NFL Week 6 Picks: Oakland Raiders vs. Atlanta Falcons

Oakland Raiders at Atlanta Falcons
Sunday, 10/14/12, 1:00 PM EST, TV: CBS
Opening Point Spread: Atlanta -9
Current Betting Line: Atlanta -9.5
Opening Total: 48.5
Current Total: 48.5
Odds Courtesy of Bookmaker

Raiders vs. Broncos NFL Preview — Oakland Raiders RB Darren McFadden will need to have a great game in Atlanta on Sunday

Oakland travels to Atlanta after a bye week, as the team looks to bounce back from a 37-6 loss to the Denver Broncos on Sept. 30, while also snapping a string of three consecutive games in losing the statistical battle. The Raiders have allowed opponents to convert on 53.3 percent of their third down opportunities, which would be a league record if the season ended today. “You’re not going to win many games if you can’t win on third down,” stated Raiders defensive tackle Richard Seymour. Oakland is 8-5 ATS as an underdog of 3.5 to 9.5 points the last two-plus seasons, with the UNDER going 7-6 in that situation.

The Raiders managed to gain a season-low 237 yards against the Broncos offensively, with the rushing game being limited to averaging just 3.4 yards per carry. Oakland running back Darren McFadden needs to have a big game in order to pull off the upset, especially when you consider that he’s gained 88 yards in the team’s three losses. On the other side of the ball, the Silver and Black must stop the run, as the defense is surrendering 128.5 rushing yards per game.

Atlanta has opened up a season with five wins for the first time in franchise history, as it looks to improve head coach Mike Smith’s record to 29-6 during the regular season inside the Georgia Dome. The Falcons are fourth in the league in time of possession, which could be a critical stat with their Sunday opponent ranking 31st in that particular category. Offensively, the team is averaging 29.6 points per game, which includes leading the league with 35 points on drives that last four or fewer plays. Atlanta is 3-1 ATS at home with a total of 45.5 to 49.

The Falcons have a plus-10 turnover margin, which is tied for first in the league this season. Atlanta will need to get after Oakland Raiders quarterback Carson Palmer, something that defensive end John Abraham should be able to accomplish, considering he has seven sacks and three forced fumbles in four career games in this series. Quarterback Matt Ryan threw for 220 yards and two touchdowns in the team’s 24-0 win as three-point road favorites in this series on Nov. 2, 2008.