Hawks under dogs -2 to Falcons initially

[lukerguy]

When a team on the road is less than a field-goal underdog in the NFL, the suggestion is that, according to the power ratings, the visitor is a better team than the host — the road squad, in most cases, would be the favorite on a neutral field.

When the Seahawks closed out the Redskins (24-14) on Sunday, the LVH SuperBook opened the Falcons as just a 2-point favorite for next Sunday’s NFC divisional playoff matchup. The implication is that Seattle, a wildcard team, is better than the top-seeded Falcons.

There was some immediate movement in Vegas on Seahawks-Falcons. The LVH took some early action on Atlanta, and bumped the line to 2.5, but Seattle money followed, and the line dropped back to the opener of -2.

The South Point and Caesars both opened Atlanta -2.5, but moved the line to -2, nearly simultaneously, shortly thereafter. There was a scattering of 2s and 2.5s around town as of about 8 p.m. ET Sunday night.

The spread is in line with The Linemakers Power Ratings — before wildcard weekend, we had Seattle rated slightly higher than Atlanta, 99.6 to 99.3.

Bettors liked the LVH’s opening total of 44.5, taking the OVER and driving the number up to 45.5. Others opened the total around 45, and it sat between 45.5 or 46 Sunday night.

The Falcons don’t lose many games at home, so laying less than a field goal with them is an intriguing proposition. The Seahawks, meanwhile, have answered some questions about their ability to win games on the road.

Right where we want to be

 

[MrCarey]

I don't want to be underdogs.

 

[lukerguy]

I don't want to be underdogs.

Well you had better get used to it, we will be under dogs for the remaining playoffs..@Atl, @GB, vs NE/Den

 

[MrCarey]

I know, I just like that we weren't underdogs and won today. It was cool to be that team in the playoffs, ya know?

 

[Blitzer88]

Just make that chip on our teams shoulder just that much bigger.

 

[MidwestHawker]

I don't know that we will ever see a wildcard team favored at a #1 seed's place. That line throws us quite a bit of (well-placed) respect.