Being a front-runner hasn’t worked out well for the Falcons over the past two seasons. Fortunately, the national pressure is off after the team’s 1-3 start and Atlanta will be playing the role of underdog going forward.
Nothing reflects the effect that one bad loss can have on perception quite like seeing national picks. Just a week ago, the majority of NFL sites picked the Falcons to defeat the Titans. One 24-10 loss later, and the experts have almost unanimously written them off.
Here are the Week 5 expert picks for this Sunday’s matchup in Houston.
USA Today: Texans
Nate Davis is Atlanta’s only ally as six of seven USA Today writers picked the Texans to win.
ESPN: Texans
The ESPN panel of ten was a clean sweep in favor of Houston.
NFL.com: Texans
Gregg Rosenthal of NFL.com is predicting a 27-24 loss for the Falcons.
Bleacher Report: Texans
Bleacher reports says it’s going to be a 28-21 Texans victory on Sunday.
SB Nation: Texans
Another 10-0 vote in favor of the Texans.
My Pick: Falcons
I believe Atlanta will respond well to being written off nationally. You can’t blame the writers for losing faith. But let’s not forget the Texans are just 2-2 and lost to the Panthers last week. Houston has some great pieces, but desperation will kick in and I think the Falcons will claw out a 27-24 Week 5 victory.
