Atlanta Falcons Week 12 picks: Predicting each NFC South game

Nov 22, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins (10) runs in for a touchdown against the New York Jets during the second quarter of a game at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ray Carlin-USA TODAY Sports

Eric Robinson

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

No need to sugarcoat. I’m a little nervous about this one. Despite the Vikes home loss to GB this past Sunday, they are a well coached team. Atlanta may have to scrap for this one.

Pick: Atlanta 27, Minnesota 23

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

Dallas has won the last five meetings vs. Carolina and have outscored them 129-68 since 2003. Short week, on the road. Down goes Frazier.

Pick: Dallas 27, Carolina 21 OT

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

Tampa Bay is No. 26 in points allowed and No. 28 in opponent third down conversion. If TB can’t produce takeaways, that may spell a loss.

Pick: Indianapolis 28, Tampa Bay 23

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

A Saints defense that is 31st in passing yards allowed now has to deal with DeAndre Hopkins. Keep an eye on third down conversions: Saints are first in offensive conversions (47 percent), Texans are first in opponents conversion (26 percent).

Pick: Houston 31, New Orleans 21

Last week: 1-2
Season: 20-15