Falcons vs Packers Game Analysis: Home Opener
The Packers will host the Falcons on Thursday, September 24, at Lambeau Stadium for Green Bay’s season home opener. The game starts at 8:15 ET.
Although the Packers are 1-1, the Falcons are winless after two games, and the Packers get to play at home on a short week, which will hurt the visitors. Join us at PayPerHead to see which team is the favorite in this Falcons vs Packers prediction.
Atlanta Falcons Recent Scores: Week 2 Overshadows
The Falcons played well but lost to the Steelers, 13-20, in Week 1. They were crushed in Week 2 by the Carolina Panthers Sunday night, 34-3. They managed more turnovers (four) than points, with one resulting in a touchdown.
Their quarterback instability is at the root of their problems. Cooper Rush started against the Panthers before handing off the QB duties to undrafted rookie Jack Strand late in the third quarter. That prompted an ovation from Falcon fans (after relentless booing for Rush). Unfortunately, his first possession ended badly as a pass was intercepted and returned 16 yards for a touchdown.
Tua Tagovailoa is sidelined with an oblique injury, and Michael Penix Jr. was ruled out before the game. Penix is practicing with the team and could return as soon as Thursday, but you’ll need to watch for the latest news for any updates.
Green Bay Packers Recent Scores: Defense Improves
The Packers have averaged 21 offensive points in the last two weeks. Their defense has improved since taking a hit against the Vikings in Week 1, losing 22-39. The Packers took a 22-17 lead late in the third quarter, but the Vikings answered that in the fourth, scoring 22 unanswered points.
Green Bay had a fourth-and-1 QB sneak that was unsuccessful, but on another play, Jordan Love connected with Christian Watson for an 81-yard touchdown.
In Week 2 against the Jets, they won 20-17. It looks like the Packers learned a thing or two against the Vikings as they were down 17-7 in the fourth quarter and scored 13 unanswered points in the time remaining plus overtime.
Atlanta vs Green Bay History: Close Rivalry
Since 1966, the Falcons and Packers have been battling it out for a total of 36 games. The results are fairly even, with the Packers holding a slight edge: 19 wins to 17 losses. Four of those were playoff games:
- 2017 NFC Championship Game: Green Bay 21 vs 44 Atlanta
- 2010 NFC Divisional Playoff Game: Green Bay 48 vs 21 Atlanta
- 2002 NFC Wild Card Game: Atlanta 27 vs 7 Green Bay
- 1995 NFC Wild Card Game: Atlanta 20 vs 37 Green Bay
They last met on September 17, 2023, when the Falcons narrowly edged out the Packers 25-24.
Falcons vs Packers Prediction: Love for Packers
Green Bay is favored to win by 6.5 points. That sounds like an easy bet, as they plugged up their defense since Week 1, especially against the run, which will be needed against Bijan Robinson. Their offense is doing well with Jordan Love, who has 532 passing yards and 4 touchdowns in 2 games.
With just 16 runs scored in their first two games (largely due to turnovers), the Falcons hope to have Michael Penix Jr. back in the lineup. But will that be enough to improve points generated and cover the spread?
As this is the Green Bay home opener, it’ll get loud, giving the Packers an added advantage. Our Falcons vs Packers prediction is a 24-14 win for Green Bay, covering the spread. Remember to follow us on social media to stay tuned for this NFL season.
