Atlanta Falcons Week 12 picks: Predicting each NFC South game

Nov 15, 2015; Landover, MD, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) drops back to pass against the Washington Redskins during the second half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Aloïs Piet

Minnesota Vikings (7-3) at Atlanta Falcons (6-4)

Atlanta’s offense continues to struggle despite having gone through the bye week. Minnesota’s defense, and especially its front-seven, is great and will most likely cause a lot of issues to the Falcons. The pass-rush is probably going to disrupt Matt Ryan while the run defense should neutralize an injured Devonta Freeman. The Falcons’ defense should keep the game, once again, close and once again, it’s going to be on the offense to carry the team for the win.

Pick: Minnesota 21, Atlanta 17

Carolina Panthers (10-0) at Dallas Cowboys (3-7)

All will come down to Tony Romo’s ability to carry the Cowboys to an upset. The only way Dallas can hope for the win would be if Darren McFadden is able to control the clock and if Dez Bryant can play to his pre-injury level.

Pick: Carolina 31, Dallas 23

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-5) at Indianapolis Colts (5-5)

The Buccaneers have played really good football for the last couple of weeks behind a surprisingly good Jameis Winston at the helm. Tampa’s defense is also playing at a high level, enough to get a third win in a row?

Pick: Indianapolis 23, Tampa Bay 21

New Orleans Saints (4-6) at Houston Texans (5-5)

Houston is finding his groove while New Orleans keeps having issues on both sides of the ball. The game won’t be pretty but a close score during the last quarter could probably go either way. The team who wins the turnover battle will go back home with another W.

Pick: New Orleans 17, Houston 13

Last week: 2-1
Season: 22-13

Next: Eric Robinson