Atlanta Falcons Week 13 picks: Predicting each NFC South game

Nov 1, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) catches the ball as Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive back Jude Adjei-Barimah (38) defends in the third quarter at the Georgia Dome. The Buccaneers won 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Curtis Hobbs

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

It doesn’t get much more intense than it will be this week. It’s Week 13 of the regular season, and three of the four teams in this league find themselves on the edge of the playoff bubble. If they win, they’re still in the hunt. If they lose, then they will begin practicing their golf swings for the offseason.

Out of the two games, the Atlanta Falcons and Tampa Bay Buccaneers should light up the marquee as being the most interesting game of the year. These two teams have one more week to legitimize their seasons. Failure to capture these moments will bring to rest more disappointment.

After a player’s only meeting, this one is hard to decide. Everyone must see the chaotic spiral that the Falcons have been on over the last four weeks. But is there enough leadership and execution to stop the bleeding? In my opinion, yes.

Pick: Atlanta 17, Tampa Bay 15

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

In what seems like a strength versus strength, the Panthers get to take on a good offense with their great defense. In my opinion, those two should cancel each other out of the equation, and it will be decided with the Panthers offense versus the Saints defense. And that should be an easy call.

Carolina wins again.

Pick: Carolina 30, New Orleans 13

Last week: 2-2
Season: 26-13

Next: Alphonso Thomas