SporsTalkATL’s Week 4 Predictions

Almost comically, the Falcons find themselves 0-3 after back-to-back choke jobs against the Cowboys and Bears. Now, they have a critical Week 4 matchup with the undefeated Packers at Lambeau Field on Monday Night Football — a game they have to win to keep their slim playoff chances alive. It’s sad that we already have to say that just four weeks into the season, but it’s the cold hard truth. However, if the Falcons can pull off a miraculous upset against Green Bay, things will look much brighter, as their next five games are very winnable.

Chase Irle’s Prediction

Ah, I have picked the Falcons to win each week, and they have let me down every time. I’ll say Week 1 was a bad pick, but Atlanta should be cruising into this primetime matchup with a 2-1 record. However, they aren’t, and I’m interested to see how this team will respond after a heartbreaking last two games. This will either go one of two ways: the Falcons will play their hearts out regardless of who is on the field and give the Packers the fight of their lives, or they will lay down and get trounced by Aaron Rodgers and company.

Perhaps it is wishful thinking, but I am going to go with the former. Remember last year against the 49ers? This could look something like that. Although I will not pick the Falcons to win in hopes that I am indeed a jinx. I also just think the Packers are a significantly better team than Atlanta, but they better not enter this matchup sleeping.

Falcons 34, Packers 38

 

Alex Lord’s Prediction

As before, I will use opposing offensive and defensive position groups to predict the final for the matchup against the Packers in Green Bay on Monday Night Football. The Falcons opened up as 7.5-point underdogs in what many expect to be an easy win for the Packers.

Starting in the trenches, Green Bay’s offensive line will have the advantage over the Falcons defensive front. The Packers have three of the best linemen in the league at their position in David Bakhtiari (T), Elgton Jenkins (G), and Corey Linsley (C). Atlanta’s best defensive lineman, Grady Jarrett, and the Packers’ interior offensive line will be an excellent matchup to watch all day. 

The Packers’ defensive line might be even with Falcons offensive line if Kenny Clark does not play. If he does, though, advantage Packers. Kenny Clark is the premier young nose tackle in the NFL; he’ll be a handful for Chris Lindstrom and Alex Mack. 

The Packers outside linebackers should give the Falcon tackles and guards all they can handle. Yes, guards too, Za’Darius Smith is most dangerous when kicked inside to rush over guards and centers.

The Falcons’ secondary, losing AJ Terrell to COVID-19 but gaining Kendall Sheffield back, will be evenly matched if Davante Adams is out for a second week in a row. If Adams plays, the Packers’ receiving core will have the advantage. The Packers secondary is in a similar position. If Julio Jones plays, the Falcons’ receiving core will have the advantage, but if he is out, I will give a slight advantage to the Packers because of Jaire Alexander. Jaire Alexander vs. Calvin Ridley is must-watch TV, as they are two of the best young players at their position.

I think that this Packers’ offense has found themselves in perfect rhythm with Aaron Rodgers playing on time, within the pocket, and still executing his famous off-script scramble drill. The Packers’ defense is suspect to opposing rushing attacks. That is the key for the Falcons to stay in the game: run the ball and dominate the clock. Unfortunately, I do not think that is how it will unfold.

I expect Green Bay to jump out to an early lead, forcing Atlanta to abandon the run and unleash Matt Ryan. Ryan and the offense will make a valiant effort in their comeback, but Rodgers eventually ends the game late with some incredible first down throw.

Atlanta 31, Green Bay 41

 

Jake Gordon’s Prediction

I’ve picked the Falcons to win every week; maybe I can work a reverse jinx or something, or perhaps I just want to be right for once. I’m a big fan of the ultra spicy take that the Packers drafted Jordan Love to piss Rodgers off and bring out some passion. So far, it’s working to a T. He’s thrown for 887 yards, 9 TDs, and 0 INTs. I think the Falcons have a small chance, but they’d have to score 55 to make it happen.

Atlanta 34, Green Bay 48