Lions vs Falcons NFL Preseason Pick: Backups Battle in Preseason Opener (Aug 8)

The NFL preseason continues on Friday, Aug 8, as the Detroit Lions visit the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. This will be the first preseason game for the Falcons, while the Lions are looking to rebound after a tough loss in the Hall of Fame Game.

Detroit Lions Outlook

The Lions’ offense struggled in their Hall of Fame Game loss, and they will likely give their backups more time on the field to improve. Quarterbacks Hendon Hooker and Kyle Allen are expected to split time as they compete for the backup role behind Jared Goff. The focus for the Lions will be on evaluating their depth on both sides of the ball.

Injury Update: Several players are questionable or out, including rookie wide receiver Dominic Lovett (abdomen) and cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (long-term injury).

Atlanta Falcons Outlook

The Falcons are kicking off their preseason schedule at home. Head coach Raheem Morris has confirmed that both starting quarterback Kirk Cousins and backup Michael Penix Jr. will not play. The game will be a key opportunity for rookies and other players on the roster bubble to impress, with quarterback Easton Stick expected to get significant playing time.

Injury Update: Wide receiver Darnell Mooney is questionable with a shoulder injury, and linebacker Troy Andersen is out.

Analysis and Pick

Preseason games are notoriously unpredictable as starters are rested and the focus is on evaluating depth. The Lions are favored despite their poor showing in their first game, which suggests confidence in their backups to outperform the Falcons’ roster. With both starting quarterbacks out for the Falcons and the Lions’ backups eager to prove themselves after a bad performance, the Lions have a slight edge.