Packers vs Falcons Betting Preview: Atlanta’s Ground Game Worth the Hype
So Far, So Good for Falcons' Run-Based Approach
The Green Bay Packers are off to an encouraging start under Jordan Love, but now they find themselves on the road again in Week 2. Up next is a trip to face the Atlanta Falcons, who similarly have given their fans a reason for optimism.
This is shaping up to be one of the closer matchups on the slate, with Green Bay favored by 1.5 points (-110) on the road according to NFL odds this week. The Packers are also -125 to win outright, while Atlanta is +1.5 (-110) on the spread and +105 on the moneyline. The projected total is 40.5 (-105 Over, -115 Under), down a smidge from 41.
For a closer look at the matchup, here’s our Packers vs Falcons betting preview.
Green Bay Packers at Atlanta Falcons 
Date/Time: Sunday, 1 p.m. ET
Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium; Atlanta
Streaming: FOX
Aaron Who? Love Impresses.
Jordan Love looked the part in his first start post-Aaron Rodgers, passing for 245 yards and three touchdowns in a 38-20 victory over the Chicago Bears. Green Bay, a 1-point underdog, jumped ahead 10-6 at halftime and never trailed.
Romeo Doubs, operating as the Packers’ No. 1 receiver in the absence of Christian Watson (hamstring), caught two touchdowns. Running back Aaron Jones also scored twice.
All in all, it was a rousing performance for the Packers, who are transitioning into a new era with Rodgers in New York. Love, a former first-round pick, was tabbed to take over for the 10-time Pro Bowler, muddying expectations for Green Bay. The Packers were projected for just 7.5 wins (+120 Over, -150 Under), tied for the fewest in the NFC North.
Green Bay took an important step forward by beating rival Chicago, but now it must weather some injuries as it hits the road for a second time. In addition to Watson, whose status remains in limbo, the Packers could also be without Jones. Head coach Matt LaFleur said Monday that Jones was still being evaluated after leaving Week 1 early with hamstring tightness. Jones was shown being stretched out by the training staff after his third-quarter touchdown, but he never returned to the field. A.J. Dillon could be in line for more reps if Jones is unable to play. Keep that in mind when assessing the odds in our Packers vs Falcons betting preview.
Regardless, this is a good opportunity for Green Bay to continue its climb up the NFL division standings.
Ground Game Fuels Atlanta’s Win
Atlanta put its potent rushing attack on display in Week 1, as first-round rookie Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier led the Falcons to a 24-10 win over the Carolina Panthers. Allgeier scored twice in the fourth quarter and finished with 75 yards on 15 carries. Robinson, the No. 8 pick in April’s draft, added 56 yards on 10 carries and caught six passes, including an 11-yard touchdown. With their help, the Falcons covered the 3.5-point spread.
Still, the Falcons have plenty to clean up as they prepare for Green Bay. Desmond Ridder, who started the final four games of his rookie season at quarterback, was sacked four times and threw for just 116 yards on 15 of 18 passing. The 18 attempts speak to a rather conservative approach by head coach Arthur Smith, whose team ranked third in the NFL in rushing (159.9 yards per game) but 31st in passing (158.8) in 2022. Whether the Falcons can find a healthier balance will largely depend on Ridder, a former third-round pick with only 133 career attempts.
Projected for 7.5 wins (+100 Over, -120 Under), the Falcons are expected to contend in a weak NFC South. But the New Orleans Saints are currently betting favorites to win the division, albeit by a slight margin. The Saints are priced +120, with Atlanta priced +180.
Handicapping the Game
There’s a lot to like in Atlanta, starting with Robinson, who has given the Falcons every reason to embrace their run-first approach. Robinson, a +250 favorite to win Offensive Rookie of the Year, is a dynamic athlete. For everyone who says that running backs aren’t worth drafting in the first round, he’s the exception.
Love also looked the part, but now comes another test for the promising, yet still unproven signal-caller. Will he have his full supporting cast? Jones’ injury is concerning. Then again, Green Bay has a capable No. 2 back in Dillon, who ran for 770 yards and seven touchdowns a year ago.
Who has the advantage here? It’s close, as the spread would indicate. But it may be worth giving a slight edge to the Falcons at home in our Packers vs Falcons betting preview. They’re clearly on the upswing under Smith.
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