Atlanta at New York

Atlanta finished 10-6, but it still was a disappointment after nearly winning a Super Bowl the year before, but Matt Ryan is back with a contract extension and the Falcons still have an excellent running game with Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman.  Coach Dan Quinn would like to get off to a better start after an obvious letdown last preseason when the Falcons lost all four games.  Backing up Ryan will be the veteran, Matt Schaub, along with Garrett Grayson and Kurt Benkert. Schaub has been in the league since 2004 but didn't see any action in 2017.  Grayson has been a practice squad player only and rookie Benkert signed as an undrafted free agent in May.  New York was a rebuilding project in 2017 and actually won three of its first five games before losing all but two thereafter.   The Jets are hoping free-agent acquistion Trumaine Johnson will go a long toward improving their defense, but questions still remain on offense, especially with the line and the running game.  Todd Bowles is just 6-6 in preseason play and the QB rotation will be Josh McCown, Teddy Bridgewater and heralded rookie Sam Darnold, who the Jets are hoping will be their future quarterback. Bridgewater appeared in only one game in 2017 after recovering from a devastating injury while with the Vikings.  He started 28 games in 2014 and 2015 with a 65 percent completion rate.  The Jets are 2-7 ATS in preseason Week One the last nine years and they're a small favorite in this one.  Play the Falcons on the money line.