Preseason NFL Pick - Atlanta @ Tennesse - 8-26-06 Atlanta (1-1, 0-1-1 ATS) at Tennessee (0-2 SU and ATS)
The Falcons and Titans look to bounce back from blowout losses in Week 2 when they clash tonight in Tennessee. Atlanta lost 38-10 as three-point road underdogs in Green Bay, while Tennessee fell 35-10 as five-point road pups in Denver.
Falcons starting QB Michael Vick had a productive first quarter in Green Bay, going 5 of 7 for 59 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The first-team offense drove the ball 80 yards on its opening drive, culminating in a 22-yard touchdown pass from Vick to tight end Dwayne Blake. Vick will play the first half against the Titans, with backup Matt Schaub playing the third quarter and the final period going to either Bryan Randall or D.J. Shockley as they battle for the third-string spot.
Atlanta signed veteran offensive tackle Grady Jackson this week and traded running back T.J. Duckett to the Redskins in a three-team deal in exchange for Denver wideout Ashlie Lelie.
Tennessee’s troubles are on defense after giving up 28 first-half points to the Broncos last week. Starting QB Billy Volek went just 6 of 9 for 70 yards with an INT. First-round pick Vince Young played the final three quarters and went 11-for-19 for 125 yards and rushed four times for 19 yards.
Titans coach Jeff Fisher said he plans for Volek and the starters to play well into the second quarter tonight. Young, who injured his throwing hand in practice Wednesday, is still expected to see action in this one, entering the game in the second quarter and playing through the third quarter.
The Titans will likely change their order of running backs, giving Travis Henry and rookie LenDale White more playing time, while starter Chris Brown figures to play only a couple of series. Wideout Brandon Jones will see his first preseason action, but fellow receiver David Givens is still nursing a hamstring injury.
These two teams met last preseason with Tennessee winning 24-21 as three-point underdogs. The Titans are just 1-5 in the last two preseasons and are 0-3 SU and ATS at home.
Since Jim Mora took over the Falcons in 2004, they are 7-4 in exhibition action (6-4-1 ATS). ATS ADVANTAGE: ATLANTA |