Detroit is 0-2 so far in Madden simulations this year, but they’re 2-0 for the real thing. So... go Falcons?

Madden simulations on Pride of Detroit and Saturday mornings go together like Chevrolet and apple pie, or whatever.

Through the first two simulations of 2017, the Lions are 0-2, losing to both the virtual Cardinals and the artificial Giants. However, Detroit is 2-0 for the real thing, so I’m at a loss with how to feel when watching these games play out. Has Madden just had a rough start in the predictions? Should Lions fans root for the other team as part of an elaborate, weekly reverse jinx?

Either way you cut it, Week 3 looks to be a doozy, and probably a bit of a shootout as Atlanta and one of the best offenses in the history of football come to town to take on Detroit at Ford Field. The Falcons offense is chock-full of offense talent, and it’s well-represented and accounted for in Madden NFL 18.

Matt Ryan, coming off his MVP season a year ago, is a 94 overall and the third-highest rated quarterback in the game this year. Atlanta’s backfield boasts two highly-rated running backs in Devonta Freeman (88) and Tevin Coleman (85), and their starting receivers are some of the best—and fastest—from top to bottom with Julio Jones (98), Mohamed Sanu Sr. (83) and Taylor Gabriel (80). Both Jones and Gabriel sport 94 and 95 speed ratings respectively, and will be a handful for the Lions defense in this one.

Be sure to jump over to our live stream starting at 11:15 a.m. ET to keep up with the conversation and join a bunch of us who love to watch Madden be Madden. Also, these things are finally available On Demand through Twitch, so if you can’t make the live broadcast, no biggie, you have 14 days to go back and check out all the action you missed out on.

Once the clock strikes 11:15, the stream will begin below.

It’s Detroit Lions vs. Atlanta Falcons. This time, it’s (not) for real.

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