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Game-By-Game Prediction For the Falcons 2018 Season

By Justin Winters

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 14: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at the Georgia Dome on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 14: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at the Georgia Dome on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 31: Orleans Darkwa #26 of the New York Giants runs with the ball during the second half at MetLife Stadium on December 31, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Redskins 18-10. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ – DECEMBER 31: Orleans Darkwa #26 of the New York Giants runs with the ball during the second half at MetLife Stadium on December 31, 2017 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Giants defeated the Redskins 18-10. (Photo by Ed Mulholland/Getty Images) /

Will the Falcons control the New York Giants and head into their bye week with a win?

After going 11-5 in 2016, the Giants struggled and finished 3-13 last year.

The team dealt with injuries, locker room turmoil, and a lackluster coach.

After drafting Saquon Barkley with the 2nd overall pick, expectations are high for the G-Men.

I think holes on their defense will prevent them from winning this game though.

How the Falcons Win: Utilize Austin Hooper against the Giants linebackers.

Hooper took a big leap in his second year and will enter the season as the starter at tight end.

The Falcons will utilize him well against linebackers in coverage, and that has been the Giants weakness for years.

I think Hooper could have a big game here, and wouldn’t be surprised to see him score a touchdown or two.

X-Factor of the Game: Saquon Barkley.

Odell Beckham is obviously one of the best wide receivers in football.

Thankfully the Falcons have a solid secondary and typically do a good job defending the pass.

Defending the run has been another issue, as they’ve struggled to stop good running backs.

Barkley is a special player, and he could have a big game here if the Falcons young players haven’t taken the next step.

If the Giants can control the pace of the game, they could pull off the upset here.

Predicted Score: Falcons win 21-10.

I honestly don’t trust Eli Manning and think he could struggle against the Falcons fast defense.

The team will enter their bye week at 5-2.

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