VW'S NFL PRESEASON NON-CONF. DOG OF THE WEEK
- Handicapper
- Vegas Writer
- League
- NFL
- Competition
- Denver Broncos vs Atlanta Falcons
- Release Date
- 08/14/2026 02:23 PM
- Event Date
- 08/14/2026 07:00 PM
- Bet Type
- Point Spread
- Pick
-
Atlanta Falcons +3.5 (-105)
(BetMGM)
- Outcome
- Loss
- Analysis
- Atlanta has a little more incentive than Denver in Friday’s preseason opener, as the Falcons get their first opportunity to take the field under new head coach Kevin Stefanski. While Denver's quarterback situation has attracted betting interest, the combination of Atlanta's quarterback depth, defensive continuity and home-field motivation makes the Falcons an appealing side.
Much of the Broncos support revolves around Sam Ehlinger, and understandably so. He received extensive preseason work last year, attempting 57 passes for more than 400 yards while adding 34 yards on the ground. With Ehlinger competing with Jarrett Stidham for the backup job, Denver should have motivated quarterbacks playing significant snaps.
Atlanta, however, has its own preseason advantage at the position. With Tua Tagovailoa and Michael Penix Jr. handled carefully, veteran Cooper Rush has received plenty of work in Stefanski and offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt's system. Rush has extensive NFL starting experience and should be capable of efficiently running an offense that doesn't need to expose its top quarterbacks.
There is also more continuity defensively than normally comes with a coaching change. Stefanski retained defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, meaning Atlanta isn't starting from scratch on that side of the ball. That could be especially important in a preseason game, when familiarity with assignments and communication can outweigh overall roster talent.
Denver, meanwhile, enters the game with reasons to be cautious. Sean Payton's team has dealt with several soft-tissue injuries during training camp, along with offensive-line concerns, particularly at center. With the regular season ultimately the priority, there is little reason for Payton to unnecessarily extend key players merely to win a preseason opener.
That shifts the equation toward Atlanta. The Broncos may have the quarterback competition bettors typically want to back in August, but the Falcons have an experienced option in Rush, greater defensive continuity, fewer reasons to play cautiously and the emotional energy surrounding Stefanski's first game at home.
