The Falcons come in with an 0-3 record, but could very easily be 2-1 after handing the Cowboys a game on a botched onside kick recovery and losing a late lead against the Bears last week. The Packers have been off to a hot start behind a sizzling offensive attack and sit at 3-0. As expected, sportsbooks are heavily favoring the Packers with odds.
Green Bay is the highest scoring offense in the league at this point, putting up an astonishing 40.7 points per game, while the Falcons rank 6th at 30 points per contest. Neither team has been stellar defensively. The Packers rank 21st in points allowed at just over 28 per game and the Falcons are dead last, giving up a whopping 36 points per game.
Offensively, the Falcons are led by quarterback Matt Ryan, who has thrown for 961 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s found Calvin Ridley 21 times for 349 yards and four touchdowns. Tight end Hayden Hurst has been on the receiving end of two Ryan touchdown passes. All-Pro Julio Jones missed last week’s game with a hamstring injury, but practiced on Thursday and is on schedule to play. Running back Todd Gurley has been solid with 197 yards with two touchdowns. Kicker Younghoe Koo has delivered on 8-of-9 field goal attempts.
For the Packers, the two Aaron’s have stolen the show. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has thrown for 887 yards with nine touchdowns and has yet to be interception. Aaron Rodgers has slashed through opposing defenses for 303 yards and four touchdowns. The wide receiver tandem of Davante Adams and Allen Lazard have decimated defenses so far with a combined 30 receptions and four touchdowns, and tight end Robert Tonyan has also added two touchdowns. Kicker Mason Crosby has been automatic, converting on all eight attempts.
Defensively, the Falcons has sacked opposing quarterbacks six times, led by defensive tackle Grady Jarrett’s 2.5. They have also forced six fumbles and have two interceptions. The Packers have had a more balanced and more effective pass rush, taking down quarterbacks eight times. Both teams are in the positive in the turnover differential, however the Packers have only three takeaways compared to five for the Falcons.
The Packers lead the overall series between the teams 18-16 and won the last meeting at home on December 9, 2018 by the score of 34-20. Green Bay enters this game as a 7-point favorite with an over/under of 57 ½.