Atlanta Falcons Week 12 picks: Predicting each NFC South game
Nov 22, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs against the Indianapolis Colts during the first half at the Georgia Dome. The Colts defeated the Falcons 24-21. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Adnan Ikic
Minnesota Vikings (7-3) at Atlanta Falcons (6-4)
I’ve picked the Falcons to win every single time this season. Looking at the schedule and the situations, how could I not? The offense has continued to choke away game after game, however, and Atlanta now has Seattle and Tampa nipping at its heels in the wild-card race. The Vikings come into the Georgia in the thick of that wildcard battle.
No matter how tragic the Falcons have been since Week 5, one can’t deny that this is a team they match up well against. Minnesota’s main offense is running the ball, and Atlanta stops the run really well. Take away Adrian Peterson and Teddy Bridgewater is certainly nothing special. I have no reservations about the defense; at this point it’s the offense I’m worried about.
Call me crazy, but I’m going to pick the Falcons again. I feel like Matt Ryan and company will limit the turnovers this week. I also assume that Devonta Freeman will play.
Pick: Atlanta 21, Minnesota 17
Carolina Panthers (10-0) at Dallas Cowboys (3-7)
The 10-0 Panthers are somehow the underdogs in Dallas. This game is as close to a tossup as you can get, in my opinion. I think Carolina’s run game will end up being just a little too much for Dallas, on Thanksgiving day.
Pick: Carolina 28, Dallas 24
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-5) at Indianapolis Colts (5-5)
Don’t look now, but the Bucs are charging toward a playoff run. With no Andrew Luck, they’re offense won’t choke the way Atlanta did, when their defense puts them in a position to win.
Pick: Tampa Bay 24, Indianapolis 17
New Orleans Saints (4-6) at Houston Texans (5-5)
The Saints are fresh off a bye, and they’ll have the firepower to beat the Texans, even if they don’t have an answer for DeAndre Hopkins.
Pick: New Orleans 24, Houston 14
Last week: 2-1
Season: 22-13
Next: Curtis Hobbs