New York Giants at Atlanta Falcons

Atlanta Falcons -4.0

Over/Under 52.5

Pregame Predictions

  • The Giants have allowed 30+ points in each of their last three games, all losses.

  • The Falcons ended a three-game losing streak of their own last week, but they still allowed 29 points to the Buccaneers.

  • The Falcons finally got some good injury luck this week, as both Calvin Ridley and Mohamed Sanu were cleared to play Monday after they left the Bucs game with injuries.

  • Once again, Atlanta’s running game will fall to Tevin Coleman and Ito Smith . Smith had more touches than Coleman for the first time in Week 6, with 13 to Coleman’s 11. Smith has also scored a rushing touchdown in three consecutive games, while Coleman has just three total touchdowns through six weeks, including his sole rushing touchdown in Week 1.

  • Julio Jones is still looking for his first touchdown of the season, but Austin Hooper now has two after he caught one in Week 6. Hooper has nine receptions in each of his last two games, though this game could be different with Ridley and Sanu both healthy.

  • Matt Ryan entered Week 7 as the number two quarterback in fantasy. Since putting up an absolute stinker in Week 1, Ryan’s stats have been as good as anyone’s, even though he has flown a bit under the radar.

  • Eli Manning has struggled to this point in the season, but it is fair to say this will be the worst defense he has faced all season. If he doesn’t score some fantasy points this week, he probably never will.

  • Manning will have Evan Engram back after he missed the last three weeks with a knee injury. Engram’s presence could mean fewer targets for Sterling Shepard , though that may be less of a concern against Atlanta’s injury-plagued defense.

  • While Julio Jones gets all of the attention for his lack of touchdowns, Odell Beckham Jr. has still thrown as many touchdown passes as he has caught. That seems likely to change Monday night.

Pregame Props

1. The last non-kneeling, offensive play of the 1st Quarter is a passing play (We'll leave this open until the 2:00 mark (2.5x yes/2.5x no)

YES. Eli Manning has 230 passing attempts this season. Giants’ running backs have 104 rushing attempts. Even if you include attempts by Eli Manning and the receivers, you don’t get anywhere close to 230. Atlanta is a bit more balanced, but the smart money is still on YES.

2. O. Beckham (NYG) records more receptions than J. Jones (ATL) in the 1st Quarter (2.6x yes/2.4x no)

YES. Odell actually has one more reception than Jones this season, and while neither of these defenses are good, I probably trust Atlanta less. This is extremely close, I will let the slightly better odds be the tie-breaker here.

3. S. Barkley (NYG) records 35 or more total offensive yards in the 1st Quarter (3.4x yes/2.2x no)

YES. Saquon Barkley is averaging 135.2 offensive yards per game this season, or 33.8 yards per quarter. I wouldn’t say Yes at even money, but I like the odds here, especially considering the defense he gets to face.

4. M. Ryan (ATL) completes 4 or more passes on ATL opening drive (3x yes/2x no)

NO. Four passes is a lot. Even if Atlanta has success on the opening drive, they could get one big play and then Ryan would fall short. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the Falcons are a bit run heavy to start the game.

5. E. Manning (NYG) completes a pass of 20 or more yards on NYG opening drive (4.0x yes/1.8x no)

NO. Eli has only completed five passes of 20+ yards this season, and the odds of him doing so on the opening drive Monday night have to be considered pretty slim.

6. The first offensive play of the 1st Quarter is a tackle for a loss (3.9x yes/1.8x no).

NO. I might be more inclined to say Yes if Atlanta gets the ball first, but in either case, a tackle for a loss is unlikely. Neither of the defenses are particularly good, and if they pass on first down, you’re really unlikely to get a tackle for a loss.