Falcons vs. Colts odds: Atlanta opens up the week as four point favorites

The Falcons come out of the bye week refreshed and ready to host a game against the Indianapolis Colts, and whether you like it or not, they're early four point favorites in this game.

Even with Matt Hasselbeck in instead of Andrew Luck, I don't think the Falcons can afford to take the Colts lightly. The Falcons have been a lousy football team for a month now, for one thing, and the Colts are bristling with the kind of passing game weaponry that can give Hasselbeck everything he needs for a nice day. They shouldn't have a ton of trouble stopping the run, of course, and Hasselbeck isn't escaping the pocket and scrambling for a first down unless the entire defense falls into a sinkhole, but he's a better passer in a better passing offense than Blaine Gabbert.

You can understand why Atlanta is favored, though. They are home, after all, and the Colts have been a thoroughly mediocre football team with a pretty bad defense throughout this season. If the Falcons have managed to figure out what's been ailing their passing game, in particular, they've got a very good shot to win. If they're going to stay ahead of the pack with the playoffs just seven weeks away, this is the kind of game they'll need to triumph in.

What are your expectations for Sunday?