|
The Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions begin their 2008 seasons this Sunday, September 7th at the Georgia Dome in Atlanta. The game will be televised on Fox starting at 1:05pm ET. NFL Week 1 predictions at Bodoglife.com list the Lions as a -3 road favorite against the rebuilding Falcons. Early last season, Detroit looked like they might venture into some winning waters that they have not charted in years; however, the Lions eventually returned to their losing ways and finished the year at 7-9. The team parted company with offensive coordinator Mike Martz at the end of the season and brought in Jim Colletto to replace him. Colletto will return the team to a more traditional style of attack, one that employs the running game to a far greater degree. The Detroit defense allowed 27.8 points per game last season and Martz's pass happy approach left them on the field entirely too long. The Falcons hit rock bottom last season, finishing at 4-12 after newly hired coach Bobby Petrino quit in the middle of the season. Ownership appointed former Jaguars defensive coordinator Mike Smith as their new head coach in the off season and they are hopeful that he can get the franchise back on it's feet. Atlanta will return 14 starters from 2007, and they have some building blocks in place with first round pick Matt Ryan (QB) and free agent acquisition Michael Turner (RB). It will probably be a rough year for the Falcons, but they are at least headed toward recovery. Key Matchup: The Falcons may have a difficult time covering the Lion receivers and their lack of a pass rush will only enhance this mismatch. Cornerbacks Von Hutchins and Chris Houston must find a way to slow down Calvin Johnson and Roy Williams. NFL Week 1 Trend: The Over is 14-4 the last five seasons when Atlanta played as a home underdog. Bodoglife.com's NFL Week 1 Predictions for the Lions vs Falcons: Lions -3 (-115), Over 41 (-110) Falcons +3 (-105), Under 41 (-110) Get on board for an entire season of NFL Picks; we are prepped and ready to storm through the 2008 NFL schedule. Also, make sure you cjheck out our live NFL Betting Odds feed which provides real time point spreads from the top internet sportsbooks in the world, all in one easy to use location. Get line moves in real time and find out which NFL teams have the best betting odds.
|
