Week 4 Preview: Atlanta Falcons vs. Green Bay Packers

Through three weeks, the Green Bay Packers are the best offense in the National Football League. With the best pass-blocking efficiency and the best run-blocking efficiency, Aaron Rodgers and Matt LaFleur have constructed the most well-balanced attack in the NFL.

After their Week 3 victory over Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints, Rodgers spoke to how good the offense is this year and compared the 2020 unit to the teams Green Bay had in 2011 and 2014 when Rodgers won MVP. Rodgers has the third-best passer rating in the league, Aaron Jones has the second-most rushing yards in the league, and if Davante Adams was healthy, he and Allen Lazard would both be top 15 in the league in receiving yards.

Although Green Bay will be without breakout wide receiver Lazard on Monday night, they face a depleted Falcons defense, and Adams should be back on the field for the Packers. Atlanta has eight defensive players who were limited or did not participate in practice on Friday. After blowing another significant lead to the Chicago Bears in Week 3, the Falcons will have their depth tested on Monday Night Football.

The bright spot for Atlanta so far has been the emergence of Calvin Ridley. The young wide receiver has flourished in the absence of Julio Jones. Ridley has become the clear No. 1 receiver in Atlanta with 116.3 yards per game and four touchdowns through their first three contests. Ridley burned the Bears’ secondary on the first play from scrimmage last Sunday, which is something that defensive coordinator Mike Pettine and the Packers’ secondary should keep in mind.

Game Info:

Date: October 5, 2020

Start Time: 7:15 PM CT

Location: Green Bay, WI

Stadium: Lambeau Field

TV Info: ESPN

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Betting Odds Sponsored by Jazz Sportsbook

Points Spread: GB -6.5 (-110) | ATL +6.5 (-110)

Moneyline: GB -325 | ATL +250

Over/Under: O 57 (-110) | U 57 (-110)

With the offensive production that the Falcons and Packers have put together in their first three games, this should be an easy pick for the over. The Packers have won all of their games so far by at least seven points, so the spread may also be in play this week as well. Overall, bet on the Packers, early and often against a struggling Falcons team.

Prediction:

Overall, the story of the night will be offensive production. Green Bay is averaging 41 points per game, while the Falcons are averaging 30 points per game, but allowing 36 per game. Matt Ryan and Rodgers had dynamic duels in the past, including playoff matchups that have propelled both teams to Super Bowl runs. If the Packers can stay healthy and consistent throughout the game, Atlanta will likely fall to 0-4.

*Final Score: Atlanta Falcons 17, Green Bay Packers 34*

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Main Image Credit: Embed from Getty Images