SLR Predictions: Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions
By Zac Snyder
Scott Bischoff: The Lions line up against the Atlanta Falcons coming off their first loss this season. The Lion front seven was torched by the 49’ers big, power ground game and Michael Turner is another big bruising back who will be tough to stop. Look for the Lions to stack the box and make Matt Ryan make plays to beat them. The Lions defense will need to limit the big plays against the Falcons. The Lion offense looked out of sync and confused by the pressure that the very good 49’er defense was dialing up all day. Look for Brandon Pettigrew and Calvin Johnson to have good games as Atlanta is ranked 27th against the pass. I see the Lions offense getting back on track in this game. I don’t see the Falcon linebackers having the speed to hang with Pettigrew like the 49’ers did last week. Calvin Johnson will get into the end zone this week. Look for a defensive touchdown or a very big play by the defense this week. Detroit Lions 30, Atlanta Falcons 24
Mike Olsen: There are many variables in play when a team is coming off of an emotionally draining loss such as the Lions are this week. On one hand, the Lions have all of the motivation in the world after the way they played against San Francisco, losing to an inferior team. On the other hand, the Falcons have to be licking their chops after watching the Lion run defense on film, specifically Ndamukong Suh, and his inability and unwillingness to defend the run. The Falcons are determined to return to their ground and pound offense under coordinator Mike Mularkey, and the Lion offense will be even more one dimensional than usual. The Falcons are able to control the game this week. Atlanta Falcons 31, Detroit Lions 21
Marty Medvedik: If the Lions can deep Michael Turner from breaking long runs and have SOME semblance of a running game of their own it will be a close game. The team will be fired up and ready for the Falcons. Lions – 24, Falcons – 17
Chris Czar: I underestimated the 49ers defense. They had Matt Stafford confused and hurried all day. That’s not happening this week. Although the defense will struggle against Michael Turner and the Falcon’s rushing attack, Stafford bounces back and shreds the Falcons suspect secondary in a shoot-out win. Lions 38, Falcons 35
Zac Snyder: This is a game that I expected the Lions to lose when the schedule came out but the Lions and Falcons have looked like teams going in opposite directions since the regular season began. I think it will be a very tough game and will likely be within a field goal but I can’t see the Lions dropping a second consecutive home game. The Lions will have a great crowd on hand and they feel a responsibility to reward them with a good performance. Lions 27, Falcons 24
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