Following finishing with the best record in the league last year, and getting terminated in the 1st round by the Packers, the Falcons pray that slipping into the playoffs undetected in 2012 will offer them greater results. Atlanta concluded 10-6 this season, earning them a 1st round wild-card contest with the NFC East winning Giants (9-7).

Sports betting

For the Jan 8 – Falcons against Giants game, nonetheless, New York appears to have the traction proceeding into the playoffs. Oddsmakers have identified this, and made New York a 3-point favorite. This is perhaps a astonishing position for a team that lost 4 competitions consecutively in November-December. In order to offer them an chance to arrive at the playoffs, the Giants had to depend on huge mistakes by their division foe Dallas Cowboys. A win over Dallas in week 17 guaranteed them the division title.

Football odds

New York competitors may argue that their losing streak this season came when starting running back Ahmad Bradshaw was wounded. And this is a valid argument, as 3 of 4 losses in that streak came when Bradshaw was on the bench. Now that he is back the Giants have looked like a different team, winning two must-win competitions consecutively over tough competition (New York Jets and Dallas).

Atlanta won 3 of their last 4 competitions coming into the playoffs, but Atlanta has had trouble all season vs winning squads. Versus squads that concluded over .500, Atlanta is just 2-4. Just two weeks ago, they were eliminated by the New orleans saints, 45-16.

Both squads are directed by quality qbs, the Giants by Eli Manning and the Falcons by Matt Ryan. The difference in this game, nonetheless, might be in quarterback stress. The Giants defensive line can get to the quarterback, and registered 48 sacks this year, excellent for third in the league. The game will be based on how well Matt Ryan and the Falcons offensive line can resist the stress of the Giants’ defensive front.