The Falcons are a 6.5-point underdog in this week’s game, indicating a passing game script.
Opposing offenses have averaged 41.0 pass attempts per game against the Cincinnati Bengals defense this year: 3rd-most in football.
Marcus Mariota has thrown for a lot more yards per game (180.0) this year than he did last year (1.0).
Marcus Mariota has been among the most efficient quarterbacks in football this year, averaging an impressive 7.81 yards-per-target while grading out in the 79th percentile.
The Cincinnati Bengals defense has gotten pressure on opposing quarterbacks 2.58 seconds after the snap (on average), ranking as the 2nd-slowest in football since the start of last season.
Cons
THE BLITZ projects the Atlanta Falcons to be the 2nd-least pass-heavy offense on the slate this week with a 51.4% pass rate, accounting for their underlying tendencies and matchup dynamics.
THE BLITZ projects the Atlanta Falcons offense to be the 8th-slowest paced team in the NFL (adjusted for context) at the present time, averaging 29.39 seconds per play.
THE BLITZ projects Marcus Mariota to attempt 29.4 passes this week, on average: the 2nd-least of all QBs.
Marcus Mariota has been among the least accurate passers in the league this year with a 60.1% Completion%, ranking in the 21st percentile.
Opposing quarterbacks have thrown for the 9th-least yards in the NFL (just 216.0 per game) vs. the Cincinnati Bengals defense this year.