Thursday Night Debut

It is here!! The much anticipated, mixed review of Thursday night football. Its awesome, because its a primetime game and usually features a good matchup (This Thursday is a classic example, props to the NFL). However, its on the NFL Network, which means the audience is very limited.

Nonetheless, I'm excited for tonight's game (I get to watch! Thank you Comcast). The Baltimore Ravens travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons. It is the first game since opening night that the NFL has on Thursday night, being broadcast nationally on NFL Network alongside Bob Papa, Matt Millen, Joe Theismann and sideline reporter Alex Flanagan.

Here are the facts to know heading into this game:

• The Falcons are 6-2, and an undefeated 4-0 at home
• They are riding a two-game winning streak (Cincinnati, Tampa Bay)
• The Falcons offense is led by QB Matt Ryan, RB Michael Turner, WR Roddy White and TE Tony Gonzalez; the defense is led by LB Curtis Lofton, DE John Abraham, and S William Moore
• Matt Ryan is 17-1 at home in his career
  
• Roddy White is beat up, but is expected to play
• Offensively, Atlanta is 5th in yards per game (370.1) and 10th in points per game (24.5)
  
• Defensively, Atlanta is 21st in yards allowed per game (346.4), and 10th in points allowed per game (19.3)

• The Ravens are 6-2, and 2-2 on the road
• They are riding a two-game winning streak (Buffalo, Miami)
• The Ravens offense is led by QB Joe Flacco, RB Ray Rice, WR Anquan Boldin and TE Todd Heap; the defense is led by DE Terrell Suggs, LB Ray Lewis and S Ed Reed
• The Ravens injury concerns are minimal
• Offensively, Baltimore is 14th in yards per game (348.0) and 15th in points (21.9)
• Defensively, Baltimore is 9th in yards allowed per game (310.8), and 6th in points allowed per game (17.4)

• Kickoff is at 8:20pm ET.
  
• Atlanta (-1) is favored over Baltimore (+1)
• The over/under for the game is 43 1/2 points

We forecast a 23-17 victory for Atlanta tonight. Matt Ryan will win this one for the Falcons, because the Ravens have a strong rush defense. Roddy White will be his primary target against an up-and-down Ravens pass defense, but Tony Gonzalez will also be critical over the middle. If Joe Flacco can keep Ray Rice involved in both the rushing and passing game, the Ravens may have a chance at a road victory.