Atlanta Falcons vs. Detroit Lions: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

After a heartbreaking loss to the 49ers, the 5-1 Detroit Lions look to take down the 3-3 Atlanta Falcons. Both teams' playoff hopes are still intact, but with the ruthless divisions they play in, neither team can afford a loss at this point.

With the Saints and Packers looking like they are going to take their respective divisions, this matchup is much more than just another regular season game between conference opponents.

There are playoff implications on the line. This game will either send shooting off the Lions' bandwagon like it's on fire or make the Falcons a playoff long shot.

Let's take a closer look to see how this game will shake out.

Where: Ford Field, Detroit, MI

When: Sunday, Oct. 23 at 1:00 p.m. ET

Watch: FOX

Spread: Detroit -3

Take the points. The Falcons aren't going to coast to an easy victory by any means, but the Falcons have reestablished their run game and the Lions have to resort to Maurice Morris as their starter this week.

As long as the Falcons get Michael Turner going and keep Calvin Johnson's production to a dull roar, they're going to win outright.

Over/Under: 47

Take the over. The Lions have a talented defense, but they allow 129.5 rushing YPG. Michael Turner is going to have a field day and Matthew Stafford is going to keep pace. The Lions scored a season-low 19 points last night. Don't expect a repeat performance this week.

Atlanta Falcons Injuries:

Christopher Owens, CB, (Concussion) Out
Julio Jones, WR, (Hamstring) Doubtful
Sam Baker, T, (Back) Questionable
John Abraham, DE, (Groin) Questionable
Todd McClure, C, (Knee) Questionable
Garrett Reynolds, G, (Ankle) Questionable
Jonathan Babineaux, DT, (Knee) Probable
Tony Gonzalez, TE, (Elbow) Probable
Roddy White, WR, (Knee) Probable
James Sanders, S, (Hamstring) Probable

Detroit Lions Injuries:

Jahvid Best, RB, (Concussion) --
Rashied Davis, WR, (Feet) --
Amari Spievey, S, (Personal) --
Kyle Vanden Bosh, DE, (Personal) --
Doug Hogue, LB, (Hamstring) --
Aaron Berry, CB, (Groin) Questionable
Gosder Cherilus, T, (Knee) --
Justin Durant, LB, (Concussion) Probable
Vincent Fuller, S, (Elbow) Doubtful
Chris Houston, CB, (Back) --
Tony Scheffler, TE, (Concussion) --

Full NFL.com Injury Report

Fantasy Big Plays:

Calvin Johnson—Don't sleep on Megatron because he didn't find the end zone. He's still the best non-quarterback offensive player in the NFL and you can expect him to add to his staggering nine-touchdown total this week.

Michael Turner—Julio Jones' absence forced the Falcons to revert back to the 2010 version of themselves. It's meant big things for Michael Turner, who exploded for 139 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Maurice Morris—Maurice Morris isn't going to help the Lions win this game, but with all eyes on Calvin Johnson and the passing game, you can expect Morris to rack up a ton of garbage yards. It's a necessary evil the Falcons will gladly accept.

Keys to Falcons Win:

Use the passing game sparingly. The Lions have a ferocious front and Kyle Vanden Bosch's strip sack on the 49ers' first offensive play shows just how vulnerable Matt Ryan is when he drops back, especially with Sam Baker banged up. The more carries they give Turner the easier this win will become.

Press Calvin Johnson. It sounds absurd, as Johnson in press coverage sounds like a death sentence. The 49ers did it last week and though they still let up yards, it kept Johnson out of the end zone. He's got to be double covered and attacked at the line of scrimmage on every single play.

Keys to Lions Win

Don't let Roddy White break loose. Last week he had two catches and Julio Jones wasn't even on the field. Turner is going to get his yards, so it's imperative that the Lions don't get crushed on the ground and allow White to have a big day as well.

Be aggressive with Calvin Johnson. The Lions are one of the most dangerous offensive teams in the league and Megatron plays a huge part in that. He isn't coverable. Last week, Stafford took fewer chances deep and though Johnson wasn't a non-factor, he didn't take over the game. That has to change this week.

Prediction

Falcons 31, Lions 28