Atlanta Falcons Week 13 picks: Predicting each NFC South game

Sep 27, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) rushes for a touchdown during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Bank of America Stadium. Carolina defeated the Saints 27-22. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

Adnan Ikic

Atlanta Falcons (6-5) at Tampa Bay Buccaneers (5-6)

It’s a must win for both teams, both of whom are in the middle of the wild-card hunt. The Bucs won in Atlanta but they’ve been very sporadic this season, I don’t know which Bucs team will show up on Sunday.

Jameis Winston looks very mature in his rookie year, reminding me a lot of Matt Ryan in 2008. With both defenses performing at a high level it could come down to which quarterback makes the least amount of mistakes, like how the Vikings game was determined.

A major key for the Falcons will be stopping Doug Martin, who has gone back to being the muscle hamster this year. Only Martin and Adrian Peterson have surpassed 1,000 yards rushing so far this year. Take him out of the game, and you put pressure on Winston, making it more likely that he makes a mistake.

I feel that Matt Ryan will return to being the Matt Ryan we all know at love, this week. I’m predicting a turnover free game for the Mattural, as he begins leading an Atlanta resurgence down the stretch.

Pick: Atlanta 24, Tampa Bay 20

Carolina Panthers (11-0) at New Orleans Saints (4-7)

I think that the Panthers’ undefeated run will end against an NFC South opponent, but not this weekend. The Saints offense is high powered but they have no answer for Carolina’s methodical run game, led by Jonathan Stewart and Cam Newton.

Pick: Carolina 27, New Orleans 21

Last week: 1-3
Season: 23-16

Next: Curtis Hobbs