NFL Preseason Predictions: Will Steelers cover as dog vs. Falcons? 8/20/17

Falcons vs. Steelers Preseason Pick

Will the Steelers cover the point spread this afternoon when they host the Falcons as a home underdog at 4:00PM ET?

According to oddsmakers from online sports book BetDSI, the Falcons are now 3-point road favorites versus the Steelers after opening as a 2-point underdogs. As for the total, the number hit the board at 39.5 but has been dropped to 38.5.

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ATLANTA FALCONS: First-round pick Takk McKinley will make his preseason debut today against the Steelers. The pass-rusher is finally healthy five months after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder. McKinley was limited in camp but was nearly a full participant this week. In other news, Julio Jones won't play tonight and neither will Devonta Freeman. Jones is still working back from foot surgery and Freeman suffered a concussion earlier this week in practice.

PITTSBURGH STEELERS: Le'Veon Bell still isn't in camp for the Steelers. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Bell plans to report to the Steelers before Week 1 but he'll likely miss all preseason as he waits a new long-term contract. In related news, Bell's backfield mate James Conner will make his preseason debut against the Falcons. With Bell out, Conner should work with the first-team offense.

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OUR PREDICTION: The Falcons' first-team offense looked great moving the ball at ease versus the Dolphins last week in Miami. Matt Ryan completed all three of his pass attempts for 32 yards and a touchdown. If he and the starters play into the second quarter, I think the Falcons could build enough of a lead to carry them the rest of the game. I'm also intrigued by the fact that the spread in this game "jumped the fence," with Atlanta opening as an underdog and now the team is listed as the favorite. We saw similar movement in the Chiefs-Bengals game yesterday, with Kansas City moving from a 1.5-point underdog to a 2.5-point road favorite. The Chiefs won 30-12.

 

NFL PRESEASON WEEK 2 PREDICTION: ATLANTA FALCONS -3