Rejuvenated Falcons Host ‘Defensively-Challenged’ Broncos

The Atlanta Falcons (6-3 SU, 6-3 ATS, 4-5 O/U) have been the most pleasant surprise in all of football this season and come into this contest against the Denver Broncos (5-4 SU, 2-6-1 ATS, 5-3-1 O/U) riding a two-game winning streak in the BetUS Sportsbook.

The Broncos did manage to eke out a win over won the Cleveland Browns on Sunday, winning 34-30, but have struggled on defense all season long.

While the Broncos are averaging a very-respectable 24.9 points per game this season, they have given up a whopping average of 27.9 points per contest this season and needed a late, fourth quarter flurry just to beat the inconsistent Browns on Thursday.

The Broncos scored three touchdowns in the fourth quarter as quarterback Jay Cutler completed 24 of 42 passes for a whopping 447 yards and three touchdowns in the win.

"It was a big, big win for us," Cutler said. "To be down 13 and have an empty backfield and to come back like this, it means a lot."

The Falcons are headed in a new direction under first year head coach Mike Smith and suddenly have a trio of the jaw-dropping play makers of rookie quarterback Matt Ryan, starting running back Michael Turner and explosive wide receiver Roddy White.

Ryan completed 16 of 23 passes for 248 yards and two touchdowns while Turner rushed for 96 yards and one touchdown on 27 carries with Jenkins adding 72 yards on six catches.

The Falcons won for the fourth time in five games, but say it’s time for everyone to realize that they are absolutely for real.

"We have to stop using the word 'surprise,"' safety Lawyer Milloy said. "We always felt like we had a chance."

Here is a look at the key trends for each team, followed by my in-depth analysis and NFL Free Picks:

Denver is 1-6-1 ATS in its last 8 games

Denver is 2-4 SU in its last 6 games

Denver is 2-6 ATS in its last 8 games on the road

Denver is 2-6 SU in its last 8 games on the road

The total has gone OVER in 8 of Denver's last 11 games on the road

Denver is 6-1 SU in its last 7 games when playing Atlanta

The total has gone OVER in 5 of Denver's last 5 games when playing Atlanta

Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in its last 5 games

Atlanta is 4-1 SU in its last 5 games

The total has gone OVER in 11 of Atlanta's last 16 games

The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta's last 6 games

Atlanta is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games at home

Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games at home

The total has gone OVER in 7 of Atlanta's last 8 games at home

NFL Odds

Denver Broncos +5½ -110

Atlanta Falcons -5½ -110

Over 51 -110

Under 51 -110

Analysis: The total for this contest may look pretty high at 51 points, but don’t worry BetUS NFL sports betting enthusiasts, both teams will score their fair share of points in going over the set O/U total.

While I love the direction the Falcons are headed in under head coach Mike Smith and their outstanding offensive trio, something tells me the Broncos are going to cover the spread in this matchup while possibly winning outright.

Simply put, take the Broncos to cover and the Over, in this matchup BetUS NFL sports betting fanatics.

NFL Free Picks: Denver +5½ Points/Over 51 Total Points