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Atlanta Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens: Predicting the Final Score

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Roddy White Falcons

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Heading into the 2014 NFL season, expectations were high for both the Atlanta Falcons and Baltimore Ravens. While the Ravens have held their own, Atlanta has simply not played up to their expected capabilities. Now, entering Week 7, this seems like a borderline must-win for the Falcons.

Atlanta seemingly has the pieces on offense with Matt Ryan under center, and dynamic playmakers in Julio Jones and Roddy White. However, what goes further than just the players the Falcons put on the field, is the fact they have been unable to win on the road this season. They are 0-3 away from the Georgia Dome, and have a 2-4 overall record. Coming off a season where Atlanta unexpectedly missed the playoffs, the team has failed to sure up their issues from 2013.

The defense continues to struggle, as they rank 29th in league in passing yards given up per game, and 28th in rushing yards allowed per game. For the Falcons to come out victorious, it looks like they will have to out-slug the Ravens, with Matt Ryan playing lights-out football — not an easy task.

Baltimore is coming off a stellar performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Joe Flacco threw five touchdowns in the first half, and really has this offense rolling. Steve Smith Sr. has fit in beautifully, and Torrey Smith may have found his groove after his first multi-touchdown game of the season. If the Ravens are able to perform anywhere close to how they did in Week 6, they will have a great chance to improve to 5-2.

Final Prediction: With this game being played in Baltimore, combined with all the question marks on the Falcons’ defense, it is hard not to pick the Ravens here. Baltimore wins 33-30.

Max Zelenko is a Philadelphia Eagles/NFL writer for www.Rantsports.com. Follow him on twitter @maxzelenko, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.

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