Detroit (0-1) vs Atlanta (0-0)
August 8, 2025 at 07:00 PM EDT
The Line: Betting Odds: Atlanta +3.5 — Over/Under: 33.5
In this article we will formulate a Lions vs Falcons prediction for this NFL game on Friday, August 8th at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Let’s take a look at the prediction for this week one matchup in the preseason.
Detroit Lions Betting Preview
The Detroit Lions are 0-1 in the preseason after they lost in the Hall of Fame game by a score of 34-7 against the Chargers. Detroit fumbled the opening kick-off in the game and it was all downhill from there. The Lions did cut the deficit to 14-7 in the second quarter, but they went scoreless over the last 35 minutes in the blowout loss. Detroit was out gained by a total of 261-197, went just 1-11 on third down, and lost the turnover battle 5-0 in the defeat. Kyle Allen went 9-14 for 91 yards and two interceptions, while Hendon Hooker went 3-6 for 18 yards and one pick. Craig Reynolds scored the lone touchdown for the Lions, while Isaac TeSlaa led the way with two catches for 46 yards. Ezekiel Turner led the defense with seven total tackles, while Grant Stuard picked up a sack.
Last preseason, Detroit went 1-2 overall, which was tied for last in the NFC North with the Packers. The Lions lost their first game by a score of 14-3 to the Giants, but they won their last two by scores of 24-23 and 24-17 against the Chiefs and Steelers. Detroit will look for a bounce back performance this year, similar to their improvement from week one to week two in last year’s preseason. Hendon Hooker will start this game under center, while Kyle Allen will play the second half, after his dreadful first half against LA.
Atlanta Falcons Betting Preview
The Atlanta Falcons went 8-9 last season, which was second in the NFC South standings behind the Buccaneers. Atlanta started the year with a 6-3 record, but they fell apart in the second half of the season to miss the playoffs. The Falcons picked up wins against the Eagles, Saints, Buccaneers (2), Panthers, Cowboys, Raiders, and Giants, while they lost to the Steelers, Chiefs, Seahawks, Saints, Broncos, Chargers, Vikings, Commanders, and Panthers. Atlanta scored 22.9 points per game in 2024, which was ranked 13th in the NFL, while they allowed 24.9 points against per game, which was 23rd.
Atlanta went 0-3 in the preseason last year, which was last in the NFC South. The Falcons lost to Miami by a score of 20-13, Baltimore by a score of 13-12, and Jacksonville by a score of 31-0. Atlanta is not expected to play Penix or Cousins in this game, which means Easton Stick and Emory Jones will be under center. We have seen some decent play from Stick in past preseasons, but I am not so sure about Emory Jones.
Lions vs Falcons Prediction
Detroit was absolutely dominated in the Hall of Fame game by the Chargers last week, but that will benefit them here, as Atlanta is facing their first game action of the year. The Lions really couldn’t play any worse than they did last week, so I expect big improvement here, especially from Hooker. We saw Detroit lose their first preseason game in 2024, but they followed it up with a win, and I think we will see that again here. I just don’t trust Jones under center for Atlanta, so I think Detroit covers this number on the road.