New England Patriots at Atlanta Falcons (Thursday - 8:20)
This is a rematch of Super Bowl LI, and the Patriots have all the momentum as they are on a 4-game win streak and are coming off of their most impressive win of the season where they trounced the Browns 45-7. After turning Tom Brady (6th round pick in 2000) into the GOAT, Mac Jones, the 5th QB taken in this year's draft, is the best rookie QB so far this season. Because last week was a blowout, they even brought in backup QB Brian Hoyer and gave him some reps where he went 3/3 for 81 yards and a TD, begging the question: could you step in and succeed as the Patriots QB? All kidding aside, the Patriots seem to be back in contention for a playoff run, as their defense has been playing fantastic and have only allowed 50 points in the past four weeks, while giving up the sixth-fewest total yards per game this season (328). Linebacker Matthew Judon has been playing "like a different kind of cat" and is tied for 4th in the NFL in sacks (9.5), so the Patriots defense will try to get after Matt Ryan this week.
On the flip side, the Falcons need to rebound from their biggest loss since 2004, a 43-3 whooping at the hands of the Cowboys last week. Thankfully this is a short, 4-day turnaround for the Falcons, so they don't have time to stew on their loss. Matt Ryan had one of the worst games of his 14-year career last week, as he set his career-low passer rating (21.4) in a single game. Their most electric playmaker, RB Cordarelle Patterson, is questionable to play with an ankle injury, so it will be difficult for them to move the ball against the Patriots' defense if he can't play. Additionally, the Falcon's top WR Calvin Ridley also continues to miss games to prioritize his mental wellbeing. Their absences will place the onus on rookie TE Kyle Pitts, who is looking like he will be one of the top tight ends for the next decade, as he is 3rd among TEs in receiving yards (606). Look for WR Olamide Zacchaeus (great name) to get more involved as he has shown the ability to stretch the field. LB Foyesade Oluokun anchors the Falcons defense, as he is third in the NFL in tackles (100). The Patriots are the favorites in this game, but the Falcons will be motivated to forget last week, and they are at home on a short week.
Spread: Patriots favored by 6.5 point
Over/under: 46.5