NFL Betting Preview: Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears

Atlanta Falcons at Chicago Bears
Sunday, 9/11/11, 1:00 PM EST, TV: FOX
Opening Point Spread: Atlanta PK
Current Betting Line: Atlanta -2
Opening Total: 41
Current Total: 40.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

The Atlanta Falcons made a huge move in acquiring wide receiver Julio Jones in this year's draft

Atlanta begins a season as a road favorite for the second consecutive season, failing to win in Pittsburgh a year ago. The Falcons were bounced out of the 2010 playoffs in the divisional round by eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay and is hungry to get back into the postseason. The team made a big move during the draft in moving up to acquire former Alabama wide receiver Julio Jones, who knows what’s at stake this season. “You can’t get complacent with expectations,” stated Jones. “We’re here as a team and we’re going to play as a team.” Atlanta is 16-7 ATS as a favorite the last two years.

The Falcons have won the last two meetings and the overall series is knotted at 12 wins apiece. Atlanta’s quarterback Matt Ryan is likely to lead the team to victory Sunday due to picking up 33 wins as a starter in his first three years, which is the most wins for a signal-caller over that span since Dan Marino. The team’s passing attack could open more holes for running back Michael Turner, who ran for 1,371 yards and 12 touchdowns a season ago. On the other side of the ball, the defense will rely heavily again on defensive end John Abraham rushing from his defensive end spot. He led the team with 13 sacks in 2010.

Chicago still has high expectations heading into a new season after dropping the NFC Championship Game against division rival Green Bay. “Expectations should be high,” commented Bears newly-acquired wide receiver Roy Williams. “I want them high.” The Bears are hoping the former Lions and Cowboys wide receiver will catch fire in offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s offense, as he enjoyed prior success in the system while in the Motor City. Quarterback Jay Cutler is just looking to get time to throw downfield, as the offensive line surrendered a NFL-high 52 sacks last year. Chicago is 4-3 ATS as a home underdog of three points or less.

The Bears have a major offensive weapon that Cutler can hand the ball off to in running back Matt Forte, who gained 1,616 total yards from scrimmage a year ago. Many are questioning his commitment to the team during camp after not getting a contract extension that he was seeking. The same problem may be true for star linebacker Lance Briggs, as the team didn’t fulfill his request of wanting more money as well. Chicago has won the last five in the series when playing in the Windy City, but the last such contest was played in 2005.