile Hunter Henry is starting to click and getting into the endzone on a regular basis. Sure he doesn't have as many receptions, but 7 out of 10 in his past 3 games to go with 3 touchdowns.....I'll take it. Since Belichick and the defense have been talking about Pitts since Monday morning, I'd be shocked if he was a difference maker.
4TH QUARTER- The Patriots have been pretty dominant in the fourth quarter. They average 9.3 point on offense (2nd in the NFL) and only give up 3.5 points on defense (2nd in the NFL). The Falcons have been struggling in the 4th. They are a league worst with 11.6 points given up in the final stanza. Offensively, they are 25th with 5.2 point scored.
DEFENSE- In general, I expect the Patriots' defense to have a better game than the Falcons. When it comes to game changing and sexy stats, the Patriots are one of the best in the league. They've intercepted 14 passes while only giving up 13 passing touchdowns. The Falcons have given up 19 TD passes and only have 3 picks. The Patriots have 24 sacks to the Falcons 11. While the Patriots defense may have one series where they look asleep, they aren't going to have a quarter, let alone a game.
TURNOVERS- The tide has appeared to shift and the Patriots are no longer making costly turnovers in the red zone. They have now moved into +3 with more takeaways than giveaways. The Falcons are sitting at -5, 26th in the NFL. Win the turnover battle, win the game as usual.
DEFENSE- In general, I expect the Patriots' defense to have a better game than the Falcons. When it comes to game changing and sexy stats, the Patriots are one of the best in the league. They've intercepted 14 passes while only giving up 13 passing touchdowns. The Falcons have given up 19 TD passes and only have 3 picks. The Patriots have 24 sacks to the Falcons 11. While the Patriots defense may have one series where they look asleep, they aren't going to have a quarter, let alone a game.
TURNOVERS- The tide has appeared to shift and the Patriots are no longer making costly turnovers in the red zone. They have now moved into +3 with more takeaways than giveaways. The Falcons are sitting at -5, 26th in the NFL. Win the turnover battle, win the game as usual.
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