Atlanta Falcons at Oakland Raiders Betting Odds - Point Spread Pick
Date:
September 18, 4:25 pm
Location:
Oakland Coliseum
TV:
ESPN
Betting Odds
Point Spread:
Raiders -4.5
Total:
49.5
<p>
Atlanta was upset at home 31-24 by Tampa Bay last Sunday. Oakland won a thrilling 35-34 decision at New Orleans as they went for a two-point conversion late to get the win.
</p>
<p>
The Falcons struggled to get the ground game going as both RBs Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman found little to no running room against the Bucs (22 carries, 52 yards). The Raiders held their own against the Saints and look for them to commit more players to contain the run. QB Matt Ryan was able to move the ball last week but struggled in the red zone, a continuing trend from the second half of 2015. Oakland gave up 419 passing yards and 4 TDs against Drew Brees but their revamped secondary should do better this week. WR Julio Jones is bothered by a lingering ankle but still dangerous. Ryan was sacked 3 times last week and look for Oakland’s pass rush to have an impact in this game.
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<p>
The Raiders ran for 167 yards last week and QB Derek Carr threw for 319 yards. Now that’s balance. While it did come against the weak defense of the Saints, this offense looks like it will have no problem moving the ball against most teams. I expect the Falcons to be one of those teams. Atlanta surrendered 281 passing yards and 4 TD passes last week and had zero sacks. Carr should have no trouble navigating downfield with a good group of weapons. The running game got a jolt from undrafted rookie RB Jalen Richard as he scored on a 75-yard scamper last week. Oakland has lacked a big-play threat in the backfield for a long time and while RB Latavius Murray (14-59-1) is the entrenched starter, Richard and fellow rookie RB DeAndre Washington are dangerous change-of-pace backs. Carr wasn’t sacked last week as an improved o-line kept him clean.
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<div class="heading">
Public Money
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<p>
It appears in this first home game of the season for Oakland the public money is coming in on the home favorite at -2.5 with 61% confidence. The public is confident that this game will go over the posted total of 49.5 with an astounding 84% of the betting public.
</p>
Atlanta Falcons at Oakland Raiders Prediction
Oakland has failed miserably in the recent past as a favourite but I like them this week. They have a better offense; especially the o-line and can find the end zone from in close. While their defense was exposed last week, I think they will do better against an offense that has struggled on third down and in the red zone for over their past 10 games. Atlanta is 2-8 SU over that span and I expect the Raiders to improve to 2-0 in their home opener.
Free Pick:
Take the Raiders -2.5 (JS) Loss
