The Atlanta Falcons open their 2012 season as a slight favorite to beat the Kansas City Chiefs. After opening with a 1-point advantage, the Falcons are now favored by anywhere from 2.5 to 3 points.
The Falcons finished the preseason with a 1-3 record, but the team's starters showed flashes of potential. Quarterback Matt Ryan completed 75 percent of his passes for 549 yards while throwing three touchdowns to just one interception. His top two targets -- wide receivers Julio Jones and Roddy White -- combined for 368 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Even with a strong preseason showing from the Falcons' offensive stars, it's clear the Chiefs, led by quarterback Matt Cassel, running back Jamaal Charles and wide receiver Dwayne Bowe, will present a challenge. Arrowhead Stadium is also one of the toughest venues for visiting teams across all professional sports.
Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET Sunday.
For more on this game, Falcons fans should visit The Falcoholic and Chiefs fans should check out Arrowhead Pride. For more news and notes from around the NFL head over to SB Nation's NFL hub page.
NFC South Preview: Falcons and Panthers to Challenge Saints, Buccaneers Still Rebuilding (via sbnation)