The 2021 NFL London games kick off this weekend, as the New York Jets and Atlanta Falcons will show off their talents to our international audience on Sunday. There’s excitement surrounding the Jets right now, as rookie quarterback Zach Wilson secured his first NFL victory last Sunday against the Tennessee Titans in overtime 27-24. As for the Falcons, they suffered a heartbreaking loss to Washington last week, falling 34-30.
The NFL has been playing games in London since 2007, and the Falcons had one matchup against the Detroit Lions in England back in 2014. Sadly, it was another game in which the Falcons suffered a collapse, as they blew a 21-0 lead to lose 22-21. Atlanta will be without starting wide receivers Russell Gage (ankle) and Calvin Ridley (personal matter), so New York is hoping for another upset.
The Falcons lead the all-time series against the Jets 7-5 and they have won three out of the past four meetings. Below, we will break down this matchup from a gambling perspective and examine the line movement, Over/Under and player props to consider. First, here’s how you can watch Sunday’s matchup.
All NFL odds are via Caesars Sportsbook.
How to watch
Date: Sunday, Oct. 10 | Time: 9:30 a.m. ET
Location: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (London)
TV: NFL Network | Stream: stream on fuboTV (try for free)
Follow: CBS Sports App
Odds: Falcons -2.5, O/U 45
Line movement
Latest Odds: Atlanta Falcons -2.5
This line reopened at ATL -4 last Tuesday, and fell to ATL -3.5 on Sunday. It fell another half point to ATL -3 on Tuesday, and then to ATL -2.5 on Friday.
The pick: Falcons -2.5. The Jets have everything going for them entering this matchup with them coming off of a win and the Falcons missing some pieces on offense. When it comes down to it, however, Atlanta is just the better team. I expect rookie tight end Kyle Pitts to play a big role on Sunday, along with Cordarrelle Patterson and Mike Davis. This is certainly not one of my locks of the week, but I think the Falcons have enough to get the job done.
Over/Under 45
Latest Odds: Under 45
The total reopened at 43 last Tuesday, but increased from there. It rose a full point to 44 on Sunday and another two full points to 46 on Monday. That was as high as it would go, however, as it fell to 45 on Thursday.
The pick: Under 45. I have no choice but to lean Under here. Overall, the Falcons offense hasn’t been explosive up to this point. They average just 19.5 points per game while the Jets average 11.8 points per game — which ranks dead last in the NFL. Atlanta is missing two of its top receivers this week and New York’s defense is actually not that bad. They rank No. 13 in the league when it comes to yards allowed per game.
Player props
Cordarrelle Patterson receiving yards: Over 43.5 (-115). Patterson had a huge game last week, catching five passes for 82 yards and three touchdowns. He has now recorded 82 receiving yards in two straight games. I don’t know if he can make it three, but Patterson is a big-play weapon who could cover this prop with three catches. I would expect Atlanta relies on him a bit more with Ridley and Gage out.
Keelan Cole receptions: Over 1.5 (-115). Cole has played in three games this season and has caught at least two passes in two contests. Last week against the Titans, he caught three passes for 92 yards.
Younghoe Koo field goals: Over 1.5 (-140). Koo hasn’t converted on more than one field goal since Week 1, but that changes this week.
