NFL Week 7: Bengals vs Falcons Game Preview

Cincinnati Bengals (2-3) vs Atlanta Falcons (4-2)

Game Time: 1:00 PM EDT Sunday, October 24, 2010

Stadium: Georgia Dome – Atlanta, GA

Surface: Turf

Weather: Dome Stadium

Game Odds: Atlanta -3.5 Total: 43.5

The well-rested Bengals travel south in Week 7 of NFL action to challenge the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome for the first time since 2006.

Coming off a bye week, the Bengals need to start winning immediately if they want to stay alive in the tough AFC North division, which they won last year.

The Falcons are coming iff a 31-17 loss in Philadelphia last week and need a win to stay ahead of the Saints at the top of the NFC South. History favours Matt Ryan, who hasn’t lost at the Georgia Dome since his rookie season.

2010 Falcons Offense

Ryan should have plenty of time to throw the ball, as he Bengals have only six sacks all season, the fewest in the league. He also has passed for 498 yards with four touchdowns and just two interceptions at home this year.

They should be confident running as well, as they sit 7th in the league with 134.8 yards per game on average. Michael Turner could find himself some space to run as the Bengals defense will have not have the usual lineup come kick-off.

2010 Bengals Defense

Though they were working on offense most of their week off, the Bengals defense could be the make-or-break on Sunday. The team has lost six of seven on the road dating to last season, and it’ll become seven of eight unless they find ways to get to Matt Ryan.

With DE Antwan Odom out on suspension (violating the performance-enhacing susbstance policy), they’ll need to fill that spot and rely heavily on that front line to step up.

Bengals vs Falcons Betting Odds & Game Predictions

Oddsmakers at Sportsbook.com have the Falcons as favorites with the point spread set at -3.5. The game total is set at 44 points.

Over at Bodog.com, the money line has the Falcons as home favorites to win the game at -180, while the visiting Bengals are maked as +160 underdogs.

Game Prediction: Terrell Owens and Ochocinco will once again under perform as Matt Ryan continues his stellar home record. Plenty of points, but the Bengals will begin the remainder of their worrisome 2010 NFL schedule with a loss.

Final Score: 30-17 Falcons