Falcons vs. Raiders Expert Pick
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons have dropped four in a row and have lost control of the NFC South. Their injury report is relatively clean. Wide receiver Darnell Mooney (foot) was limited on Thursday, along with safety Jessie Bates (shoulder). Read more Falcons vs. Raiders expert pick.
Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are eliminated from playoff contention and are playing for a better draft pick (to hopefully draft Shadeur Sanders). Quarterback Aidan O’Connell (knee) did not practice Thursday but could still suit up this week. Defensive end Maxx Crosby (ankle) also missed Thursday’s practice.
Atlanta Falcons vs. Las Vegas Raiders Head-To-Head
Two players for the Raiders should give them hope for next season. Sincere McCormick earned the starting running back job after an impressive performance last week. He ran 15 times for 78 yards and caught two passes for 11 yards. The other player is Jakobi Meyers. He is the only wide receiver since 2000 with 95+ targets with zero drops. I do not think they will make a difference this week, especially if Desmond Ridder starts.
Kirk Cousins has been the source of trouble for the Falcons recently. He has eight interceptions in his last four games, all without a passing touchdown. He has to play better if the Falcons want to win the division. It could be the week he turns things around. The Raiders have allowed 265.3 passing yards per game over their last three games. They have also allowed 24 passing touchdowns this season. If he does not perform this week, the Falcons’ playoff hopes may vanish.
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Prediction
Over/Under
The total for this game is surprisingly high, given the teams’ situations. I am going to take the over. Cousins should produce this week, and Bijan Robinson will be the centerpiece. Over 44
Spread
The Vikings are the better team in all facets of the game, but they failed to cover as a 3.5-point favorite in Chicago. They should perform better at home and win by more than a touchdown
The Falcons are in a must-win scenario and could face Desmond Ridder, whom they know well. I expect the Falcons to bounce back this week and potentially take hold of the division if the Buccaneers lose. Falcons -4
Player Prop
Bijan Robinson is averaging 106 total yards per game. He is the catalyst of this offense, and they have been giving him the ball recently. He has had 26 and 22 carries in the past two games against tough matchups. I expect him to run wild against this defense. Bijan Robinson Over 81.5 Rushing Yards -115
