Atlanta, GA

Game Predictions: Seahawks Week 7 vs. Falcons

Published

3 months ago

October 20, 2024

Game Predictions: Seahawks Week 7 vs. Falcons

The Seattle Seahawks risk dropping to third in the NFC West standings in Week 7 after once having a two-game hold on first place. Seattle needs a win over the Atlanta Falcons to snap a three-game skid and not drop below .500 for the first time this season.

Back on the road for the first time since Sept. 30, the Seahawks (3-3) are coming off a 36-24 rivalry defeat at the hands of the San Francisco 49ers. The Falcons (4-2) are riding a three-game win streak, most recently defeating the Carolina Panthers 38-20.

Seattle had 10 days of rest after playing three games in 11 days from Weeks 4–6, but they will still be without right tackle Stone Forsythe (hand) and cornerbacks Riq Woolen (ankle) and Tre Brown (ankle) — not counting the players that have recently landed on injured reserve. Starting running back Kenneth Walker III is also questionable with an illness.

Atlanta has ruled out starting linebackers Lorenzo Carter (concussion) and Troy Andersen, while starting safety Justin Simmons is questionable with a hamstring injury.

Can the Seahawks finally get back in the win column for the first time in nearly a month versus the Falcons? Our writing staff has a few predictions and players to watch in Seattle’s Week 7 road game against Atlanta.

Predictions For Week 7

Based on the fact Seattle has lost three straight games, will be missing three starters in Riq Woolen, Tre Brown, and Stone Forsythe, and has two rookies in Nehemiah Pritchett and Mike Jerrell set to make their first career starts, this may seem like an poor draw for Mike Macdonald’s squad to rebound, especially playing on the road at a 10 AM PT kickoff. But even though the Falcons have won four of their first six games to climb to the top of the NFC South, at least on paper, there are several reasons why the Seahawks could actually match up quite well with this particular opponent.

On offense, Seattle has been hindered by a struggling offensive line both in the pass and run game, as Geno Smith has been under constant pressure and Ken Walker III and Zach Charbonnet haven’t had much to work with in the ground game. But for as well as Atlanta has started the season, however, Raheem Morris’ defense ranks 26th in rushing yards allowed and dead last in sacks, which should put a smile on coordinator Ryan Grubb’s face considering the gauntlet of pass rushers his team has faced during their current losing streak. In theory, Smith should have time to operate in the pocket and the run game should be able to find traction with the Falcons missing two starting linebackers.

Defensively, the absence of Woolen and Brown creates some unfortunate depth concerns for Seattle with practice squad elevations Faion Hicks and Josh Jobe likely to see significant playing time facing off against talented receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney. Atlanta also has an exciting one-two backfield punch featuring Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier, which could spell trouble for a run defense that has been gashed for more than 170 rushing yards per game in their losing streak. With that said, the Falcons rank 21st in rushing yards and Kirk Cousins has thrown five picks, showing a penchant for taking gambles into tight coverage when pressured.

With Seattle and Atlanta both having more concerns on defense – at least from a health perspective – this likely will be a seesaw, high scoring affair with both teams scoring into the 30s. Ultimately, Smith’s stellar play in domes coupled with pass protection holding up better than it has in recent weeks will allow the Seahawks to find the end zone four times, including a pair of touchdowns for Jaxon Smith-Njigba, as Macdonald’s team outguns the Falcons for a critical, potentially season-saving, victory. -Corbin Smith

Corbin’s Pick to Click: Jaxon Smith-Njigba

The Falcons have been incredibly stingy this season when it comes to giving up big plays, ranking first in the NFL allowing just eight plays of 20 or more yards. However, they rank 32nd in completion percentage allowed at north of 72 percent and slot cornerback Dee Alford has been the most vulnerable suspect in the secondary, surrendering a team-high 234 yards and two touchdowns in coverage so far. Smith-Njigba’s performance has been inconsistent in his sophomore season, but with a size and quickness advantage over Alford against a defense that has been more than willing to give up short completions and missed a lot of tackles, this feels like a potential breakout game for the former Ohio State star attacking the middle of the field and creating after the catch.

Corbin’s Prediction: Seahawks 34, Falcons 30

If anything we know about Mike Macdonald is true, the alleged “much-needed meeting” the team had on Monday, per DK Metcalf, will be the wake-up call this Seahawks team needed. Macdonald doesn’t appear to be a coach who deals well with failure, and a three-game skid following a perfect start has to sting immensely. This team has been cursed by injuries, sure, but this team still won games in Weeks 2–3 with injuries beginning to pile up.

Perhaps the biggest advantage Seattle has in this game — which it hasn’t had any other week this season — is a favorable matchup against a lackluster pass rush. Atlanta is dead last in pressure-to-sack percentage (7.04 percent) and 30th in team pressures (71). Seattle will be down to its fourth-string right tackle Michael Jerrell, who is replacing the league leader in pressure allowed by 16, but otherwise will have the same offensive line it had through six weeks. If they can keep Geno Smith even relatively more clean than they have this season, the offense may take off.

We could be looking at a shootout. Seattle is without two of its top three cornerbacks, and Atlanta has weapons galore with running back Bijan Robinson and wide receivers Drake London and Darnell Mooney, among others. In theory, the Seahawks’ run defense should be improved with defensive tackle Byron Murphy II back in the fold and Roy Robertson-Harris now on the roster via trade. Kirk Cousins, like Smith, may need to sling the rock as both teams try to keep pace with one another.

The health of Walker will be a big factor for the Seahawks and whether they can establish the run. Even against a bad pass rush, any team can home in on Smith if they only expect him to drop straight back every snap. That area could decide the game in or out of Seattle’s favor. -Connor Benintendi

Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) tackles Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33).

Sep 8, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) and Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II (91) tackle Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams (33) for a loss during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. / Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Connor’s Pick to Click: DT Byron Murphy II

This isn’t only because of Murphy’s comments during the week regarding Atlanta’s choice to pass on him in the draft. Seattle has lost all three games since Murphy has been sidelined, and its run defense has struggled mightily during that time. It seems when one piece is removed, the Seahawks haven’t had the depth to make up the difference. With Robertson-Harris and Murphy both being plugged in, the first-round rookie should have more vigor than ever after missing the first stretch of games of his career.

Connor’s Score Prediction: Seahawks 34, Falcons 26

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Atlanta, GA

MLS apologizes for falsely announcing Atlanta United transfer

Published

8 hours ago

January 9, 2025

Press Room

MLS apologizes for falsely announcing Atlanta United transfer

Major League Soccer apologized Thursday for publishing a story on its website that identified the wrong player as having transferred to one of its clubs, Atlanta United.

The league’s website, MLSSoccer.com, published a story Wednesday that falsely reported that Celtic FC and Japan forward Kyogo Furuhashi had been acquired by Atlanta. The article was quickly removed.

“Major League Soccer’s website mistakenly posted an article that named the wrong player as having signed with an MLS club,” the league said in a statement to The Athletic. “The article was immediately removed and corrected. MLS extends its sincere apologies to the impacted parties.”

The false report is no longer available, and the link now directs to an error message.

The mistake appears linked to Atlanta’s transfer hint for another player, US-born Cayman Togashi, a former Japanese youth international who spent his entire professional career in Japan. Atlanta teased on social media the arrival of a Japanese player, fueling those rumors even more.

The club later announced it signed Togashi through the 2025 season with an option for 2026. The 31-year-old signed on a free transfer from Sagan Tosu in Japan’s top flight.

Last month, the Daily Mail reported that Atlanta submitted a $12 million bid for Furuhashi. The club also recently named Ronny Delia, a former Celtic manager, as its head coach. Around the time of the false report by MLS, Furuhashi played in Celtic’s 2-0 win against Dundee United, coming on as a substitute for Adam Idah in the 62nd minute.

(Photo: Craig Foy / SNS Group via Getty Images)

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Atlanta, GA

Atlanta Hawks vs Phoenix Suns: Spread and Final Score Predictions For Tonight’s Game

Published

16 hours ago

January 9, 2025

Press Room

Atlanta Hawks vs Phoenix Suns: Spread and Final Score Predictions For Tonight’s Game

The Atlanta Hawks are wrapping up their six game road trip tonight in Phoenix with a matchup against the Suns. It has not been the best road trip for the Hawks, as they have gone 2-3 on it, but they have been playing most of the trip without star forward Jalen Johnson. That is going to continue tonight as the Hawks will be without Johnson for the third straight game and the fourth time in the last five games. It has not been pretty for the Hawks without Johnson, but they are going to be facing one of the most disappointing teams in the league tonight.

Phoenix came into the season with title hopes and after a hot start, it looked like the hire of former Hakws coach Mike Budenholzer was paying off for the Suns. It has not gone well though. This team is currently outside of the top ten in the Western Conference, Bradley Beal is now coming off the bench, and Devin Booker is not playing up to his usual All-NBA level. This team has talent, but they have not shown it on a night-to-night basis, as evidenced from their loss to Charlotte on Tuesday. Even without Johnson, the Hawks have a chance tonight due to the Sun’s inconsistency.

Coming into tonight’s game, the Hawks are 6th in the NBA in PPG, 14th in FG%, 17th in 3PA, 19th in 3P%, 5th in FTA, 24th in turnovers, and 6th in rebounding. Per Cleaning the Glass, Atlanta is 15th in points per 100 possessions, 18th in effective field goal percentage, 19th in turnover percentage, 8th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 9th in free throw rate.

Currently, the Hawks rank 28th in PPG allowed, 22nd in field goal percentage allowed, 30th in three-point attempts allowed, and 30th in three-point percentage allowed. Per Cleaning the Glass, Atlanta is 19th in points allowed per 100 possessions and 28th in effective field goal percentage allowed.

Phoenix comes into this game ranked 17th in PPG, 12th in FG%, 14th in 3PA, 7th in 3p%, 11th in free throw attempts per game, 25th in rebounding, and 10th in turnovers. Per Cleaning the Glass, the Suns are 13th in points per 100 possessions, 10th in effective field goal%, 13th in turnover percentage, 27th in offensive rebounding percentage, and 6th in free throw rate.

Defensively, Phoenix ranks 19th in PPG allowed, 14th in FG% allowed, 15th in 3PA allowed, and 21st in 3P% allowed. Per Cleaning the Glass, Phoenix is 23rd in points allowed per 100 possessions and 15th in effective field goal% allowed.

With Johnson out tonight, it is going to be on the shoulders of Trae Young to try and lift the Hawks to a win. Young had another 20-point, 20-assist game on Tuesday vs Utah, finishing with 24 points and 20 assists. Phoenix will likely try to guard him with rookie Ryan Dunn, who is a very solid defender, but Young is a different test entirely.

Jan 7, 2025; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Atlanta Hawks guard Dyson Daniels (5) shoots an open jumpsuit against the Utah Jazz during the second half at Delta Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images / Chris Nicoll-Imagn Images

Dyson Daniels was overshadowed a bit by Young’s performance and game-winning shot, but Daniels flirted with a triple-double on Tuesday night. Daniels scored 16 points, had seven assists, and six rebounds on 7-12 shooting. He can be the lead guard and playmaker whenever Young goes to the bench and has done a decent job of that. Daniels will also be tasked with guarding Booker tonight (which is not an easy task) and trying to limit his scoring.

Zaccharie Risacher had one of his better performances this season on Tuesday night vs Utah. He scored 14 points on 6-14 from the field and pulled in six rebounds. With Johnson out, it might be Risacher guarding Kevin Durant tonight, though the Hawks could use Vit Krejci to do that.

Krejci had a solid game for Atlanta on Tuesday, scoring 13 points and shooting 3-4 from three and I would expect him to get the start with Johnson out again.

Clint Capela had a monster game on Tuesday, shooting 9-11 from the field and scoring 18 points. He finished at the rim well and also had three blocks and Phoenix is not a good rebounding team. If the Hawks win, I would bet that Capela is very key in making that happen. With Onyeka Okongwu questionable and Larry Nance still out, it might be the first time for Dominick Barlow to play an actual role on this team as the backup to Capela. If Okongwu plays, Barlow is unlikely to see minutes.

The bench will be led by De’Andre Hunter, Bogdan Bogdanovic, and Garrison Matthews (as well as whoever is the backup center). Until the fourth quarter, Bogdanovic and Matthews were having a poor shooting night, but Bogdanovic nailed two big shots to keep the Hawks in the game. Combined, they shot 4-15 from three and it is tough for Atlanta to win when two of their best shooters shoot like that. Hunter bounced back from a pair of rough games and scored 17 points and hit four of his seven three-point attempts against the Jazz. The bench will have a huge role tonight in helping the Hawks to earn a victory.

How the Hawks are able to guard Durant might be the biggest mismatch in the game. Durant is close to unguardable, but the Hawks don’t really have a great option in the starting lineup and I would expect to see Hunter get a lot of minutes on him when he comes off the bench. Atlanta could not guard Lauri Markkanen on Tuesday due to his size and shooting combination and they could struggle with Durant for the same reason.

According to Fanduel Sportsbook, the Suns are 6.5 point favorites tonight and the total is set at 238.5.

This is going to be a tough matchup for the Hawks without Jalen Johnson. The Hawks struggle to replace his versatile skillset when he is out and that is going to be a problem tonight against Durant and the Suns. Phoenix is inconsistent and can lose on any given night, but I like them to squeak by the Hawks tonight.

Final Score: Suns 120, Hawks 115 (Hawks +6.5 and Under)

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Atlanta, GA

Atlantans prepare steep driveways for winter weather

Published

24 hours ago

January 9, 2025

Press Room

Atlantans prepare steep driveways for winter weather

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Winter weather on the horizon has people living in metro Atlanta with steep driveways preparing for ice.

Steep driveways are a common sight in Sandy Springs and there are solutions to not being stuck during the storm.

Amit Gambhir is one driver with a steep driveway. “It hasn’t been too bad. That we’ve seen. I know we’re thinking that could be the case in a couple of days,” said Gambhir.

“I want to say it was eight hours. I was one of the lucky ones it wasn’t overnight but it was a long time,” said Gambhir.

Gambhir doesn’t plan on being stuck in his car again.

“I do not plan to be out and about very much Thursday night through however long this lasts,” said Gambhir.

“If you do need to get out of your house and out of the neighborhood, probably Ice Melt, so you can get your car where it needs to go. So snow shovels or Ice Melt,” said Andy Jones, a manager and owner of Intown Ace Hardware.

Ice Melt is a chemical substance that melts snow and ice by lowering the freezing point of water.

“It essentially melts the ice and then that melted ice will run off your driveway so it won’t refreeze and you’re not slipping,” said Jones.

Salting driveways is another option.

“Go ahead and pull down to the street and park your car on the street the night before,” said Jones.

“I think we’re just going to hold steady here and play it safe,” said Jones.

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