Falcons vs Lions: Atlanta defense getting more turnovers by masking coverages

The Atlanta Falcons are fourth in the NFL with 18 interceptions and have forced 27 turnovers overall. They've had six games where they've forced at least two interceptions, and they have gone 6-0 in those games. Safety Thomas DeCoud credits the team's success forcing turnovers to their ability to change and disguise their coverage:

"If we can confuse a quarterback and make him throw it somewhere where he wasn’t expecting to throw it, or after play-fake, look back and see a completely different coverage, it helps us out exponentially," said safety Thomas DeCoud, who leads the team with six interceptions. "It’s (paid) dividends and helped our ability to get the ball back this year."

The Falcons' upcoming opponent, the Detroit Lions, are third in the NFL with 26 turnovers this season, and could be particularly susceptible to Atlanta's tricks. Quarterback Matthew Stafford is sixth in the league with 15 interceptions, and has been known to make foolish decisions with the football.

The Falcons and Lions kick off at 8:30 p.m. ET on Saturday night from Ford Field in Detroit. The Falcons can clinch home field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win, and no longer need help from the Packers or 49ers to do so. The Falcons are 4-point favorites, according to Oddsshark.com.