Atlanta Falcons Week 9 picks: Predicting each NFC South game
Aug 15, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints defensive back Pierre Warren (42) and defensive back Brian Dixon (44) tackle Tennessee Titans tight end Chase Coffman (86) in the second half at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. New Orleans defeated the Tennessee Titans 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Harrison Nayler
Atlanta Falcons (6-2) at San Francisco 49ers (2-6)
With two losses, both to divisional opponents, and the stalled play of the offense, there’s an uneasy feeling amongst Atlanta fans. A shock loss to the Bucs, caused almost exclusively by an inability to avoid turnovers, has many fearing that the six wins are a fortunate by-product of a soft schedule, rather than an indication of a football team ready to take the next step.
For real turmoil, Falcons fans must turn to this week’s opponent, who have considerable injuries on both sides of the ball, just benched their quarterback and are circling the drain. The Falcons need to make a statement in this one, with the offense particularly needing to put some people’s minds to rest.
The Atlanta defense has kept the Falcons in several games this season, and now it’s time for the offense to do the same. With so much firepower it doesn’t make sense that the Falcons are not regularly dropping 30-plus points, but this may be the week to do it.
Pick: Atlanta 35, San Francisco 17
Green Bay Packers (6-1) at Carolina Panthers (7-0)
With a point to prove, I suspect Green Bay will come out firing, but the excellent Panthers defense may keep this one close right until the end. The Panthers will be a confirmed title threat if they can hang with the offensive firepower of the Packers.
Pick: Green Bay 31, Carolina 21
Tennessee Titans (1-6) at New Orleans Saints (4-4)
Back-to-back seven-touchdown games seems unlikely, but with the improvement in the Saints offense in recent weeks and the return of Marcus Mariota for the Titans, this game could be another shootout in the Big Easy.
Pick: New Orleans 38, Tennessee 21
New York Giants (4-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4)
The Buccaneers will likely be buoyed by their victory over Atlanta, but with a banged up receiving core and a Giants offense coming off a huge week, they may have a bit of a let down
Pick: New York 28, Tampa Bay 17
Last week: 1-2
Season: 15-10
Next: Curtis Hobbs