Atlanta Falcons Derail New York Jets get ready to feel terrified

New York

NFL News - December 20th, 2009 - Written by Bryan

At kick off the temperature was 29 degrees with a wind chill of 18, but that was not enough to phase the Atlanta Falcons. Matt Ryan's four-yard touchdown pass to tight end Tony Gonzalez on fourth down with 1:38 remaining propelled the Falcons over the New York Jets 10-7.

Despite being eliminated from playoff contention following Dallas' win over New Orleans Saturday night, the Falcons came out and played like the season was on the line. To them, there is still something to play for. Never in the history of the organization has the team had back-to-back winning seasons. At 6-7 entering the day, Atlanta must win the remaining games on their schedule. It started today with the Jets, in a game that featured only 17 total points. With the win, the Falcons are now 7-7 and in addition, likely ended the playoff hopes for the Jets.

Coming into the contest, the Falcons were a 5 1/2 point-underdog on the road in the NFL Betting Odds. The over/under was installed prior to kick off at 36 1/2, but with the game's total reaching only 17, it went the under.

Atlanta was glad to get their two offensive leaders back from injury. Ryan and running back Michael Turner had been sidelined the last few weeks with injuries, but were finally activated after an uneventful week of practice. Unfortunately for the Falcons, Turner once again went down with an injury in the game after only having one carry for seven yards. However, Ryan and the rest of the offense were able to compile enough points to defeat the Jets on the road.

Neither offenses could do much all game long until the game-winning drive by Atlanta. On the day, Ryan was held to only 152 yards passing on 16 of 34 attempts and one touchdown.

Atlanta relied on a tandem of running backs once Turner went out with an injury. Jason Snelling led the ground attack for the Falcons carrying the ball 16 times for 59 yards. Complimenting Snelling's power running game was Jerious Norwood, a speedy back who at any time can break for a big play. He had nine carries for 22 yards, but was used more effectively in the passing game. He accounted for two receptions for 47 yards, one of which went for 38.

It was the Atlanta defense however that kept the Falcons in the game, ultimately allowing them to win. They forced three turnovers that stalled Jets' drives. On the season the Falcons' defense has struggled winning the turnover battle, however, they were plus-three for the day.

New York quarterback Mark Sanchez accounted for all three turnovers, throwing three interceptions, and finished the day 18-for-32 for 226 yards one touchdown and the three interceptions.

With New England defeating Buffalo, the Jets have no chance of winning the AFC East. Mathematically, New York is still in playoff contention, but would need a lot to happen to reach post season play. This is made more difficult as the Jets play the only undefeated team in the NFL next week in the Indianapolis Colts.

The Falcons' 2009 playoff campaign has ended, but a chance at making history still has not. A win next week against Buffalo and the following week in the regular 2009 NFL season finale against Tampa Bay and the Falcons will secure the first back-to-back winning seasons in team history.

Find the truth about New York here - Atlanta Falcons vs New York Jets NFL Week 15 Predictions

New York

The NY Jets host the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday Dec 20, where game-time forecast is calling for a temperature of 34 degrees with a 60% chance of snow. The Falcons have won three of the last four and own a 5-4 overall series edge. NFL oddsmakers at SPORTSBOOK.com have the Jets as -6 point home favs over the Falcons with the over/under set at 40 points . Be sure to get your Atlanta Falcons vs New York Jets NFL Week 15 Predictions in now at SPORTSBOOK.com



The Falcons (6-7) lost to New Orleans 23-26 at home in Week 14 and now sit second in the NFC South. QB Chris Redman made 23 of 34 passes for 303 yards with one TD and an interception. QB Matt Ryan is still listed as RB Jason Snelling had 10 carries for 37 yards with a TD, while WR Michael Jenkins made three catches for 82 yards with a TD. Their defense had no sacks or interceptions. The Falcons won’t be able to pass the ball against the Jets league best pass defense. Their best chance at moving the chains will be their 13th ranked running game against the Jets 12th ranked rush defense. Their top RB Michael Turner has been out since week 10 with an ankle injury and is questionable for Sunday, without him the Falcons are 1-4 SU.  RB Jason Snelling hasn’t been able to fill the missing void of Turner and has only one TD in three games, while RB Jerious Norwood has none. Atlanta has never had consecutive winning seasons and they would have to win its last three games in order to accomplish that feat for the first time. The Falcons have averaged 16.7ppg and allowed 25.7ppg in their last three games. They are 1-5 SU on the road where they average 25.5ppg and give up an average28.3ppg.They are 8-5 ATS and 7-6 over/under.

The Jets (7-6) won in Tampa Bay 26-3 in Week 14 and sit third in the AFC East. QB Kellen Clemens made 12 of 23 passes for 111 yards. RB Thomas Jones had 24 carries for 99 yards with two TD’s, while WR Braylon Edwards made three catches for 37 yards. Their defense had three sacks and three interceptions on the day. QB Mark Sanchez returns to action against the Falcons, the rookie quarterback says he is ready to brave what will likely be the coldest conditions he has ever played in. The coldest game Sanchez has played in thus far was the 16-13 overtime loss to the Bills at home on Oct. 18, where he threw five interceptions. CB Darrelle Revis has established himself as one of the best, if not the best, cover corners in the league with six interceptions. He has shut down receivers like Randy Moss and Terrell Owens, and now he gets to try his hand at stopping Falcons Pro Bowl wideout Roddy White. The Jets defense is ranked best in the league at stopping the pass and they allow the least amount of points per-game in the league (16.2ppg). The Jets have been maddeningly inconsistent this season, but RB Thomas Jones remains consistent. Veteran RB Thomas Jones leads the best ground game in the league and he just continues to go about his business and put up big numbers . He is fourth in the NFL with 1,167 rushing yards and tied for third with 11 rushing touchdowns. The Jets have averaged 20.7ppg and allowed 7.3ppg in their last three games. They are 3-3 SU at home where they average 19.5ppg and allow 17ppg. They are 7-6 ATS and 5-7 over/under.



Recent Trends to Consider:

• Jets are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games in Week 15.


• Jets are 4-1 ATS vs. a team with a losing record.


• Jets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after accumulating less than 150 yards passing in their previous game.


• Jets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 250 total yards in their previous game.


• Jets are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 games after allowing less than 15 points in their previous game.


• Falcons are 12-2 ATS in their last 14 games following a S.U. loss.


• Falcons are 0-7-2 ATS in their last 9 games in Week 15.


• Falcons are 5-2 ATS vs. a team with a winning record.


• Under is 3-0-1 in Jets last 4 games overall.

Atlanta Falcons vs New York Jets

When:  Sun, Dec 20, 2009 1:00 PM ET      

Line: SPORTSBOOK.com

Pick: Jets -6

Point-Spreads.com Atlanta Falcons vs New York Jets NFL Week 15 Predictions



The Bottom Line: The Jets defense is too strong. Be sure to get your Atlanta Falcons vs New York Jets NFL Week 15 Predictions in now at SPORTSBOOK.com  and Get a 50% Deposit Bonus and $25 Free Be t at Sportsbook.com, simply use promo code WIN100 and start winning today!