NFL Week 7 Picks: Why Atlanta Falcons Can Upset Detroit Lions

When the Atlanta Falcons and Detroit Lions play on Sunday, it will be a meeting of two of the NFL's biggest surprises.

After years of irrelevance, the Lions have made their way onto the national scene with a 5-1 start behind Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson. The Falcons have been one of the league's biggest disappointments, starting 3-3 after Super Bowl talk in the offseason.

Detroit has looked impressive this year, but the Falcons need a win. So let's look at why the Falcons can upset the Lions this Sunday.

Balanced Offense

Mike Mularkey seems to have finally scrapped the run n’ gun philosophy that the Falcons showed the first few weeks of the season. When the Falcons offense is more balanced, as it has been in the last few weeks, Atlanta can put up big point totals.

If Atlanta sticks with this philosophy, they can control tempo and keep Matthew Stafford off the field.   

Detroit's Rush Defense

In the 49ers 25-19 victory last week against the Lions, running back Frank Gore gained 141 yards on the ground while Alex Smith managed the offense. Although the Lions have a Top 10 pass defense, their run defense ranks 28th.

Getting into a passing game with the Lions allows Ndamukong Suh and Kyle Vanden Bosch to do what they do best, rush the quarterback.

The Falcons can play the same style offensively that gave the Lions trouble last week. Look for Michael Turner to lead the way and Matt Ryan to play mistake free football.

Lions' Running Back Problems

Detroit has struggled to find a consistent running game all season. The Falcons have a top-10 rush defense, and with Jahvid Best potentially out, they should be able to focus the majority of their attention on stopping Matthew Stafford.

Against the 49ers, Stafford passed the ball 50 times with some success. The Lions offense as a whole though, was not nearly as successful.

Falcons' Improving Pass Rush

Against the Panthers, Ray Edwards showed some signs of getting healthy and the Falcons' pass rush as a whole looked to be coming around. Corey Peters also looked like he could be a factor in the future.

Atlanta’s defensive line should be able to pin their ears back and go after Stafford with Detroit’s lack of options in the running game.

A Desperate Falcons Team

Maybe Detroit feels motivated after losing to the 49ers, but the Falcons should be more so. Atlanta has failed to win back to back games this season and needs to start showing more consistency.

Beyond consistency, the Falcons need to show they can beat a good team, especially on the road. A loss to Detroit would be the fourth conference loss for the Falcons. The Lions may be motivated, but the Falcons are desperate.