This Sunday’s best NFL bets focus on a matchup where two suddenly surging teams are set to kick off in their regular-season finales. We also have a solid team prop in this game as well.
The matchup in question shows the New Orleans Saints traveling to Atlanta to take on the Falcons, fresh off a major upset over the LA Rams on Monday night. This 1:00 PM ET matchup has caught our attention, and we are looking to cash in on the final week of the season with a side and team prop in this one.
Best Bets for New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons
One of our best bets for Sunday focuses on two of the weaker teams in the league that have caught fire down the stretch. The Saints have reeled off four straight wins and five consecutive covers, while the Falcons have won and covered their last three games.
New Orleans rallied in the final frame last week to steal a 34-26 win over the lackluster Tennessee Titans. The Saints scored two touchdowns in the final six minutes to secure the victory, and rookie Tyler Shough had his best performance to date, completing 22 of 27 passes for 333 yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Atlanta checked into Monday night’s game with a modest two-game winning streak that appeared as though it would be short-lived as they welcomed the LA Rams to town, installed as seven-point home underdogs to one of the league’s best in the business.
However, a dynamic first half featuring Bijan Robinson scoring two rushing touchdowns and a pick-six by the defense vaulted the Falcons to a 21-0 halftime lead. But the Rams would not quit and eventually rallied to tie the game late in the fourth quarter before Zane Gonzalez kicked the winning field goal with 21 seconds left to notch a 27-24 victory.
Let’s review this matchup between two playoff-eliminated teams and find out which side offers the best betting bang for our buck.
Sunday Afternoon Odds (Falcons -3)
When the lines opened on this game, the oddsmakers installed the Falcons as two-point road favorites; however, the NFL odds have ticked up a full point since then, and the Falcons are now being offered as three-point favorites at all of the best online sportsbooks.
Those who have been around the NFL betting game understand that it takes a significant amount of money for the oddsmakers to cross onto or through the magical number three, which means it is either a deluge of public or sharp money that has caused the Falcons to now lay a field goal. Perhaps it is a combination of both?
Sunday Afternoon Picks (Falcons -3)
According to BMR’s proprietary gaming model, the Falcons are predicted to claim a 23-20 victory. That would make this game a push, no harm, and no foul. No one makes a dime, but everyone gets their money back.
However, as much as it irks me to review the NFL odds and lay a field goal when I could have had Atlanta -2, I will grin and bear it because I believe the Falcons are finally becoming the team many believed they would be when the season began. Kirk Cousins is no longer ailing, and he has rekindled the magic that compelled the Atlanta brass to tender him a four-year, $180 million contract last year.
The key to this game will be the electric Bijan Robinson. The Saints are ranked 23rd against the run, allowing over 125 yards per game, and Robinson is feeling it. I suspect a heavy dose of ground-and-pound with an occasional deep strike from a reinvigorated Cousins to keep the Saints defense honest.
Let’s follow the money and bet the Falcons.
Expert Pick: Atlanta Falcons -3 (-110) at Bovada
Atlanta Team Total Over 20.5 Points
As we review BMR’s team prop page, we find that the oddsmakers have tagged the Falcons’ team total at 20.5. I believe this is low considering that Atlanta has scored an average of 27.3 points per game over their three-game winning streak.
Moreover, the lowest point total of the three came against Arizona, where the Falcons dropped 26 points in their 26-19 victory and scored 29 against the vaunted Rams on Monday. Let’s watch this trend continue and predict that Atlanta scores a minimum of three touchdowns.
Expert Pick: Falcons Over 20.5 Points (+100) at BetOnline
To Get the Best Lines, You Must Have Multiple Accounts
Getting in the game with an opinion that makes you cash is what it’s all about. The only way to do that is to open an account at one or more of the most trustworthy, reliable, and reputable sportsbooks in the industry, like the several online sportsbooks featured at Bookmakers Review.
Shop at the Most Trustworthy Sportsbooks
Remember, the lines and odds don’t stay stagnant. They move, so why not review our Sunday morning football bets on the Dolphins and over De’Von Achane’s player rushing prop when the getting is good? Lock in on a line at one of the best online sportsbooks like Bovada and Heritage Sports, and never miss out on value.
*The line and/or odds on picks in this article might have moved since the content was commissioned. For updated line movements, visit BMR’s free betting odds product.
