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Philadelphia Eagles at Atlanta Falcons NFL Predictions & Odds

Written by Jimmy Boyd on December 2, 2009

The 7-4 Philadelphia Eagles take on the 6-5 Atlanta Falcons this Sunday at the Georgia Dome in a Week 13 NFC showdown. Last week, the Eagles used a fourth quarter rally to defeat the Redskins 27-24. Meanwhile, the Falcons survived Tampa Bay 20-17 despite losing running back Michael Turner and quarterback Matt Ryan to injuries. These teams last met last season with the Eagles winning 27-14 behind a big day from Brian Westbrook. That win was the Eagles’ sixth in the last seven meetings to take a 15-11-1 lead in the all-time tilt. NFL odds makers expect Philly to keep its recent stranglehold on this matchup, listing the Eagles as 5.5-point favorites with the total set at 44.

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Falcons backup QB Chris Redman played all but one series against the Bucs last week after Ryan left with a toe injury in the first quarter. He was able to lead the Falcons to a victory, but he faces a much tougher task this week against the Eagles blitzing defense. How he is able to handle the blitz will go a long way toward decided the outcome of this one.

The good news is the Falcons are at home where they have been terrific over the past two seasons. They are 5-0 straight up and 4-1 against the spread at home this season and they will look to use that strong home field advantage to pull off the small upset Sunday.

With the offense hampered by the injury to Ryan, the defense will have to step up. The Falcons could use a big game from former eighth overall draft pick Jamaal Anderson. While Anderson has started 42 of 43 games since entering the league, he has only 2.5 career sacks and one forced fumble. With John Abraham not getting to the QB with the regularity we are used to seeing, it would be nice to see Anderson pick up the slack Sunday. It is worth noting that the home team is 5-2 ATS in the last 7 meetings. If you like home field to prevail Sunday, bet the Falcons at +5.5 at Bodog.

If the playoffs started today Philly would be in as a Wild Card team, but the Eagles want that NFC East Division crown. At just one game behind Dallas, they are certainly within striking distance. The Eagles have dealt with plenty of injuries this season, but their young guys have stepped in and stepped up to keep them among the elite teams in the NFC. Running back LeSean McCoy has come up big while Brian Westbrook has battled injuries, and he leads all NFC rookies with 528 rushing yards. With big play receiver DeSean Jackson listed as doubtful Sunday after suffering a concussion, the Eagles will need rookie wide receiver Jeremy Maclin to step up this week. Maclin has 42 catches for 540 yards and four touchdowns this season and he could really make a name for himself this week as he goes up against Atlanta’s 27th ranked pass defense. It is worth noting that the Eagles are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 road games versus a team with a winning home record. If you like Philly to get the job done on the road this week, bet the Eagles at -5.5 at Bodog.

Take your man to the cleaners Sunday with winning football picks on the pro gridiron from World Champion Handicapper Jimmy Boyd!

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