Broncos vs. Falcons Betting Update: Denver Shuts Down Practice

 

The Broncos have a chance to win their fourth game in five tries when they travel east to face the Atlanta Falcons in Week 9. A victory would put Denver firmly in the AFC playoff hunt. Here’s what Colorado bettors need to know going into Week 9.

The Broncos have gone back and forth on DraftKings Sportsbook between +3.5 and +4. The line on Broncos vs. Falcons seem to be staying here as of November 15, 2024 9:38 PM.

Here are the current odds for Broncos vs. Falcons Week 9 on DraftKings Sportsbook Colorado.

Team	Spread	Moneyline	Total
Broncos	+3.5 (-110)	+172	O 50 (-110)
Falcons	-3.5 (-110)	-205	U 50 (-110)

 

 

Broncos Shut Down Practice Due To COVID-19 Outbreak

This is a 2020 version of a storyline if we’ve ever seen one. The Broncos were forced to shut down practice on Wednesday after growing concerns about a possible COVID-19 outbreak. This is significant considering the fact that general manager John Elway and offensive tackle Darrin Paulo have tested positive for the virus.

“In consultation with the NFL, we are taking the precautionary step of conducting today’s game preparations virtually and away from UCHealth Training Center,” the Broncos said in a statement. “With the recent increase in positive cases and a practice squad player added to the COVID-19/reserve list today, this was the safe and responsible thing to do.

“Other than player rehab, all football activities will take place remotely. Players and coaches will conduct their normal meeting schedule from home.

“The Broncos are scheduled to resume practicing on Thursday at UCHealth Training Center with meetings remaining in a virtual, remote format. The team will continue its preparations for Sunday’s game in Atlanta, working closely with the NFL and making all decisions based on the health of players, staff and their families.”

Extra Rest for Atlanta

While the Broncos are losing practice and preparation time due to COVID-19 restraints, the Falcons have had all the time in the world to prepare for this game. Atlanta played on Thursday Night Football in Week 8.

This doesn’t guarantee a loss for the Broncos by any stretch of the imagination, but they are at a legitimate disadvantage going into this game.

The Falcons have had extra time to prepare, the Broncos are losing practice due to COVID-19 issues, and the game is being played in Atlanta. It’s looking like a stacked deck against the Broncos on paper.

Drew Lock’s Huge Second Half

Drew Lock has yet to put together a great game from start to finish this season, but his second half against the Los Angeles Chargers should give Broncos fans hope. Down 14-3 at halftime and 21-3 in the third quarter, Lock engineered a 19-point turnaround in the second half.

He threw for three touchdowns in the second half, which is more than he threw all season up to that point. Not to mention, his third and final touchdown on the day came on the last play of the game to tie it up. Brandon McManus won it with the extra point.

As we’ve noted time and time again here, Lock is just a different quarterback at home than he is on the road — his passer rating drops by nearly 16 points in road games. Can he carry this momentum into Atlanta or will his road woes continue?