Atlanta Falcons at New York Giants Odds

Opening Line: Falcons +6 / Giants -6 O/U 46

Time: 1 PM EST Sunday November 22, 2009 on FOX

by Marasoft.com Staff

In the Big Apple this Sunday the struggling New York Giants host the Atlanta Falcons. The Giants are struggling, big time, as they have lost 4 in a row after starting the season 5-0. They are still in the NFC East race, but they have to get back to winning. The Falcons are coming off a loss and since they trail the undefeated New Orleans Saints in the NFC South by a few games they may have to snag a Wild Card berth in order to make the post season. The big news for Atlanta is that RB Michael Turner may miss this game with an ankle injury. Turner has struggled all season, but in the Falcons last 2 games he rushed for a combined 277 yards with 2 TD's.

Last week the Falcons lost to the Carolina Panthers 28-19 and the Giants had a bye week, but in the previous week they lost to the San Diego Chargers 21-20.

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The Giants are led by QB Eli Manning (2,070 yds 15 TD 8 INT) and his main targets are Steve Smith (61 rec 719 yds 5 TD) and Mario Manningham (34 rec 491 yds 4 TD). The Giants rushing attack is led by the RB duo of Brandon Jacobs (617 yds 2 TD) and Ahmad Bradshaw (515 yds 4 TD). The Falcons are led by QB Matt Ryan (2,008 yds 14 TD 12 INT) and his main targets are WR Roddy White (47 rec 668 yds 6 TD) and TE Tony Gonzalez (44 rec 501 yds 4 TD). If Turner (831 yds 10 TD) can't go the Falcons will rely on RB Jason Snelling (183 yds 1 TD) to carry the rushing load.

If Turner can't play Ryan will have to carry the offense and he has been used to doing that this season since Turner struggled in the Falcons first few games. However, if Turner does play and plays like he has the last couple weeks Atlanta will be hard to beat. The Giants' offense has been playing well, but it is their D that has killed them in their 4-game losing streak. In their last 4 losses they have given up an average of 33 points a game and their secondary has been torched. The Giants can't allow Ryan to have a big game through the air or they will be in trouble.

The Giants have the league's 5th ranked offense and they are well balanced, as they can run the ball and air it out as well. The Falcons' defense only ranks 26th in the league and they are having trouble both defending the run and the pass. Their secondary is giving up an average of 240.7 passing yards per game. The Falcons do have 19 sacks this season, but they will be facing a Giants offensive line that has been solid only giving up 15 sacks.

There is a 40% chance of rain in this game and if the rain does fall the team that can run the ball has a great chance to win this game, which will help the Giants, especially if Turner does not play.

The Marasoft Pick: Giants -6.5