By Holden Kushner (@holdenkushner)
In a move that was made at the perfect time, the Atlanta Falcons announced Michael Penix Jr. as the starting quarterback for Sunday’s home game against the New York Giants. Here’s what we’re seeing for sports betting odds on Falcons vs Giants.
Line Movement
Sportsbooks raced to adjust both the side and the total. The spread was Falcons -10 at most books, but the line has settled at -8.5 as of this writing on Wednesday. The total also moved from 42.5 to 40.5.
The line movement is fascinating given the fact that Kirk Cousins was abysmal over the past five games for Atlanta. He threw 9 interceptions and just one touchdown over that span.
Playoffs?
The 7-7 Falcons are one game behind the Bucs in the NFC South with three games to play. They hold the tiebreaker advantage against the Bucs. Let’s face it, they weren’t going to make the playoffs with Cousins under center.
Atlanta’s odds to win the NFC South at the start of the season was +100. That number is +300 at most books now.
Timing
Cousins has been completely immobile. I would expect the Falcons to have Penix roll out more to buy time for his receivers to get open as well as helping the outside zone rushing game. While Penix Jr. isn’t known for his mobility, he won’t be statuesque like Cousins has been this year.
The good news for the Falcons is that for the second straight week, they’ll face a team on a nine-game losing streak. In week 15, they beat the Raiders, although Vegas had a chance to win the game on a hail-mary attempt.
The Giants front office might be hoping for a 10-game losing streak. They’ll likely run Tim Boyle out to start at quarterback. Drew Lock is still in a walking boot dealing with a heel injury. Tommy DeVito is in concussion protocol. The Giants might have to sign a QB off the street as their backup this week.
Final Thoughts: Falcons Vs Giants Sports Betting Odds
The sportsbooks think that Cousins is worth 1.5 points more than Penix Jr. on both the side and total. It’s tough to back a team laying 8.5 points without knowing exactly what that QB is.
But one thing is for sure, Penix gives the Falcons hope that they can get to the postseason. Something that can’t be said with Kirk Cousins as the starter.
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