Atlanta Falcons vs. Eagles: Divisional Round Staff predictions
By Randy Gurzi
Writer: Yuriy Andriyashchuk
Breakdown: The Falcons made quick work of the Rams in Los Angeles in the wild card round and now it’s on to Philadelphia to take on the Eagles. The Eagles will be without the services of starting quarterback Carson Wentz after he suffered an ACL tear last month.
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I expect this matchup to be a battle of defenses. Philadelphia has a very tough defensive line and that could cause some problems for Falcons running backs Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman up the middle. This will result in Matt Ryan resorting to the passing game and I think that Julio Jones is due for another big game.
For the Falcons’ defense, this is arguably the best that Atlanta has seen in the past decade. In the Falcons win vs the Rams, Los Angeles came in as the highest scoring offense in the NFL and Atlanta held them to only 13 points. The defense was also phenomenal to close the regular season vs the Carolina Panthers as they were limited to 10 points.
This game will be a low scoring affair. A combination of two stellar defenses along with the cold weather will both become factors. I think the Falcons will find a way to pull out a close one and take advantage of a struggling Nick Foles at QB for the Eagles.
Prediction: Falcons 20 Eagles 13