Atlanta Falcons at Detroit Lions 8/12/22 - NFL Preseason Picks & Predictions

On Friday, the Atlanta Falcons visit Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan the play the Detroit Lions in the opening game of the 2022 NFL preseason for both. The Atlanta Falcons are expected to have a long season after trading away quarterback Matt Ryan. Atlanta will start Marcus Mariota under center, while rookie Desmond Ridder from Cincinnati will likely see plenty of action at quarterback during the preseason as will former Florida QB Feleipe Franks.

Atlanta's running attack will be led by Cordarrelle Patterson who last season rushed for 618 yards with six touchdowns. Drake London, Brian Edwards and Plamide Zaccheaus are the top three wide receivers returning for the Falcons. Last season, Zaccheaus had 31 receptions for 406 yards and three touchdowns and is the leading receiver returning. Atlanta's defensive line was one of the worst last season and a lack of a strong pass rush will put pressure on the Falcons’ back seven.

The Detroit Lions finished last season 3-13-1, which was last in the NFC North. The Lions acquired quarterback Jared Goff, who will start under center during the regular season but is not expected to see much if any action during the preseason. Sharing duties during the preseason at quarterback will be Tim Boyle and David Blough.

D'Andre Swift will be the lead running back returning and backed up by Jamal Williams. Last season Swift rushed for 617 yards and five touchdowns while playing just 13 games. Williams rushed for 601 yards and three touchdowns. Amon-Ra St Brown will be Goff’s favorite target and last season caught 90 passes for 912 yards and five touchdowns. Detroit drafted Aidan Hutchinson with the second overall pick and the edge rusher will put pressure on Atlanta’s quarterbacks.