Atlanta Falcons Week 9 picks: Predicting each NFC South game

Oct 19, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) scrambles past Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) for a first down in the second quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Aloïs Piet

Atlanta Falcons (6-2) at San Francisco 49ers (2-6)

The offense did everything to lose the Bucs game and this is the main thing holding this team back today. The Falcons have to quit turnovers, especially in the red zone, that prevent from scoring crucial points.

San Francisco finds itself in the same situation. Blaine Gabbert has been named the new starting quarterback and will most likely lead the 49ers to a loss if he keeps on turning the ball over. However, the Falcons defense has suffered many injuries last week. Having three of the best defenders (Trufant, Alford, Durant) limited for the game does not bode well for the defense, especially since the pass rush is still missing.

Despite a strong defense, Atlanta will win if the offense does not turn the ball over. Matt Ryan has to put the team on his shoulders with the help of the ground game. San Francisco will have a hard time coming back if the Falcons are leading and managing the clock.

Pick: Atlanta 23, San Francisco 13

Green Bay Packers (6-1) at Carolina Panthers (7-0)

Green Bay did not go well against Denver as Aaron Rodgers played one of his poorest games. The Panthers’ defense is a notch under the Broncos but the Packers still need to be careful. For Carolina, Green Bay is the first team with a winning record they face. It is going to be a real test to see if the team is as good as their undefeated record suggests.

Pick: Green Bay 28, Carolina 23

Tennessee Titans (1-6) at New Orleans Saints (4-4)

New Orleans is finding its rhythm offensively. They lit up the scoreboard last week against the Giants and there is a good chance it happens again as the Saints face Tennessee. The Titans were not a really good team before the firing of their head coach. The dynamic does not go in their favor and Marcus Mariota has been injured the last few weeks.

Pick: New Orleans 38, Tennessee 14

New York Giants (4-4) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-4)

New York decided not to play defense last week in New Orleans. The offense happened to be pretty good and it will be needed against a surprisingly good team of Tampa Bay. The Bucs, led by a good Jameis Winston, won in Atlanta and could be trouble if Eli Manning can’t hang on to the ball.

Pick: New York 31, Tampa Bay 25

Last week: 2-1
Season: 17-8

Next: Eric Robinson