The Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons meet Sunday in week 2 NFL action at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Let’s preview this game and give out a pick and prediction.
Green Bay Packers Betting Preview
The Green Bay Packers look for a second straight road win after smacking the Bears last week. The Packers look for their first 2-0 start since the 2020 season. Jordan Love is completing 55.6 percent of his passes for 245 yards, 3 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. Aaron Jones and Luke Musgrave have combined for 136 receiving yards and 1 touchdown, while Jayden Reed has 2 receptions. The Green Bay Packers ground game is averaging 92 yards per contest, and Jones leads the way with 41 yards and 1 touchdown. Defensively, Green Bay is allowing 20 points and 311 yards per game. Darnell Savage leads the Green Bay Packers with 10 tackles, Devonte Wyatt has 1.5 sacks and Quay Walker has 1 interception.
Green Bay Packers Team Facts
- The Packers have won each of their last 10 games as favorites following a road win.
- The home team has covered the spread in each of the Packers’ last eight Week 2 games.
- The Packers have won the first half in nine of their last 10 games as favorites following a road win.
- The Packers have lost the first quarter in five of their last six games as road favorites following a win.
- The Packers have scored the first touchdown in four of their last five games as favorites following a road win.
Green Bay Packers Player Prop Facts
- Jaire Alexander ranked T5th in the NFL in Interceptions (5) last season
Atlanta Falcons Betting Preview
The Atlanta Falcons also look for a fast start as they beat up on the Panthers opening weekend. The Falcons look for their first 2-0 start since the 2017 NFL season. Desmond Ridder is completing 83.3 percent of his passes for 115 yards, 1 touchdown and 0 interceptions. Kyle Pitts and Mack Hollins have combined for 75 receiving yards on 5 catches, while Bijan Robinson has 6 receptions. The Atlanta Falcons ground game is averaging 130 yards per contest, and Tyler Allgeier leads the way with 75 yards and 2 touchdowns. Defensively, Atlanta is allowing 10 points and 281 yards per game. Jessie Bates III leads the Atlanta Falcons with 10 tackles, Lorenzo Carter has 1 sack and David Onyemata has 1 pass deflection.
Atlanta Falcons Team Facts
- The home team has won each of the last seven games between the Packers and Falcons.
- The Falcons have covered the spread in seven of their last eight Week 2 games.
- The Falcons have won the first quarter in each of their last three home games against teams that held a winning record.
- The Falcons have scored the first touchdown in five of their last six home games against NFC opponents.
- The home team has won the first half in each of the last four games between the Packers and Falcons.
Atlanta Falcons Player Prop Facts
- Jessie Bates III ranked T4th in the AFC for Interceptions (4) last season
Matchup/League Facts
- The Falcons ranked 1st in the NFL in average punt return (16.2 yards) last season
- The Falcons ranked 1st in the NFC South for points scored per game last season (21.5)
- The Packers ranked 1st in the NFL in kickoff return yards per game (70.9) last season
- The Packers ranked 1st in the NFC North for points allowed per game last season (21.8)
Randy’s Pick
We’re still feeling these two teams out, and I’m not sure anybody is completely convinced with the Packers or Falcons. The jury is still out on Jordan Love, and the Packers had issues stopping the run last week. The same can be said about Desmond Ridder and the fact the Falcons are 30th in passing offense through the first week. I’m not sure what to think of either team, but the Falcons are at home, and they’re looked sharper defensively in their opening contest. I’ll grab the free point with the Falcons if forced to pick.
