Arizona at Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons were the last team to suffer a loss after opening 8-0, as they fell to the Saints last week. Often times after starting with a lot of wins, a team tends to suffer a bit of a letdown after their first loss. Arizona is off a much-needed bye. Their lack of offense was beginning to affect a pretty good defense, but they were wearing down with too much time on the field. The rest should have them energized, and they certainly have proven capable as they allowed 94 points in their first six games (not including overtime), for just a stingy 15.7 points per game. I think that they will be a similar defensive team off of two weeks rest in this game. Atlanta has played a lot of close games, winning by a TD or less in five of the eight wins. Arizona is capable of hanging under this very large number, and is a team that can get pressure on Matt Ryan, as they have 27 sacks coming into this one. Darnell Dockett is a game-changer and his hamstring injury has had two weeks to heal, so he should be back in Pro-Bowl form. Ken Wisenhunt's team has been at it's best when facing great teams. Versus teams that outscore their opponents by 6+ points per game, under Wisenhunt the Cards are 13-5 ATS. This would be an easy letdown spot for Atlanta after their first loss. They may also fall victim of the “look-ahead,” as they have three division games on deck, followed by the Giants. Atlanta is the much better team, but this spread is too large for this situation. Take the Cardinals.