[dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\nAtlanta really laid an egg last week against the Minnesota Vikings, a miserable opponent that showed its true colors by being crushed by the Packers this week in the Thursday nighter. This is a match-up that the G-Men and resurgent QB Eli Manning must think they can make hay with.<\/p>\n
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The Falcons have been exasperating for their fans so far this season. One game, they’ll look like an offensive juggernaut thanks to QB Matt “Matty Ice” Ryan, WR Julio Jones and do-everything offensive weapon Devin Hester.<\/p>\n
Other times, they surrender 41 points to the lowly, Adrian Peterson-less Vikings. What’s going on in the “Dirty South”?<\/p>\n
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Improbably, the Giants have looked great lately. They sit at 2-2 after winning their last two ballgames on the strength of inspired performances from Manning.<\/p>\n
The G-Men also feature RB Rashad Jennings, an emerging player that can be a bell-cow back in the league.<\/p>\n
New York TE Larry Donnell had a ridiculous three-TD game last week against Washington (I’m not getting into the nickname mess), and even if that doesn’t continue you have to be impressed with how the Giants – who looked terrible not long ago – have emerged.<\/p>\n
The Falcons rank second in the NFL in passing. When their offense is going, they look awfully formidable. In addition to Jones and Hester, there’s veteran Roddy White, third option WR Harry Douglas, speedy RB Antone Smith and steady RB Steven Jackson in the mix.<\/p>\n
It’s just – how can their defense look that bad against the Vikings – a team that kicked a field goal on 4th-and-goal when down by 38 to the Packers this week?<\/p>\n
Gross.<\/p>\n
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Clearly, Atlanta’s defense is a mess (30th against the pass, 28th against the rush) so if the Falcons are going to grab a road game, they must out-score the Giants. They are certainly capable of doing so.<\/p>\n
When the Falcons look good they look really good, so they must showcase a performance like they did against New Orleans and Tampa Bay, rather than their awful showings versus Minnesota and Cincinnati.<\/p>\n
Yet, if New York can continue to have a dialled-in attack, it will get its share of points also. Atlanta’s terrible defenders must find another gear if they aim to stop New York’s win streak at two.<\/p>\n
NFL Week 5 Free Pick<\/h3>\n
If last week was any indication, it looks like the New York (football) Giants are getting their mojo back. That should translate to a victory at home.<\/p>\n
4* Free Play Score Prediction: New York 31, Atlanta 24
\nTake the OVER<\/strong><\/p>\n