Ryan, Falcons are worthy road favorites
Growing pains are a part of life for young quarterbacks in the NFL, and it's also the title of a lame TV sitcom from long ago. Matt Ryan probably never watched the show, and his growing phase with the Atlanta Falcons has not been too painful.
As a rookie, Ryan took the Falcons to the playoffs, where his first pass was intercepted. He has still not won a playoff game. Otherwise, he's way ahead of the learning curve.
Atlanta is an NFC-best 10-2 with Ryan calling the shots and directing fourth-quarter comebacks. He's better than Baltimore's Joe Flacco, who was also selected in the first round of the 2008 draft.
The Falcons are looking for their seventh straight win Sunday, and they should have few problems getting it as 7-point road favorites over the pathetic Carolina Panthers (1-11).
Ryan, who has passed for 2,920 yards and 21 touchdowns, gets all the help a quarterback needs. Michael Turner has rushed for 1,062 yards, and Roddy White leads the league with 91 receptions.
Atlanta's defense is mediocre, but John Abraham has seven sacks in the past seven games, and mediocre should be good enough to quell Carolina's flimsy offense.
The growing pains have been harsh for Panthers rookie quarterback Jimmy Clausen, who is winless in six starts. Carolina averages league lows of 12.8 points and 261 yards per game.
The Panthers' offense has some working parts. Running backs Jonathan Stewart and Mike Goodson can move the ball, and receiver Steve Smith can still make plays.
Anything is possible and any team can cover in the NFL, but this should be a lopsided game, and Atlanta would be a double-digit favorite at home. Carolina has not exactly defended its home turf with tenacity, going 1-5 against the spread.
Look for the Falcons to roll as Ryan puts up the required points to cover against Captain Munnerlyn and the Carolina defense.
After watching the Indianapolis Colts lead 21-0 yet blow the cover Thursday, it's tough to recommend any NFL wagers. But here are four more plays for Week 14 (Home team in CAPS):
■ Patriots (-3) over BEARS: This should be the best game of the week, and Tom Brady quarterbacks the league's best team. Brady has 27 touchdown passes, four interceptions (none in his last seven games) and a hot wife. Brady shredded the Pittsburgh defense and can do something similar to Chicago. It's a potential letdown spot for the Patriots (10-2), but I'll take a shot with Brady and coach Bill Belichick in almost any spot.
■ Giants (-2½) over VIKINGS: The Giants need a strong stretch run, and their offense will be in better shape with receivers Hakeem Nicks and Steve Smith ready to return. Vikings quarterback Brett Favre will try to play despite a right shoulder injury, but backup Tarvaris Jackson gives the team a better chance to win.
■ Packers (-6½) over LIONS: Green Bay (8-4) is gunning for the Bears, who lead the NFC North by one game, so expect a focused effort. The Packers have covered seven of the past nine meetings and four straight at Ford Field.
■ Rams (+9) over SAINTS: Rookie quarterback Sam Bradford has St. Louis in the playoff hunt. The Rams are 5-1 against the spread on the road. Drew Brees is heating up, but New Orleans might be slightly overvalued at 8-16-1 ATS in its past 25 games.
Last week: 2-3 against the spread
Season: 32-30-3
Las Vegas Review-Journal sportswriter Matt Youmans can be reached at 387-2907 or myoumans@reviewjournal.com.
