The Atlanta Falcons had a disappointing 4-12 SU season last year but finished on a 5-1 ATS upswing.
NFL Props: Season betting odds open at sportsbooks, Matt Ryan top pick
Matt Ryan has a forgettable year in 2013 and oddsmakers may be a little off on predicting his passing output in 2014.
Kevin C. Cox
If they are going to bounce back this season, it will be in large part due to the offense led by Matt Ryan. Speaking of Matt Ryan, his total passing yards prop caught our eye as OddsShark.com gathered NFL season props this week.
Matt Ryan - Total Passing Yards in the 2014 Regular Season
The total is set at 4,500 passing yards, with the OVER at -125 and the UNDER at -105.
This looks like a pretty clear play on the OVER. Matt Ryan passed for 4,719 yards in 2012 and even passed for 4,515 yards last year despite having Julio Jones for only five games and Roddy White having his least productive season since 2006.
With Jones and White both healthy this season and the addition of Devin Hester, Ryan should have no trouble surpassing 4,500 yards again. The Falcons host the Saints and get 2.5 points in Week 1.
Geno Smith - Total Passing Yards in 2014 Regular Season
This line is set at 3,200 yards, with the OVER and UNDER both paying -115.
In 16 games last season, Smith passed for 3,046 yards. While a step forward in passing production is possible, it isn’t likely; the Jets love to run the ball, as evidenced by the fact that they haven’t finished in the top 20 in passing since 2008.
Smith also has Mike Vick looming as a proven quarterback that could take snaps away from Smith if he struggles. Look for Smith to finish UNDER 3,200 yards again this season.
The Jets host the Raiders, who are starting a rookie QB, as 5-point home chalk.
Patrick Peterson - Total Interceptions in the 2014 Regular Season
The total is set at 3.5 (Over -115, Under -115) interceptions. Patrick Peterson is one of the best cornerbacks in the game, but that usually leads to less targets and less interceptions as opposing quarterbacks try to avoid elite corners.
Peterson saw his INT total dip from seven to three last season, and will likely only get two or three again this year.
Alex Smith - Total Interceptions thrown in the 2014 Regular Season
The UNDER 10 interceptions (-115) should be a safe bet this year. Smith is excellent at protecting the ball and has thrown an average of only 5.7 interceptions per year over the last three seasons.
He isn’t likely to suddenly become a turnover machine and he opens with a soft defense in Tennessee. KC at -3.5 is one of the five Odds Shark prediction computer picks in the annual Westgate SuperContest, which enjoys a $2-million prize pool in 2014.
