The driving force behind Atlanta’s soaring Super Bowl lines is, of course, Matt Ryan. Matty ice has looked poised as can be against the Dolphins and Panthers to start the year. He’s can still hit Roddy White deep but he’s also quickly establishing a rapport with Tony Gonzalez. Michael Turner is still a beast in the running game as he showed last week when he exploded against Carolina.
How legit are the Falcons’ hopes? Much of that question depends on Atlanta’s defense. They’ve allowed just 13.5 points per game through two weeks. Then again, they faced two offenses with struggling passing games. The real test comes Sunday in New England.
If the Pats light Atlanta up, we’ll know the Falcons are still just a solid, playoff-caliber team that isn’t ready to become elite. If they shut down Brady’s bunch, it may be time to boost the Falcons’ Super Bowl lines into the top tier.