Kansas City Chiefs-27 Atlanta Falcons-19
Lamar Jackson and Joe Burrow both failed to take advantage of the Chiefs' mistakes in the first two weeks of the season. Both were given chances to take control of the game and as always the Chiefs just find a way. Even down to blaming the refs this Chiefs dynasty mirrors that of Tom Brady and the Patriots so closely.
With this in mind, it is objectively impossible to make the argument the Falcons win this game. The offense is either going to take a sudden leap or Mahomes not be healthy for that to happen. It was a great sign Cousins came alive within this offense in the second half of Monday's game.
However, you're at a rest disadvantage after an extremely emotional game in Philly. The Chiefs are going to win this game but the Falcons will do enough to keep it close and acquit themselves well. Their one reasonable path to victory is the fact Patrick Mahomes is turning the ball over with regularity and the Chiefs starting running back will be out.
Those two things haunting Kansas City are the only hope the Falcons have of beating the current best team in football.
Atlanta Falcons-27 New Orleans Saints-19
The magic is going to wear off for Derek Carr and this New Orleans offense the only question is when. Atlanta has given every reason in the offseason to believe they are the better team. This game will put Atlanta back into the division conversation and start a solid run for the team.
Why the win in Philly was so important is the fact it allowed them to survive a loss to the Chiefs and still quickly put themselves back into the playoff picture. After their first five games of the season, there are very few games Atlanta won't be a favorite or at least viewed as a coin flip as to who wins.
Another factor in picking Atlanta here is the head coach in New Orleans and the age of the roster. It won't be long before injuries slow down early success and put them back into third place in the NFC South. If the Saints win this game not only are the Falcons in trouble but this read of what appears to be an aging roster simply on a hot streak will be proven incorrect. This is a must-win spot for the Falcons.
Atlanta Falcons-23 Tampa Bay Bucs-21
It is over two weeks before we get to this showdown and already it feels like a showdown for the division. Yes, there is a long season ahead and they will play again but this win will put either team in the driver's seat for the NFC South down the stretch of the season.
Tampa is a team to be feared right now with a quarterback who was the perfect answer. Baker Mayfield has shown even without a great run game he is going to buy time in the pocket and consistently make big plays to Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.
As long as that duo is healthy this team can play with anyone in the league. Defensively they have been impressive early as well slowing the Lions and forcing Jared Goff into two turnovers. The Bucs are three-time defending division champs and sending an early message that the division still runs through Tampa.
Last season the Falcons were already able to play Tampa close but Baker was the difference. Cousins must turn the tables this year and allow the Falcons to take control of the South and put themselves in a great position heading into what will be an easy win the next week.
Atlanta Falcons-31 Carolina Panthers-9
Carolina Panthers fans have to be wishing they were able to fire their owner and turn the clock back. What an ugly last three years of decision-making for this front office. Things haven't gotten any better with Bryce Young now heading to the bench in favor of Andy Dalton. A move that suggests the Panthers care more about attempting to win games than developing the franchise quarterback they overpaid to draft.
Benching Young is just the latest terrible move for a fanbase that is stuck in complete misery. Even as a division rival, it is hard to take joy in what is happening in Charlotte. The Panthers have so little talent on their roster and seemingly lack any answers as to how they are going to fix their reputation and inability to draft well.
Is there a team free agents should be more wary of than Carolina? This is a layup game the Falcons should be able to win with Penix or any capable quarterback in the lineup. Don't let this team hang around push on the gas pedal early and continue to show just how far the talent disparity is between Carolina and the next worst team.
