Falcons vs. Jets: Preview, score prediction for Week 8

Atlanta Falcons vs. New York Jets

The Atlanta Falcons and New York Jets meet up on Sunday afternoon in a crucial match-up between two squads looking to get back in the win column. Unfortunately for both Dan Quinn and Todd Bowles, their teams had heartbreaking losses last weekend, which makes this Week 8 game that much more important for their guys.

A loss in MetLife Stadium on Sunday afternoon could prove to be the nail-in-the-coffin for one of these teams. That said, whoever wins this game will earn their fourth win of the season, heading into the second-half of the NFL regular season.

That said, take a look at two takeaways for each team in Week 8:

Falcons Keys to Victory:

Execute: I’ll admit it, I was one of the people who was calling for offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian’s job after the terrible performance Atlanta’s offense gave in Week 7 against the New England Patriots. However, after reviewing the All-22 tape from the game, it was clear that most of the Falcons’ issues happened because of a lack of execution.

More from NFL Spin Zone

• Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
• Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
• Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
• Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
• Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens

Did Sarkisian make some bone-headed play calls at crucial moments in the game? Sure. That said, there was more than enough opportunities Atlanta had in the passing game than what was recorded on the stat-sheet. If the Falcons are to earn their fourth win of the year in New Jersey this weekend, Matt Ryan must make plays when they present themselves.

Stay Committed to Running the Football: While the Falcons do need to execute better in the passing game, Sarkisian has to stay committed to running the football. Everything in this offensive system revolves around Atlanta’s ability to use the play-action to keep defenses off-balance. If they don’t make the defensive front-seven believe that Devonta Freeman or Tevin Coleman will get the football — they’ll drop back into coverage just like the Patriots did.

Jets Keys to Victory

Get Up Early: The best way the Jets can earn a win on Sunday afternoon is by getting up early on the Falcons. New York will be facing an Atlanta football team that is coming off three-straight losses, which have all come to team from the AFC East. If the Dirty Birds find themselves down by a few scores in the first-half in Week 8, it could be the beginning of another huge upset victory for the Jets in 2017.

Get Pressure on the Interior of Atlanta’s Offensive Line: While shutting down Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman is equally important, getting pressure on the interior of Atlanta’s offensive line could be the factor that tips this competition in New York’s favor. That said, with Alex Mack as the starting center for the Falcons, it will be extremely tough, but no where near impossible.

If the Jets can find a way to get pressure directly in Ryan’s face on Sunday afternoon, it will almost completely shut down the Falcons’ ability to throw the football deep down the football field.

Odds

Point Spread: Atlanta -6.5
Moneyline: Atlanta -108, New York -102
Over/Under: 45.5

Odds via Sportsbookreview.com

Next: One burning question for each NFL team in Week 8

Prediction

Let’s be honest, this is pretty much a put-up or shut-up game for the Falcons in Week 8 against the Jets. If this team wants any shot of getting back into the NFC Playoffs this year, they must figure out a way to leave New Jersey victorious on Sunday afternoon. I guess it’s a good thing they’ll be facing Josh McCown in MetLife Stadium this weekend.

Pick: Atlanta Falcons: 27, New York Jets: 17