Can Vick tame the Patriots?

Apologies to NFL fans for concentrating on the Superbowl champions in the first few weeks of the season, but there can be little doubt that the big game of week five of the NFL season is in Atlanta where the Falcons entertain the New England Patriots.

The Patriots have lost two of their first four games, prompting talk of a crisis in Boston, but anyone who has followed the NFL over the past few seasons will know that the Patriots are made of sterner stuff than the average team. Led by Tom Brady, they have won three of the last four Superbowls and until they don't qualify for the play-offs, there will be few people willing to write them off when it comes to the serious stuff in January.

Injuries have once again affected the Patriots and a couple of players moved on in the summer, but it would be a brave man to back against them in Atlanta this weekend, even though Michael Vick and the Falcons look to have improved again on last term. While Vick's ability to throw and run himself is well known, the Falcons' defence has also stepped up this season with just one touchdown conceded in the second half in their first four games. They have 3-1 record from their first four games, and will be full of confidence that they can take advantage of the Patriots' misfortune.

The Patriots haven't lost two consecutive games in almost three years and their sheer stubbornness and canny ability to find the right play at the right time means they can never be discounted. The injuries are hurting, and they have struggled to stop the run this season, which won't help against the Falcons, who are the league's top rushing side at the moment. Vick has been troubled by injuries himself and though he says he will be fine, the Patriots are unlikely to allow him the time and space to run for serious yardage. If he does find a way through, they will be in trouble, and bet365 make them 4/6 (1.66) favourites, but something tells me that Brady will find a way. This one could be a cracker and 13/10 (2.30) is a decent price.