NFL Week 9: Previews, picks for Seahawks-Bills, Bears-Titans, Saints-Bucs and the other matchups.
Sunday, 1 ET, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
TV: CBS
Danny Sheridan’s line: Falcons by 4
Broncos’ keys to victory: Most teams would be smart to attack the Falcons’ young secondary, but with Denver struggling in the passing game, the Broncos should look to establish their running. If Denver can run the ball early, it will give QB Drew Lock easy play-action opportunities to get WRs Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick the ball in space. An early diet of RBs Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay on offense will give the Broncos the best chance at keeping it close.
Falcons’ keys to victory: The Falcons can move the ball as well as any other team in the league but will need to score touchdowns in the red zone instead of settling for field goals. Defensively, stopping the run and forcing Lock into thirdand-long situations will be key for Atlanta. The Broncos can’t win by relying on their passing game, so slowing down their ground attack should be enough for the Falcons. DT Grady Jarrett should be able to dominante against rookie C Lloyd Cushenberry, which will make Lock even more uncomfortable in the pocket and potentially force him into mistakes.
Matchup to watch: Falcons LT Jake Matthews vs. Broncos LB Bradley Chubb. Matthews has been quietly efficient this season, helping a high-powered Atlanta offense put up big numbers. Lined up across from him will be Chubb, an explosive edge rusher who could cause Matthews problems on QB Matt Ryan’s blind side.
Who wins? The Falcons are the more talented team with the better quarterback. Still, the Broncos’ defense makes this an uncomfortably close, low-scoring matchup.
Falcons 17-14