FALCONS/BENGALS Under 40 ? This total looks a little high to me, considering that both of these teams have played some good defense in the pre season. The Falcons are allowing a very respectable 238.7 yards of total offense per game, while the Bengals have been even better, allowing just 225.0 total yards per outing. Granted, the Bengals played their worst game last week, but that was vs. what I feel is a very underrated New Orleans offense. I don?t think that Atlanta will pose much of a threat, as the next big game that Michael Vick has in the NFL will be his first, and his backups are not exactly awe-inspiring. The Bengals have been impressive on offense, but they will not have as easy a time running against an Atlanta defense that has held opponents to just 82 yards per game rushing. I don?t think the Cincinnati passing attack, which has indeed been excellent to this point, will have the same success without the support of a good running game. Besides, now that Gus Frerotte has been named the regular season starter, the 3 Bengal quarterbacks no longer have the same motivation as when they were fighting for the starting job. Finally, as we all found out in last night?s Chargers/49ers game, the Under is always worth a second look in the last week of the pre season, as the reserves generally get most of the playing time in the last 3 quarters.
