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Atlanta Falcons at Pittsburgh Steelers (-3.5), Total 36
Atlanta has looked nothing like the team that went into last year’s playoffs as the No. 1 seed in opening the preseason with two straight losses over the Miami Dolphins (28-23) and Jacksonville Jaguars (15-13).
The good news for bettors is the possibility of getting value on the Falcons this week, as they’ve actually out-gained their two opponents by 21 yards.
The team also will be seeking revenge from last year’s season-opening loss in Pittsburgh, 15-9, even thought it was played without the Steelers having starting quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.
Atlanta quarterback Matt Ryan has two touchdown passes during exhibition action—both to Harry Douglas—as the team hopes he can find other weapons this week. The team has plenty with wide receiver Roddy White, running back Michael Turner and first-round draft pick Julio Jones.
Pittsburgh answered head coach Mike Tomlin’s angry press conference after a 16-7 road loss against Washington to open preseason action with a resounding 24-14 home win as 3-point favorites over in-state rival Philadelphia.
The Steelers defense caused massive problems for Eagles quarterback Michael Vick last week and many are attributing it to the return of a pair of Steelers defensive players. Linebacker James Harrison and safety Troy Polamalu were both back on the field after missing the opener.
Bettors will likely side with the Steelers due to their 5-0 ATS mark at home during preseason action, while the Falcons are just 7-7 ATS as a road underdog of 3.5 to 7 points before the regular season.
