Tag: Falcons

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons Thanksgiving odds, picks and best bets

Previewing Thursday’s New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons Thanksgiving betting odds and lines, with NFL betting picks, tips and best bets.

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The Atlanta Falcons (3-8) play host to the New Orleans Saints (9-2) at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Thanksgiving as the two NFC South rivals meet for the second time in four weeks. The game is the third of the day and will kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET. We analyze the Saints-Falcons odds and sports betting lines, while providing sports betting tips and advice on this matchup.

Saints at Falcons: Week 13 preview, betting trends and notes

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  • The Falcons won the Week 10 meeting in New Orleans by a 26-9 score to snap a six-game losing streak.
  • The Saints are 13-1 when intercepting at least one pass since the start of last season. Falcons QB Matt Ryan has 10 INTs on the year.
  • New Orleans is 27-2 when scoring 22 or more points since the start of the 2017 campaign.
  • The Falcons have scored 22.0 points per game this season, but they rank 28th in the NFL with 27.0 points allowed per game. The Saints score 24.7 and allow 20.9 per game.
  • The Saints are tied for fourth with a turnover differential of plus-8. The Falcons are 27th at minus-8.

Saints at Falcons: Key injuries

Falcons TE Austin Hooper (knee) and RB Devonta Freeman (foot) remain week-to-week.

Saints at Falcons: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Tuesday at 2:35 a.m. ET.

Prediction

Saints 24, Falcons 20

Moneyline (?)

The Falcons (+220) are home underdogs but the number is lower than it should be following the Week 10 upset. The SAINTS (-278) are getting a higher number than they should.

Atlanta is just 1-4 at home and coming off a 35-22 embarrassment at the hands of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The Saints are 4-1 on the road and they beat the Carolina Panthers 34-31 Sunday. Take the visitors, though a $10 bet for the outright win will return a profit of just $3.60.

Against the Spread (?)

The FALCONS (+6.5, –110) are being spotted a touchdown at home and the hook is key here as they’ll need to stay within six points for the cover. The Saints are 7-4 against the spread overall, but cover by an average of just 0.6 points per game.

Back the home side with a backdoor cover keeping them within six points in defeat.

Over/Under (?)

Take the UNDER 49.5 (-106). The number is the highest on the three-game Thursday slate. Each of the last two and four of the last five head-to-head meetings fell short of that number. New Orleans is 6-5 against the Over/Under but falls an average of 1.3 points shy of the projection. Atlanta is 4-7 and falls one point below the projections on average.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Esten’s NFL betting record: 29-34

Follow @EstenMcLaren and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Air Force vs. New Mexico Recap

Falcons Extend their Win Streak to Six No Home Cooking for New Mexico Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire Prior to the Lobos game against Air Force, New Mexico head coach Bob Davie said that this Falcon’s team was the most talented he would face under …

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Falcons Extend their Win Streak to Six

No Home Cooking for New Mexico

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

Prior to the Lobos game against Air Force, New Mexico head coach Bob Davie said that this Falcon’s team was the most talented he would face under Troy Calhoun. If that is in fact true, he should be very proud of the way his injury ridden team played Air Force in the first half. New Mexico would begin the second half only down 10-14.

Probably validating coach’s remarks, the second half proved to be far too much Air Force, and the talent really separated itself. Into the second half, not only were the Lobos already way down the depth chart at running back, but starting quarterback Tevaka Tuioto was injured and replaced by freshman, Trae Hall.

Injuries tell one part of the story for New Mexico, but at the end of the day, blown coverage in the secondary really reared itself as a problem as Donald Hammond III absolutely disected the Lobo secondary to the tune of 9/10 for 327 yards and four touchdowns. Take a minute to let that stat line sink in.

Also enjoying career days were Ben Waters and Geraud Sanders who accounted for all of the Falcon receiving yardage and touchdowns. Both players eclipsed the 150 yard mark and reeled in two touchdowns.

By the time the dust settled, Air Force cruised to a 44- 22 victory over the Lobos. Now the Falcons and their fanbase will settle in as Utah State fans this evening in hopes that an Aggie win over Boise State can keep their slim division title hopes alive. And beyond that, an extremely stingy Wyoming defense awaits, just after Thanksgiving.

Some fun facts from the game, even though he was not on the press release, touted freshman recruit Kyle Patterson (88) was given a jersey for this game. Also joining him was fellow freshman Dane Kinamon, who saw some playing time, again.

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Two Bucs ruled out for Sunday’s game vs. Falcons, Carl Nassib on track to return

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have ruled two players out for Sunday’s game against the Atlanta Falcons.

The Bucs are hoping to get Carl Nassib back on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, who have been one of the hottest teams in the NFL the past two weeks.

The Falcons, who started the season 1-7, have taken down both the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers on the road, outscoring them 55-12.

Tampa Bay is coming off a tough home loss to the Saints in Week 11, one in which quarterback Jameis Winston threw four interceptions, though you can pin one on tight end O.J. Howard.

Tampa Bay has yet to win back-to-back games this season. Another loss would send them to 3-8 and all but assure them of another losing record.

One thing to keep an eye out for early in the game Sunday is Bucs wide receiver Mike Evans, who needs just seven more yards to get to 1,000 on the season. It would be his sixth-straight 1,000 yard season, tying him with Hall of Famer Randy Moss for the most in NFL history to begin a career.

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Air Force vs. New Mexico: Three Keys To A Falcons Victory

Air Force looks to keep its conference championship hopes alive against the Lobos.

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Falcons looking to win 6th straight

The Kings of Colorado are coming to Albuquerque

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

WEEK 13: Air Force Falcons (8-2) at New Mexico Lobos (2-8)

WHEN: Saturday, November 23 —12:00 PM MT/ 11:00 AM PT

WHERE: Dreamstyle Stadium in Albuquerque, NM

TV: ESPN3

STREAMING: You can get a free seven-day trial of SlingTV by clicking here.

RADIO: Air Force | New Mexico: Lobo Radio Network 77 AM/94.5FM

SERIES RECORD: Air Force leads the series 22-14

GAME NOTES (PDF): New Mexico | Air Force

ODDS (via OddsShark): Air Force -22.5

Air Force comes into their week 13 matchup with the Lobos flying high on a five game win streak. New Mexico on the other hand will be limping in, losers of seven straight. So while the Falcons have everything to play for in front of them, including slim chances at a Mountain Division title, while the Lobos may be just looking to put this season into the books.

Though it may be unfair and irresponsible to say New Mexico is just going to fold like a lawn chair; this team would have every reason to. The adversity and distractions this team has had to deal with since January would take its toll on anyone. With all of that in mind, the task ahead is a large one; the daunting triple option offense (which New Mexico coach Bob Davie originally ran a hybrid variety of with great success) and a surging Falcon defense that is playing with a ton of confidence. Oh, and lets not dismiss special teams who recently had kicker Jake Koehnke added as a Lou Groza semi-finalist.

Lets not forget though, New Mexico has won four of the last six meetings, which includes taking three of the last four. However, the previously references that hybrid option offense that the Lobos ran at that time could be largely responsible for their success in that period. Gone is that offense, and seemingly any success for New Mexico ever since.

Three Keys to an Air Force Victory

1. Defense Shows Up 

For what anyone may think about the performance of the New Mexico offense, the Falcons don’t want to be the team that gives any optimism for the end of the season and into 2020.

The fact is, Air Force has scored 35 points or more in each of the last six meetings and only won two of them. I get that these are different teams this year, but looking back, the Falcons had the “better team” multiple times, but failed to win even with all that scoring.

The defense has been trending up for weeks now. They have remained fierce against the run, ranking in the top ten nationally (even after playing two of the top three rushing offenses) and are drastically improved in the secondary. Continued outstanding play here should be the cornerstone to making it a very long day for the Lobos.

2. Leave the Identity Crisis to New Mexico

Over the last few seasons Bob Davie has deployed a ‘new look’ spread offense with the Lobos. Or as our friends Matt Kennerly and Jeremy Mauss so affectionately coined the new offensive approach as ” the Throwbos”.

Whatever they call it, it has not paid off. Not nearly the dividends at least that the previously ground heavy offensive attack once did. This was a program that was in and competing for bowls under the spread option attack, which was a big deal in New Mexico. They ranked near the top offensively in rushing in that span, only to essentially trade their shinny new Lexus in for an 81 Honda “How Dare You!?”. Employee of the Month Reference for all you movie buffs out there.

The point of this regression is, leave it to New Mexico to try and force a square peg into the round hole. The Air Force passing game is largely predicated on success running the ball, and the element of surprise. Running defenses into the ground is what Air Force (ironically) does. They should approach this week no differently.

3. Stay Healthy

Air Force shouldn’t be looking ahead to their bedlam with Wyoming the following week.  But that won’t stop me, or anyone else looking at how this Division race could shape up with a Boise slip-up. There is also a lot of jockeying for Bowl placement as well, irrespective of how Boise performs relative to the Division crown.

With that said, staying healthy for their game against the Poke’s could prove critical, considering the type of physical match-up it will be. Another consider around health for this game is that Air Force will be without their primary backup quarterback, Isaiah Sanders against the Lobos. Although, the prospect of Michael Schmidt under center shouldn’t waver the confidence in the Air Force offense one bit.

Prediction

Offense. Defense. Special Teams. Air Force is the better team in all three phases of the game. If they simply show up and execute, it should make for a very long game on both sides of the ball for the Lobos.

Considering all that the New Mexico Lobos football family have gone through, you can’t help but pull for them. Unfortunately, that’s not how winning football games work. But were pulling for them, no less. There is more than just football.

Air Force 38 – New Mexico 13

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Colorado State vs. Air Force: Game Preview, Kick Time, TV & Radio Schedule, Odds, Prediction

The Ram-Falcon Trophy is on the Line The Falcons look to extend their win streak to five Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire WEEK 12: Colorado State Rams (4-5) vs. Air Force Falcons (7-2) WHEN: Saturday, November 16 -5:30 PM MT/4:30 PM PT WHERE: Canvas …

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The Ram-Falcon Trophy is on the Line

The Falcons look to extend their win streak to five

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

WEEK 12: Colorado State Rams (4-5) vs. Air Force Falcons (7-2)

WHEN: Saturday, November 16 —5:30 PM MT/4:30 PM PT

WHERE: Canvas Stadium; Fort Collins, Colorado (41,000)

TV: ESPN2

STREAMING: You can get a free seven-day trial of SlingTV by clicking here.

RADIO: Air Force | Colorado State

SERIES RECORD: Air Force leads the series 35-21-1.

GAME NOTES (PDF): Colorado State | Air Force

ODDS (via OddsShark): Air Force -10.5

SP+ PROJECTION: Air Force by 14.1

FEI PROJECTION:

Were already at week 12 of the college football season, and the Mountain West pecking order is starting to sort itself out. While the broader College Football landscape is clamoring Tuesday by Tuesday to see how the College Football playoff deck has shuffled, the Mountain West has quietly put together some compelling stories of its own.

Both Air Force and Colorado State have stories that are yet to be unwritten. Considering how the season started for the Rams, the fact that we are this far into the season and the page has not turned to the new chapter on them is making things interesting.

The Falcons have seemed to hit their stride in conference battle ever since their loss at Boise State. Their neighbors from Fort Collins though have quietly strung together three consecutive wins themselves.

So you see, besides playing backup quarterbacks due to attrition what seems perennially, this season these two rivals have a little more in common.

Three Keys to an Air Force Victory

1. Start Fast

The Falcons want to get off to a fast start so they can dictate terms on offense (and defense). In their last game against Army, they really slogged together just enough plays on offense to stay ahead- and relied on some very stout and timely defensive stops.

Colorado State has much more firepower than Army, and a lot of other teams Air Force have played. Sticking with what has brought success, a ball control offense, will also mitigate opportunities for the Rams very talented receiving corp.

2. Win with Less

Colorado State will try and find balance by running the ball, even without Marvin Kinsey JR. The key for the Falcons won’t just be limiting damage done on the ground- which they have done a great job of this season; but to be able to generate pressure when the Rams do pass without having to regularly commit a fifth and sixth rusher.

Air Force has done a good job of bringing delayed blitzes and mixing up fronts to confuse offenses. But when the base of the front seven isn’t generating pressure, they will send another linebacker or safety to turn up the heat. With the talent that Colorado State has on the outside, it would a great time for Jordan Jackson, Mosese Fifita and company to take over the line of scrimmage, like they have in the past.

3. Finish the Job

I don’t want to create hyperbole to make this Colorado State team sound like world beaters, but this is a talented team capable of ruining the Falcons weekend. Air Force needs to impose their will early and often, and not take their hand off the thrust.

For a team that can be so lethal in the red-zone, the Falcons have also stumbled at critical times in this area. The kicking game has been stellar, so points have almost been a ‘gimme’ in this territory. But I’d prefer not to harken questionable fortitude come late Saturday night and see the Falcons push the issue.

Prediction

I really like what Colorado state has been doing of late. This is a team who had what many believe is a lame-duck head coach and could have easily folded before the midpoint of the season.

Instead, they have shown promise and are still in the mix for a bowl game. Not only that, but they have showcased a lot of talent on this team that should give a lot of promise for the balance of the year, and into 2020.

Marvin Kinsey JR is gone, and by most accounts that is a real loss for the Rams. I disagree for the game against Air Force though. And here is why- The Falcons are stout against the run, and Kinsey JR had been coughing up the football left and right. Those are the kind of turnovers the the Air Force defense feeds on.

The Falcons may be looking for some running back depth themselves as the status of Kadin Remsberg seems murky, in spite of being listed atop the 2-deep. I don’t put a lot of credence into Calhouns depth chart, but whether its Remsberg or perhapse a combination of Nolan Eriksen and Josh Stoner working in tandem with Duvall Jackson and Taven Birdow, they should be able to give the Rams defense a hard time.

Air Force wins its fourth straight against the Rams.

Air Force 35 – Colorado State 30

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NFL release list of 11 teams attending Colin Kaepernick’s workout in Atlanta

The NFL Thursday released a list of 11 NFL teams that will attend Colin Kaepernick’s workout in Atlanta Saturday.

The NFL Thursday released a list of 11 NFL teams that will attend Colin Kaepernick’s workout in Atlanta Saturday.

Air Force Football: Veterans Day Edition

Falcons Fly on and Off the Field Integrity First. Service Before Self. Excellence in All We Do. Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire The Air Force football team has began to garner a lot of attention as a contender in the Mountain West Conference. You …

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Falcons Fly on and Off the Field

Integrity First. Service Before Self. Excellence in All We Do. 

Contact/Follow @Sean or @MWCWire

The Air Force football team has began to garner a lot of attention as a contender in the Mountain West Conference. You would be hard pressed to anoint a hotter team in either division of the Conference, and that includes Boise State.

In spite of an early season loss to the aforementioned Broncos, and a heart-wrenching defeat at the hands of bitter rival, Midshipmen, the Falcons have rallied. Last week they gutted out a hard fought win against their Service Academy rivals from West Point. And prior to that, they took their previous four conference opponents to task, routing virtually all of them.

The Falcons now sit at 7-2, remain undefeated at home and are bowl eligible with three games remaining. They also own the second most efficient offense in the country and to no-ones surprise, have committed the fewest penalties per game in all of college football. So you can see why there is a lot of excitement earning attention for the Air Force football program.

More than Just a (REALLY GOOD) Football Program

The Air Force Academy’s Mission is “to educate, train and inspire men and women to become officers of character motivated to lead the United States Air Force in service to our Nation.”. Their Vision is “The Air Force’s premier institution for developing Leaders of Character”. These are so much more than football players, students or educators.

During the Mountain West Conference’s Media Day’s in the pre-season, Coach Troy Calhoun said one single goal stands above all others at his program, and that is to graduate as many seniors to serve as officers as possible. Well done coach, well done. At the conclusion of the academic year, Calhoun will have overseen another 30+ seniors to graduation. There are some terrific athletes at the Air Force (Army and Naval) Academies, but these are even better women and men.

For perspective, the three Military Academies are a combined 16-7 this season against non-military schools. These are officers in training, who happen to play football on top of a schedule that includes full-time military training while completing one of the most demanding academic curriculum in the country. Football is the “easiest” part of their day.

I don’t bring this up to diminish the many outstanding scholar-athletes that make up the NCAA landscape at non-military schools. I don’t think it can be overstated though, how impressive it is that these young men and women- specific to this article, the Falcon Football team; are not just able to participate or compete, but to excel and succeed on the gridiron.

Let me be clear; I am not a military Veteran myself. But I do have this privilege of covering the Air Force Falcons football team, which I love. And I am so incredibly Blessed to have this platform to thank all of those who are serving and have served this Great Nation. Because of your commitment and sacrifices, I enjoy leisure such as this, freedom to pursue more, and most importantly the Freedom to Glorify my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom I pray to with gratitude for your Blessing and Protection. Thank you, thank you, thank you to all you Veterans.

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