Two teams fighting for playoff position will take the field this week in the latest edition of Sunday Night Football. The Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons are both looking to secure strong playoff seeding.
When these two teams take the field with a playoff-like atmosphere, who should you back to make a winning pick? Let’s take a look at the NFL odds and find out.
NFL Pick: Commanders -4 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Washington Commanders vs. Atlanta Falcons
Sunday, December 29, 2024 – 08:20 PM EST at Northwest Stadium
Team Previews
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons made a change at quarterback, going to rookie Michael Penix for his first NFL start when they took on the New York Giants last Sunday. The Falcons appeared to have made the right decision as they won 34-7 and Penix made plenty of strong throws to lead the Falcons to the victory. Although Penix did not have eye-popping stats, if you watch the game you could see Penix make plenty of throws that show he is ready to lead a playoff-caliber team. Now the Falcons will attempt to do it against a much tougher team.
Atlanta realized it had made a mistake in signing veteran Kirk Cousins, but will it be too little too late? Atlanta has plenty of top players, including running back Bijan Robinson, who had two touchdown runs against the Giants.
An injury to keep an eye on will be that of wide receiver Drake London, who suffered a hamstring injury in the second half against the New York Giants. Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said he doesn’t think the injury is serious, however, we will need to wait for London’s official designation.
Michael Penix had a pretty easy first start against the woeful Giants defense, and now he will face a much more competent team. If Penix continues to play well and put up good numbers, the Falcons have a serious chance to be a threat in the playoffs. We will see how he does, however, going against much tougher competition.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders had one of the most exciting games in Week 16 when they came back from a 13 point 4th quarter deficit to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 36-33. The win moved the Commanders to 10-5 on the year and made a statement that they can compete in the top echelon of the NFL.
Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels continued his campaign to be Rookie of the Year by throwing for five touchdowns in the win. Daniels made a statement with a 2-minute drive to end the game where he found Jamison Crowder wide open in the end zone for a touchdown with only 6 seconds left on the clock. Daniels’ precise throw and Crowder’s excellent catch ended the Eagles’ 10-game winning streak.
The Washington Commanders are 4th in points scored this year averaging 28.8 points per game. They are third in the league in rushing yards at 152.7 yards per game. They have the 5th overall ranked offense in the league averaging 373.5 yards per game. They will look to continue their current offensive streak of success against the Falcons’ 13th-rated defense that averages 335.4 yards per game allowed.
Key Matchup: Washington’s Defensive Line vs. Atlanta’s Offensive Line
Michael Penix looked good in his debut but he will face a much tougher task this week. Rookie quarterbacks usually struggle under pressure and Penix did not face a lot of pressure from the inept Giants defense. He will face a much tougher task this week against a Washington team that is gearing up for their playoff push.
The Falcons will also look to run the ball on the Commanders to relieve pressure on their rookie quarterback. Falcons running back Bijan Robinson has been excellent this year and the Falcons will need him to play well if they’re going to upset the Commanders. The Falcons offensive line needs to dominate in both running and passing plays.
The Pick
I like the Washington Commanders to get things done against the Falcons at home this week. The Falcons will be a dome team going outdoors and although Penix looked good in his debut, I think it will be tough for him to continue to play well as a rookie under such tough circumstances.
Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels has had all year to grow and learn through competition and on-field experience.
The Commanders are a much better team right now and will take advantage of their home field. While Michael Penix is good, Jayden Daniels is great. Take the Washington Commanders -4.
NFL Pick: Commanders -4 (-110) at Bet365Â
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