Matt Ryan has something this season he’s never had before: a strong running game. (Getty)
Editor’s note: The odds below are courtesy of Heavy’s partners at OddsShark.
Every year, one team in the NFL rebounds from a losing record to make the playoffs.
After seven weeks, it looks like the Falcons are that team.
After finishing the 2014 season 6-10, the Falcons have rebounded as one of the NFL’s toughest teams. Led by new head coach Dan Quinn, Atlanta is currently an NFC West-best 5-1. They look to add their win total Sunday, when they meet a Tennessee Titans team desperate for a win.
When the Titans looked at their schedule at the beginning of the season was, it was easy to identify where the key stretch was located. It was weeks 3-7, when the Titans played four consecutive games inside the friendly confines of Nissan Stadium. Now in Week 7, the Titans will hope to avoid going 0-4 over that span, and will do so with Zach Mettenberger calling the signals. Mettenberger started six straight games with the Titans last season, throwing for eight touchdowns while finishing with an 0-6 record.
No Mariota, no money. The Titans opened at a respectable +3, but after Mariota was ruled out the Falcons are now favored by as many as 7 at some betting sites according to OddsShark.com. Expect lots of Devonta Freeman, and for this one to be over early.