Atlanta Falcons: Front Seven the Difference Vs. Dallas?

The Atlanta Falcons are a slight road favorite over the Dallas Cowboys when the Dirty Birds travel to AT&T Stadium this weekend.

While both the Atlanta Falcons and the Dallas Cowboys are 2-0 entering Week 3’s matchup, the vibe around each club could not be more different. Atlanta is riding high after two consecutive come from behind victories in their first two games. Though injuries are a part of the game, the Atlanta Falcons look poised to play ball possibly without starting RB Tevin Coleman (rib) and KR Devin Hester (turf toe) in this contest.

Dallas has had the worst luck with injuries of any club in the NFL through the first two weeks. The Cowboys will be without QB Tony Romo (clavicle) and WR Dez Bryant (broken leg) for at least a combined 18 games. TE Jason Witten is day-to-day with two sprained ankles and a sprained knee. Dallas could potentially be without its three best weapons on the offensive side of the ball.

More from Atlanta Falcons

At full strength, Dallas would have been the team to beat in this game, but their uncertainty on offense complemented with Atlanta Falcons’ improved defense, this one could go either way. Both teams are still the favorites to win their respective divisions, as they have shown strength in handling adversity. So in a matchup between two playoff caliber teams, where will the deciding factor in this game arise? I believe this one comes down to which front seven plays the better ball game.

For Dallas to win, LB Sean Lee and the rest of the Dallas front seven will have to shut down Falcons RB Devonta Freeman in the running game, prevent Atlanta QB Matt Ryan from hitting his tight ends on third down, and exposing areas of weakness in the Atlanta Falcons’ new-look offensive line.

Live Feed

Falcons vs. Panthers prediction, odds, spread, injuries, trends for NFL Week 15 /

Blogging Dirty

Every NFL Team's Playoff Odds Following Week 14 (Two New Division Leaders in NFC)Betsided

NFC South Odds: Who Will Win the Worst Division in Football?Betsided

Atlanta Falcons have yet another chance to slip back into playoff picture Blogging Dirty

NFL Week 15 Survivor Pool Picks (Trust Rams, Fade Panthers in Top Predictions)Betsided

Road to 272 Bets - NFL Week 15 Picks for Every Game Betsided

Should Atlanta control the line of scrimmage, especially the combined running game of RBs Joseph Randle and Darren McFadden, and get after the new starting QB of Dallas, likely Brandon Weeden, the Falcons could come out on top and move to 3-0.

The front seven that disrupts the passer and controls the run game better in this one will be victorious and move to a cool 3-0. Unless it gets lopsided in the turnover differential, expect this Week 3 matchup to come down to a one possession game. How either front seven performs during the opposition’s likely two-minute drill will decide the winner in this game.

Will Matt Ryan again take charge late in the game? Can the Atlanta Falcons’ front seven be a thorn in Brandon Weeden’s side in crunch time. Expect a nail biter in this potential NFC Playoff matchup. Rise Up!

Next: Atlanta Falcons: NFC Power Rankings, Week 3

More from ATL All Day

Home/Atlanta Falcons