Early preseason trends have skewed hard to the over thus far with only one clear under (Texans-Vikings) recorded. With Michael Penix not due to participate, and Kirk Cousins iffy tonight, we saw enough from Atlanta backup Easton Stick vs. the Lions to suggest the Falcons backups can move the ball downfield. Meanwhile, expect a cleaner effort from the Titans, as Brian Callahan jettisoned QB Tim Boyle after his late pick-six last week at Tampa Bay, and has brought in Trevor Siemian, who has plenty of preseason experience. He and Brandon Allen likely take snaps after another test run for rookie top pick Cam Ward, who led a TD drive on his second (and last) possession vs. the Bucs. Play Titans-Falcons Over.

Neither Michael Penix Jr. nor Kirk Cousins will play tonight, but I still don't really get why the Falcons are getting 3 and the hook at home vs. a bad Titans team. They were blown out in their preseason opener in Tampa. This feels like a throwaway game with their only home preseason matchup in Week 3. Backup QB Brandon Allen may not be available due to a laceration on his hand. I doubt rookie No. 1 overall pick Cam Ward plays too long. I truly don't care about the preseason so of course I'm 3-0 thus far. Figures. And jinxed ...

Both these teams are coming off losses in their preseason openers, but Cameron Ward looked good in his second series against the Bucs last week, going 6 for 6 while leading a TD drive. Even if we only see him for two series again, I’m more confident the Titans will be able to hold the lead after cutting ties with Tim Boyle following an awful performance last week, and his replacement Trevor Siemian should not have a steep learning curve after spending much of last year on Tennessee’s practice squad. Atlanta QBs went 19 of 23 last week and the team still scored 10 points in three quarters, so I'm not sure how much scoring upside this team has in the preseason. Back the Titans.

Falcons coach Raheem Morris, perhaps perturbed by the team’s lack of offense last week, has hinted that veteran QB Kirk Cousins might get some action. If Cousins plays and is driven to show he still has it, the spread will contract. If he doesn't, Atlanta remains an attractive play. Titans RB Tyjae Spears, an effective supplement to Derrick Henry as a rookie, will bypass the rest of the preseason to rehab an injury. Tennessee managed a measly seven points and 201 yards in its exhibition opener. In a likely low-scoring clash, the 5.5 is a substantial line.