For the second week running, I’m previewing the Packers game. This isn’t favouritism, but because of Green Bay’s difficult start to the season, facing two playoff teams in as many games. The Packers may have been able to defeat the Seahawks in Week 1, but they’ll face tougher opposition from the Falcons, at the new Mercedes-Benz Stadium. This is the late game, and will begin at 20:30 ET (01:30 on Monday in the UK).

A large reason for the Packers success against Seattle was the weakness of the Seahawks o-line. A usually below-average Green Bay defence was able to dominate Seattle, giving Wilson no time with the ball, and therefore making it hard for him to complete passes. Falcons on the other hand have a solid line, led by Pro-Bowl centre Alex Mack, so the Packers defence will struggle to perform as well as they did last week.

The Falcons offence is dangerous, and should be able to put up a lot of points this Sunday. Rookie CB Kevin King did impress last week, as did most of the Packers D, but I still think they’ll find it hard to stop Atlanta.

The Falcons defence will also have a tough time in this game. We all know Rodgers isn’t afraid to throw it, and he’ll be tossing it to Jordy Nelson and Martellus Bennett all game. Of course, RB Ty Montgomery will get a few carries, but it’s unlikely he will do much against a defensive line featuring Dontari Poe and Vic Beasley.

With two of the top offences in the league facing each other, you can expect this game to be a high scoring affair. I think it will be one of the most exciting games of the season so far (although there will be less than 30 to choose from), and it could have a large effect on which NFC teams go to the playoffs.

I think the win has to go to the Falcons. Last years NFC champions, playing at home for the first time this season, must have the advantage in this game, and that is reflected in their point spread of (-3).

Betting Predictions

I’m going to be honest: neither of these teams are safe bets on the spread. If I had to choose which one to back though, it would be the Falcons at (-3). The two offences in the game are of about equal talent, but the Atlanta defence is far superior to Green Bay’s, and this is what will lead them to a win.

For total points, the line is set at 53.5. Packers vs Falcons will surpass this line, with this game set to be a shootout. I feel this bet is safer than the point-spread, but I’m still not completely confident in it being a good pick. However, in my personal opinion I think there will be at least 54 points in the game.