LA +4.5
As I already said, I'm not buying into Phoenix yet. They destroyed Minnesota last night but that was a back-to-back road game for the young and soft visitor. They are 1-4 ATS in last 5 after facing Minnesota which is not a surprise since those two usually play extremely fast against each other and then they are simply unable to refuel quickly after that. Phoenix also played at home against San Antonio (home opener for Phoenix) and against New York (first road game for NY) and needed OT to beat Sacramento. This same team got destroyed in their only road game this season. Schedule wise Phoenix has been lucky so far. But this is their third game since LA played their last game. LA faced the defending champs twice and also traveled to very solid Indiana team. They had a road contest at Minnesota as well. They have the road experience, they are well rested and most importantly, they are desperate. They are better than Phoenix and they had enough time to figure out how to get back on track. They will probably win this game outright, but I will take the generous 4.5 points. Phoenix should be favored by more than 4.5 at home against a 1-3 team, especially because they are perfect at home while LA is winless away. But the linemakers know what they are doing.
Atlanta +1
I expected Atlanta to be anywhere from PK to +2 in this game and I was ready to bet on them. The line opened at PK and seconds before I placed my bet the line went to +1. Not really a big difference but I'll take the extra point gladly. Atlanta is 2-2 on the season but they played 3 of their 4 games on the road. They are stil flying under the radar. They are stil percieved as a bad team, because they were awfull in their inaugural season. But make no mistake about it, this team is much better this season. When they went to Washington earlier this season, they jumped out to a 22-8 lead in the first quarter but lost that game as expected because they were playing on back-to-back nights. Their field goal percentage was 10.4 % higher than Washington's, they outrebounded the home side both offensively and defensively and outscored them by 16 inside. Washington had a huge edge on the line and that helped them win the game. Washington's YTD opponents are 4-7 and Atlanta's YTD opponents are 9-6. Washington is ranked #4 offensively and #3 defensively in points scored but only #8 in offensive fg% and #8 in defensive fg%. Atlanta is the 2nd best team right now in defensive fg%, which is amazing for a team that played 3 of first 4 games on the road.
