The Atlanta Falcons are a very balanced team on offense and that could give the defense of the Patriots some trouble.  With the Patriots without Jared Mayo in the middle the Falcons will no doubt give the rock to Michael Turner (170 yards rushing) quite often.  When the Patriots sneak up to stop Turner that’s when Ryan will attack them over the middle with TE Tony Gonzalez and down the field with Roddy White and Michael Jenkins.  Opposing QBs have a 108.0 rating against the Patriots so they must put pressure on Ryan or he could have a field day.

This is the game that the Patriots can actually get a running game started.  The Falcons’ D is allowing 120.0 yards rushing and 5.1 yards per carry so far this season.  Fred Taylor (71 yards rushing) and Laurence Maroney (55 yards rushing) will likely get the bulk of the work in the running game for the Patriots this week.  The Patriots must do a good job blocking DE John Abraham (2 sacks) if  Tom Brady is going to have the time needed to throw the ball.  With Wes Welker back in action this weekend the Patriots will likely be clicking on all cylinders.

PREDICTION:  FALCONS 31, PATRIOTS 30