Atlanta at Cleveland

The Falcons have now won three straight games. For the most part winning has not come easy, besting the Niners last week in a last second FG, and winning vs. New Orleans in overtime. This team is in need of a breather and they may allow themselves to take one this week, which would spell trouble. At 1-3, the Cleveland Browns appear to be the same old weak team they have been for years. But I think they are an improved team that keeps growing week by week. They have been competitive in every game so far this season. When you consider the fact that they have played a schedule against teams that are collectively 10-4 on the season, and their biggest loss has been by 7 points, they have more than been respectful in every game. The Browns have not in fact lost a game by double-digits in any of their last 11 games, and they are 4-1 at home in their last five with the only blemish a 2-point loss to the NFL's only unbeaten team - the Kansas City Chiefs. It has left the undervalued Browns at 9-1 ATS under Eric Mangini after an ATS win (and 20-8 ATS in their last 28). As scary as he can be at times, Jake Delhomme is 26-12 ATS as an underdog in his career. On the season the Falcons have been outgained and outscored on the road. Under Mike Smith, Atlanta is 1-8 ATS after back-to-back wins. I like Cleveland in this one.