Monday Night Football Free Pick – Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints

Last week I lambasted the Atlanta Falcons for being the biggest fraud in the NFC. And you know what? I’m totally right. The Falcons haven’t beaten anyone of significance in seven weeks. Seriously look at their schedule and tell me that line against New Orleans isn’t 100% justified.

Week 1 – 19-7 WIN over Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins still had Chad Pennington and hadn’t discovered their groove at all. They looked lifeless in this game. Now? The Dolphins are a serious threat to your AFC team’s well-being.

Week 2 – 28-20 WIN over Carolina Panthers
Any win over Jake Delhomme shouldn’t count as a real win. It should be a half-win or something.

Week 3 – 10-26 LOSS to New England Patriots
The Falcons held close until the fourth quarter where they got blown apart by Brady. It was their first real test and showed that the Falcons don’t have it this year.

Week 5 45-10 WIN over San Fran 49ers
They were coming off a bye week and San Francisco was struggling to string wins together.

Week 6 – 21-14 WIN over Chicago
The Bears stink. They’re undeniably awful. In two years, when they still have Jay Cutler and no defense to speak of, they’ll regret trading Kyle Orton and keeping Lovie Smith.

Week 7 – 21-37 LOSS to Dallas
The Cowboys are back after a first-half battle with outside scrutiny. This was a make-or-break game for Matt Ryan and he blew it.

The Falcons get a ton of hot press because of the class act that is Matt Ryan, and the star power of their offense. On paper, a team featuring a solid wide receiver (White), the best tight end (ToGo), a stout running-back (Turner) and a Pro Bowl quarterback should be pasting teams left, right and center. And the Falcons aren’t even coming close. They’re catching mediocre teams at all the right times, and getting blown out by good teams. When they face the Saints, they’re competing against the best of the NFC. Can you smell what Drew Brees is cooking?

Atlanta Falcons (4-2) vs. New Orleans Saints (6-0)

Monday, November 2nd
Louisiana Superdome, New Orleans --- 8:30pm EST

NFL Betting Line: New Orleans -12 (55.5)

The New Orleans Saints haven’t lost to the spread this year, and the oddsmakers had to inch up the points against them to make this game a viable betting option for Atlanta Falcons fans. With a 7-1 ATS record at home and a 4-1 ATS record at home against Atlanta, the Saints are ready toll in this game. The Falcons’ passing defense ranks 26th on the road, and their rushing defense gives up 127.7 yards away from home.

None of that should make you inclined to side with Atlanta in this one. Matt Ryan will get some cheesy interviews and the guys in the booth will lavish his polish and poise…but winning games is what gets real respect in the NFL. Gentle Brees and Marques Colston are about to have an absolute field day with the Atlanta defense.

Furious Free Pick: new Orleans -12 (OVER)