The Atlanta Falcons have now won four consecutive games straight up and against the spread. Even the Denver Broncos’ elite defense couldn’t slow down the Falcons’ offense, which has been unstoppable. Some people argue that the Falcons have had an easy schedule so far; they even caught the Broncos without their starting quarterback, but they’ll definitely be tested this week when they visit the Pacific Northwest to face the well-rested Seattle Seahawks.
Falcons Visit Seahawks
There’s a reason why people are skeptical of the Falcons. Atlanta started 6-1 last season before finishing 2-7., but their trip to Seattle should settle the debate. The Falcons lead the NFL in points per game (35), offensive yards per game (457.4) and Total Quarterback Rating (87.6).
The Seahawks’ defense is first in yards per game allowed (264), and third in points per game allowed (13.5). The Seahawks, who are returning from their bye week, are 6-point favourites as we go to press.
Osweiler, Texans in a Slump
The Houston Texans started the season 2-0 with a high-producing offense. Since then, they’ve lost two of three and the offense has scored just 13.3 points per game. Quarterback Brock Osweiler, who the Texans signed to a $72 million contract in the offseason, has not met expectations. He’s thrown at least one interception in every game (seven in total) and ranks 24th in Total Quarterback Rating.
The team’s other big addition, running back Lamar Miller, has averaged 3.7 yards per carry over the last four games and hasn’t found the end zone this season. The Texans will lay three points when they host the Indianapolis Colts this Sunday, and a Texans loss could result in the Colts moving into first place in the AFC South.
Kaepernick is Back
The San Francisco 49ers have benched quarterback Blaine Gabbert and will be starting Colin Kaepernick for the Buffalo Bills game on Sunday. Kaepernick has been riding the pine this season, but made headlines for his highly-publicized protest. Now we’ll find out if he can give the 49ers’ sluggish offense a boost on the field. They’ve averaged just 18.7 points per game over their last three games and will have a tough time facing the red-hot Bills, who are on a three-game win streak. The Bills have allowed a total of 37 points over their last three games. San Francisco is an 8-point road underdog for this contest.
Important Injuries
Cam Newton (CAR): Last season’s league MVP watched Monday Night Football from the sidelines as his Panthers fell to 1-4. They need him back in the lineup, but he’s still in the league’s concussion protocol as we go to press.
Eddie Lacy (GB): Packers running back, Eddie Lacy, was having his best game of the season, compiling 81 yards on 11 carries in the first half last Sunday before an ankle injury forced him out. Head coach Mike McCarthy said the injury isn’t serious, but he couldn’t confirm that Lacy will play in Week 6.
Trevor Siemian (DEN): Siemian missed last week’s game, which was the Broncos’ first loss of the season. He practiced on Tuesday, though, and should be ready to start on Thursday. The Broncos are laying 3.5 points to the San Diego Chargers on Thursday.
*Odds as of October 12, 2016