Atlanta Falcons (4-10 SU, 5-9 ATS) vs. San Francisco 49ers (10-4 SU, 10-4 ATS)
NFL Week 16
Date and Time: Monday, December 23, 8:40pm
Where: Candlestick Park, San Francisco, CA
TV: ESPN
by Bob, Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: ATL +13/SF -13
Over/Under Total: 45
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This Monday night, the NFL will give us a rematch of last seasons NFC
Title Game when the Atlanta Falcons travel west to take
on the San Francisco 49ers. Of course, since the Falcons
are a disappointing 4-10 on the season, this game will not live up to the
hype we all thought it would back in August. With that said, San Fran is
still playing for a lot, trying to get a good playoff seeding for the NFC
postseason. San Francisco has not yet clinched a playoff berth, but it seems
that it will be a foregone conclusion soon. The Niners just need a win and
an Arizona loss to put it in the bag. Atlanta comes in at 4-10, but they
have won 2 of their last 3 games, and nearly pulled off a win over the Packers
in the Frozen Tundra just a couple of weeks ago. Where most teams call
it quits, you must give Mike Smith and the Falcons staff creditthey guys
have continued to fight hard. Fighting hard and winning two of three however,
hasnt made the books give Atlanta any love. The Dirty Birds come into San
Francisco has 13 point underdogs. The total points are set at 45 which tells
me the books and experts expect about a 31-17 type game with the Niners
getting the victory. But what should we have all learned by now? In the
NFL, Ya Neva Know!
San Francisco was just a few plays away from winning last years Super Bowl over the Ravens down in New Orleans. Coming into this season many experts, writers, and players felt they were the favorite to take home the NFC crown yet again. The Seahawks looked to be the more dominant team in the division, until the 49ers sent a message last week with their 19-17 over Seattle. That is now four straight wins for the Niners, and THEY are the ones trying to show they are the team to beat. Not only have they won four in a row, they have actually been on the winning side in nine of their last eleven games. The two losses were hard fought battles with Carolina and New Orleans and the total margin of loss for those two were only four points. San Francisco is the real deal. The only concern is their passing game which ranks 30th in all of the NFL. If anyone stops their run, scores over 24, and plays solid D, San Fran could be in trouble. The only thing is, this has only happened four times in fourteen games, so they are obviously doing something right.
QUIT WASTING MONEY! STOP LAYING
-110 ODDS ON GAMES; START LAYING ONLY -105 AT 5DIMES
The Falcons come in hurting, but as of late they have shown some heart and pride playing very hard and not calling it quits on the season. The Falcons were poised for the top pick in the NFL draft but rather than tank it, they did the admirable thing and decided to play footballI like that. With that being said, Matt Ryan has done as good of a job as he can seeing as how his offensive line is the worst in the NFL, and his top playmaker, Julio Jones has not played since week five against the Jets. The Falcons have still managed to be one of the top passing teams in all of the NFL, but that is because they flat out cannot run the ball. The O Line lacks fight, strength, and that push a running-back needs to be successful. I have never seen a team struggle so bad in the trenches before. Atlanta would love to play spoiler and make the Niners work even harder to make the post season, but I just dont know if its possible. How would the Falcons be able to do this? RUN.THEBALL. San Fran will give up some yards to Matt Ryan, but he will not be able to do it on his own. He will need a balanced attack in order for the Falcons to be able to truly stand a chance.
Bobs Pick to Cover the Point Spread: 13 points is a lot to lay in an NFL game, especially a prime time game on national television. Apparantley though, 71% of gamblers think that is the smart move. Lots of money is being laid on the 49ers to make light work of the Falcons. I dont see it that way. Lets fade these guys. Do I think Atlanta wins this game? Probably not, but I do believe they will compete and make it a good game. The Niners will win this game 23-13 but that will be just enough for Atlanta to cover the spread. PICK ATLANTA +13
