Atlanta won last week versus Minnesota but was outgained by the Vikings by 1.5 yards per play. The Falcons won the turnover battle. Detroit has won two of its last three games. I have the Lions rated two points better than Atlanta. The Falcons defense is ranked No. 32, while Detroit's defense is ranked No. 18.

Kenny Golladay looks healthy and D'Andre Swift is emerging, giving the Lions a much more potent look. With Matthew Stafford coming back to Georgia where he played college football, I'm taking the points.

So the Falcons just blew out an awful Vikings team that is essentially giving up on the season by trading Yannick Ngakoue, and now we're supposed to respect Atlanta as a solid team? The Falcons' pass defense is still terrible, and I don't think they'll be able to generate turnovers in this one with Matthew Stafford good at protecting the ball. The Lions played a tough schedule before their bye, with their opponents a combined 16-6 SU on the year. And remember that they dealt with major injury issues in the secondary early in the season. I believe this team is better than we think, and they should beat the Falcons in a lookahead spot for Atlanta with Thursday Night Football up next.

Julio Jones is a difference-maker, and that showed up last week. The new head coach is making a difference too. Matt Ryan should have another big game here against a Lions team that typically struggles on the road. Detroit handled Jacksonville last week because of how banged-up the Jags were on defense. Back Atlanta.

Atlanta has been in position to win games throughout the season. We saw last week how the Falcons were finally able to play a full, 60-minute game in all three aspects. Detroit did a great job operating with balance in its win against the Jaguars. I don't think the Lions are that far off from Atlanta. This game will ultimately come down to explosive plays, and I think the Falcons are much more equipped in that department.