Philadelphia Eagles (-5-5) @ Atlanta Falcons
Sunday, December 6, 1:00 p. m. ET
Normally, the Eagles and Falcons would be an exciting game to watch, but this game is shaping up as an online sportsbook rout for Philadelphia. The Falcons don’t defend well; they rank lower in total yards allowed than any other team with a winning record. Even without DeSean Jackson, Donovan McNabb can burn Atlanta’s secondary using Jeremy Maclin and Jason Avant.
The Falcons won’t keep up offensively, either. Matt Ryan is out with a toe injury, Michael Turner aggravated his ankle sprain and left tackle Sam Baker may not play either. Backup quarterback Chris Redman did an admirable job taking the Falcons downfield to beat Tampa Bay last week but the Eagles, who love to blitz, are a much bigger challenge. Philly should dominate.
NFL betting pick: Eagles -5.5
Baltimore Ravens @ Green Bay Packers (-3)
Sunday, December 6, 8:35 p.m. ET
It was clear after last season that Aaron Rodgers was an All-Pro-caliber quarterback so it’s no surprise that he’s been dominant this season. But who saw Green Bay’s NFC-best defense coming? The Pack were expected to have growing pains as they converted to a 3-4 scheme under Dom Capers but have adjusted quickly against both the run and the pass. Charles Woodson has been amazing, winning Defensive Player of the Month twice already. Against a possibly hobbled Joe Flacco, who sometimes struggles with his reads, the Packers could get some takeaways.
Baltimore defends the run very well and likes to blitz but they haven’t been a particularly effective group all season. The Ravens let Dennis Dixon make several big plays on them in his first NFL start at Baltimore. What, then, will Rodgers do to the Ravens secondary at Lambeau Field? This matchup favors the Pack just as Florida Alabama betting picks will trend toward Tim Tebow and the Gators.
NFL betting pick: Packers -3