Atlanta Falcons Week 12 picks: Predicting each NFC South game
Nov 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) catches a pass as Green Bay Packers kicker Mason Crosby (2) defends hin in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Packers win 30-13. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Curtis Hobbs
Minnesota Vikings (7-3) at Atlanta Falcons (6-4)
For a team that started off as on fire as they did, their sharp decline has left many of the fans with their hands in the air wondering what has happened. But now, they have the chance to recapture their season against a surging Vikings team that looks poised for another upset.
Last week, I chose Indianapolis by four in my weekly predictions because of certain matchups that could be exploited by the Colts. This week, these are even more exaggerated because the Vikings have a much better defense than the Colts, and have you seen Stefon Diggs who looks unstoppable when the ball is in his hands. And in case you forgot, they still have Adrian Peterson who takes on a great run defense, but they haven’t been tested like they will this week.
Falcons will continue their descent.
Pick: Minnesota 27, Atlanta 23
Carolina Panthers (10-0) at Dallas Cowboys (3-7)
The lack of a balanced offense will become the Achilles heel for the Cowboys, and the Panthers should be the favorites for this matchup. Expect Cam Newton to all but legitimize himself as a frontrunner for the MVP race against a mediocre Cowboys defense.
Pick: Carolina 27, Dallas 16
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-5) at Indianapolis Colts (5-5)
Indianapolis pulled an upset in Atlanta, and their gift was well received for a team searching for answers. But this week, expect a different story from a Tampa Bay team that looks like their youth and potential are finally coming together and making this a difficult team for most of the NFL to face.
Pick: Tampa Bay 24, Indianapolis 17
New Orleans Saints (4-6) at Houston Texans (5-5)
If you need a good laugh, be sure to catch the Saints versus the Texans who surprised the Jets with their offensive performance last week. But, unfortunately, their good favor will come to an abrupt end as they face Drew Brees and company.
Pick: New Orleans 31, Houston 14
Last week: 3-0
Season: 24-11
Next: Alphonso Thomas