Atlanta Falcons vs Las Vegas Raiders

Las Vegas failed to take down the defending champs last week for the second time this season, but they showed that they are for real. The Raiders lost 35-31 on a TD with 28 seconds left. QB Derek Carr (19 TDs, 3 INTs) leads a potent, balanced attack that is eighth in the NFL in points per game (28.6). The Raiders have won four of five road games this season and are 11-5 ATS following a straight-up loss. They face an Atlanta squad that has holes everywhere, exposed again last week in a 24-9 loss at New Orleans. The Falcons are fourth-worst defensively in yards allowed, second to last versus the pass (300 yards per game allowed), and #24 in points surrendered. They are on a 3-5 spread run overall and are 1-4 SU/ATS at home. Play Las Vegas.

Atlanta got its offense going in the second half in Week 1, but fell short because of shaky defense, which was also a problem last season This team has talent on offense behind veteran QB Matt Ryan and the best WR in the game in 27-year-old Julio Jones. The defense improved under this coaching staff but they are still middle of the pack, finishing last year at #16 in yards allowed, #14 in points (21.6 points per game) and #14 against the run. They match up well with an Oakland team that has all of its talent on offense. They come off an emotional comeback win at New Orleans last week, but still surrendered 34 points and 507 total yards, including 419 passing. QB Drew Brees shredded the weak secondary for four TDs, and no picks. Oakland is 7-21-1 ATS when following a spread cover, plus 6-14-1 ATS after a straight-up win. The Raiders head into Sunday's game with a reworked offensive line. Both RTs Matt McCants and Menelik Watson were injured last week. That's a concern as Atlanta has speedy outside linebacker Vic Beasley, one of the up-and-coming pass rushers in the NFL. Oakland can put up points but will give up just as many, and is 11-5-2 OVER the total on natural grass, plus 22-7-2 OVER after a spread win. Oakland is also 3-7 ATS against a team with a losing record. Play Atlanta and the OVER.

The Oakland Raiders are off a much-needed bye week and head to Atlanta to take on the 5-0 Falcons. Atlanta is getting a huge year out of QB Matt Ryan who leads the NFL in passer rating. While that aspect of the Falcons has been perfect, they simply don't stack up as a 5-0 team. Offensively they are ranked just No. 12 in the league. Defensively they weigh-in at just No. 17, and when you look at those rakings, it doesn't jump out and say 5-0 Super Bowl contender. Those numbers are sure better than Oakland who is ranked No. 25 on both offense and defense. But, that alone doesn't warrant a nearly double-digit line. It is the 5-0 record that is driving up the line, and nearly 80% of the public has taken the bait. The big edge the Raiders have here serves two purposes. Darren McFadden is a quality back, and that is the Falcons Achilles heel, as they have allowed 110+ rushing yards to every team they have faced, despite leading in most of them. A good running game also helps to shorten the game for the Raiders, which makes the points look even sweeter here. Oakland should stay close here.