Giants vs. Falcons 2018: Monday Night Football Prediction, Betting Odds, Preview For Week 7

The New York Giants (1-5) and Atlanta Falcons (2-4) have arguably been the two most disappointing teams of the 2018 NFL season. They’ll meet in Week 7 on “Monday Night Football” with both desperately needing a victory.

It’s probably too late for the Giants to save their season since they are the only NFC East team below .500 and enter the week tied with the worst record in the conference. Atlanta still has some hope, despite trailing the New Orleans Saints by 2.5 games in the NFC South. With an upcoming schedule that doesn’t include any elite opponents until they visit New Orleans in Week 12, the Falcons have a chance to string together a few straight wins.

Atlanta took care of business at home against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last week, and they are more than capable of doing the same against New York. The Falcons are four-point home favorites, according to the latest betting odds at OddsShark, and the total is 54.

The Falcons nearly blew their 34-29 lead over the Buccaneers in Week 6, stopping Jameis Winston and Tampa Bay in the red zone on the game’s final play. Considering what injuries have done to a team that was once thought to be a top Super Bowl contender, Atlanta could find itself in a similar situation in Week 7.

Atlanta’s defense simply can’t stop anyone now that the likes of Keanu Neal, Deion Jones, Ricardo Allen and others are hurt. It also hasn’t helped that Vic Beasley has only one sack on the year, contributing to a brutal four-week stretch. The Falcons have surrendered an average of 37.5 points over the last four games, never giving up fewer than 29 points in a game. Three of those contests have been at home, and Nick Foles is the only quarterback that didn’t have much success against Atlanta.

The Giants haven’t exactly been a juggernaut in 2018, but they’ve got the players to score a few touchdowns against a team that’s 30th in yards per game allowed and 31st in points per game allowed.

Saquon Barkley is one of the NFL’s best running backs, managing to rank second in all-purpose yards behind a poor offensive line. Odell Beckham Jr. is still as talented as any wide receiver, giving him a good chance to break out Monday night.

Only four teams have fewer sacks than Atlanta. Eli Manning can utilize his playmakers if he’s got time in the pocket. It was just two weeks ago that he threw for 326 yards and two touchdowns when the Giants scored 31 points in Carolina. Manning was sacked only once in that game.

Matching New York’s offense might not be very difficult for Matt Ryan and the Falcons. The Giants are tied for last in sacks and they rank 24th in points allowed per game.

Ryan has been incredible at home, posting a 134.4 passer rating with 13 touchdowns and one interception. Atlanta has scored at least 31 points in all three home games.

The Falcons are dealing with their share of injuries on offense, as well. Running back Devonta Freeman might miss the rest of the season. Wide receivers Calvin Ridley and Mohamed Sanu both didn’t practice earlier in the week, though they are expected to play. Julio Jones still doesn’t have a touchdown this season.

This is going to be another shootout. Atlanta has the edge with the far better quarterback at home, but don’t be surprised if New York has the ball in the final minutes with a chance to steal a win on the road.

Prediction: Atlanta over New York, 33-30