It’s a match up in the Big Easy in a marquee game that could decide the NFC South crown as the Atlanta Falcons (9-5) take on the New Orleans Saints (10-4). Two weeks ago, Atlanta beat New Orleans 20-17.
Another win by the Falcons would give them the season sweep, and set up next week’s game against Carolina for the division title.
The Saints can wrap up the division with a win and a loss by Carolina at home to Tampa Bay.
Here are our picks for the game:
Jason Romano: Falcons 31 – Saints 27 – Atlanta is trying to regain that Super Bowl form from a year ago and I think this game opens the eyes of everyone in the NFC that the Falcons are for real and could be a problem come January.
UPSET: Tennessee Titans 29 – Los Angeles Rams 24 – The Rams might be the best team in the NFC, but the Titans are fighting for their playoff lives and are at home. I think Tennessee can pull off the upset.
Justin Adams: Saints 27 – Falcons 24 – The first time around, Atlanta held New Orleans to 50-yards rushing, well below the Saints season average (135.7 yards per game). That won’t happen again. The two-headed running back tandem of Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara will help push the Saints over the top.
UPSET: San Francisco 49ers 22 – Jacksonville 20 – I am a believer in Jimmy Garappolo and what’s he’s doing with the 49ers. He’ll face the best defense he’s seen all year in Jacksonville, but Garappolo will lead San Francisco to its fourth straight win.
Jon Ackerman: Saints 30 – Falcons 24 – Drew Brees and the league’s No. 1 offense (401.5 yards per game) will capitalize on this crucial divisional home game.
UPSET: Cleveland Browns 27 – Chicago Bears 21 – I just don’t want the Browns to go winless, and with Pittsburgh looming in their season finale, this is their last winnable game.
Last Week’s Game of the Week Pick Recap:
New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers
Actual Result: New England Patriots 27 – Pittsburgh Steelers 24
Predictions:
Jason Romano: Patriots 27 – Steelers 24 (49ers over Titans)
Justin Adams: Steelers 33 – Patriots 30 (Rams over Seahawks)
Jon Ackerman: Patriots 30 – Steelers 27 (Browns over Ravens)
Season Record: (Upset Picks Record in Parentheses)
Jason: 12-4 (3-8)
Justin: 8-8 (5-6)
Jon: 12-3 (2-8)
