Sportacular Sports Sunday Night Football Recap

Final Score: Falcons-19 Cowboys-13

While I anticipated a much higher scoring matchup, my prediction that Matt Ryan would improve his unbelievable home record was accurate. Besides a somewhat shocking drive where Tony Romo led the Cowboys straight down the field, the Cowboys offense was stagnant. Not much better was the Falcons offense. 

Atlanta moved the ball nicely but once nearing the endzone, the Falcons offense would stall. Atlanta only scored one TD on the ground by Michael Turner and Tony Romo didn't even turn the ball over. Meanwhile, the Cowboys still found themselves on the losing end pushing their record to 3-5. Atlanta remains unbeaten but only one game up on Chicago for the 1 seed in the NFC. Atlanta keeps on winning as does Chicago. 

The team who truly needs the number 1 seed is in fact the Falcons. Here are my reasons why.

Reason 1- Matt Ryan does not lose very often at home. With Matty Ice under the helm, Atlanta has only lost 6 total games in the Georgia Dome. Even though Atlanta did lose once at home in the playoffs, from their 24-2 defeat last year on the road to New York, it definitely shows they need to play in Atlanta when it comes playoff time. 

Reason 2- The other reason I believe Atlanta needs the home field advantage is the dome advantage they have. Chicago is a much better balanced team. The Bears can run the ball through Matt Forte, throw the ball to Brandon Marshall, and the Bears defense can put up points themselves. Unlike Chi-town, the Falcons rely heavily on their passing attack. While that is very effective, playing outside in the rain or swirling winds in Chicago, per say  would be very difficult for this Atlanta squad. 

If Atlanta can remain atop the NFC they will have an excellent chance of bringing the Lombardi trophy back to Atlanta.


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Sportacular Sports Sunday Night Football Preview

Sunday Night Football on NBC 
Dallas Cowboys vs. Atlanta Falcons

Let's lay down the facts for this game.

Cowboys 3-4

Falcons 7-0

Falcons are at home.

Matt Ryan is 25-4 at the Georgia Dome in his career.

Tony Romo throws a lot of interceptions.

Now that we have established the facts for this game, we are going to look at the line created by Vegas. 

Falcons -4

In my mind, I have no possible idea how the line can be a meer 4 points in Atlanta. Lets get this straight, it is the NFL and the phrase "any given Sunday" was created for a reason. So yes the Cowboys could defiantly win this game. But if you look back at Dalla's last two games you would say no way. 2 weeks ago Dallas traveled to Baltimore and almost took them down. If not for a blown field goal by Dan Bailey, they would have been victorious. The amazing thing is, is that Romo was almost perfect. Besides the Week 1 defeat of the Giants, it was his best game of the year yet resulting in a L. Next, you transition to the inconsistent Tony Romo who last week opened up the game at home with 3 consecutive interceptions. It is always a mystery which Tony Romo we will see. Hopefully the viewers will get the great Tony Romo setting up an excellent matchup tonight.

A pleasant surprise this season has been the excellent play of the Atlanta Falcons. Sitting as the NFL's only remaining unbeaten, the Falcons are led by home stud Matt Ryan. Matty Ice has been very productive this season with much help from his many capable targets. A little background really quick. Two winters ago the Atlanta Falcons basically traded their entire plethora of draft picks to acquire star WR Julio Jones from Alabama. While a bold move at the time, the move has quickly paid off. In addition to Jones, the Falcons find number 1 WR Roddy White along with 16 year veteran Tony Gonzalez. Out of the backfield, Michael Turner leads the rushing attack with change of pace back Jaquizz Rodgers complementing well. The defense has held its own and the Falcons are almost unbeatable at home. 

Prediction: Falcons-34 Cowboys-21

Analysis: The Dallas Cowboys have so much talent but for some reason never get the job done. The Atlanta Falcons have struggled in the playoffs but at home during the regular season Matt Ryan is almost automatic. Watch a close game in the first half but a Romo turnover will cost the 'Boys and Atlanta will pull away late.