The Denver Broncos (0-0) and Atlanta Falcons (0-0) meet in NFL preseason action tonight. Kickoff is set for 7:00 p.m. ET from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. The game will be broadcast live on ESPN App.
The Broncos are 3.5-point favorites on the spread (Broncos -3.5; -115), with the over/under set at 38.5 (-122o / +102u). Denver is a -192 favorite to win on the moneyline, while Atlanta is +160 to pull off the upset.
Let's get into my Broncos vs Falcons predictions for tonight's Week 1 preseason match.
Broncos vs Falcons Predictions, Picks
- Broncos vs Falcons pick: Bet to Broncos -4.5 (-108)
My Broncos vs Falcons best bet is on Denver to cover the spread, with the best price currently available at DraftKings. But as always, make sure to find the best odds by checking our live NFL odds page.
Broncos vs Falcons Odds
| Broncos Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-3.5 -115 | 38.5 -122o / 102u | -192 |
| Falcons Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+3.5 -105 | 38.5 -122o / 102u | +160 |
Broncos vs Falcons Preview
Broncos Preview
The Broncos are expected to play most of their starters for a series or two in this game.
Head coach Sean Payton stated that he expects his starters to suit up for "around 15 plays." However, starting quarterback Bo Nix won't make his preseason debut until next week.
With that said, the Broncos have some starting experience in their quarterback room, including Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger.
Then you have to consider that this is one of the deepest rosters in the NFL.
At running back, you have RJ Harvey and Jonah Coleman behind JK Dobbins. At wide receiver, you have Pat Bryant, Troy Franklin, and Denzel Mims behind Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton.
Needless to say, the combination of Stidham and Ehlinger will have enough weapons to exploit the Falcons in this matchup.
Falcons Preview
The Falcons are going to be playing starters like Tua Tagovailoa, Drake London, Bijan Robinson, and Kyle Pitts for about 10 plays, according to head coach Kevin Stefanski.
However, even though Tua is in a competition for the starting role with Michael Penix Jr., Penix isn't going to play in this game, since he's still banged up as he recovers from a torn ACL.
That means that behind Tua, the Falcons are rolling with the likes of veteran backup Cooper Rush and undrafted rookie Jack Strand under center.
Even though Atlanta has some talent on their roster, it's mostly top-heavy, with not nearly the same type of depth that we see across the board with Denver.
How to Bet Broncos vs Falcons
I'm going with Broncos -4.5 in this matchup. They have one of the deepest rosters in the NFL. That kind of depth bodes well for their chances at a 5+ point win against a much thinner Falcons side.
With Denver planning to play its starters for around 15 plays compared to the Falcons at about 10, that gives them an edge as well.
I also like the Broncos' combination of Jarrett Stidham and Sam Ehlinger over Tua Tagovailoa/Cooper Rush in this matchup. Stidham is comfortable with Sean Payton's offense, while Tua and Rush are learning a new scheme under Kevin Stefanski.
Considering these favorable circumstances, I'll lay the points with the Broncos here.
Pick: Broncos -4.5 (-108)
