2012 NFL Playoff Predictions: Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Giants
Written by Matthew Regaw
Thu, 5 Jan 2012
Category sportsbook
Feedback Rating - no votes
The New York Giants will host the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2012 NFL Playoffs. Technically this could be considered the second game of the playoffs for the Giants, considering they had to beat Dallas last week to make the playoffs.
The NFL Playoff odds opened with the Giants as three point favorites and that number has stayed firm although 60 percent of the betting public money is on the home team. It's doubtful that the number will move off this key number. The line of three indicates that this game is even, with three points being the customary number given out for home field advantage.
Both of these teams have had their fair share of problems throughout the year. The Giants had to scramble to even make the playoffs. The Falcons made the playoffs, but have struggled against playoff teams to include getting hammered against the Saints in a pivotal game. That revealed a weakness that both of these teams have; defending the pass.
With equal weaknesses it will be interesting to see what the difference in this game turns out to be. It could be the fact that the Falcons are comfortable playing on the road, especially in New York. The road team is 8-0 against the spread in the last eight meetings and that includes a 5-0 run by the Falcons in the Big Apple.
The Giants are off a very good offensive output and that often hurts them in the following game. The Giants are 4-10 ATS in their last 14 games after scoring more than 30 points in their previous game and 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games following a win of more than 14 points.
The Giants will look to apply pressure with a pass rush against Matt Ryan. Ryan has received great protection this year and the Falcons have allowed just 26 sacks this year. This will allow Ryan to stand upright in the pocket and pick a apart the Giants defense.
NFL Playoff Predictions: Atlanta Falcons +3