Atlanta Falcons (5-9) vs. Baltimore Ravens (9-5)
December 24, 2022 1:00 pm EDT
The Line: Baltimore Ravens -7 / Atlanta Falcons +7 ; Over/Under: 41
(Get latest betting odds)
The Atlanta Falcons and the Baltimore Ravens meet Saturday in NFL action from M&T Bank Stadium. Atlanta is currently 5-9 overall. The Falcons lost to New Orleans in their last game. As for Baltimore they’re 9-5 after a loss to Cleveland last weekend. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.
Atlanta started out their year at 3-3, then took losses to the Bengals, Chargers and Panthers over the next four games. The Falcons have since gone 1-3 with losses to the Commanders, Steelers and Saints.
On Sunday versus the Saints, the Falcons took a 14-3 deficit into the second half. Atlanta outscored New Orleans 15-7 from there but still lost 21-18. Tyler Allgeier did most of the offensive work with 17 carries for 139 rush yards and a touchdown.
Over on the Baltimore side, they started out the year at 3-3 as well, then took wins over the Browns, Bucs, Saints and Panthers over the next four. Baltimore is 2-2 in their last quartet, losing to the Jaguars and Browns.
Back on Saturday versus Cleveland, Baltimore posted a lone field goal in the first half. The Ravens were shut down in the second and finished with a 13-3 defeat. Tyler Huntley threw for 138 yards and a pick, while JK Dobbins rushed for 125 yards on 13 carries.
Atlanta is 4-1 ATS in their last five Saturday games and 8-2 ATS in their last 10 in Week 16. The Falcons are 5-2 ATS in their last seven on turf.
Meanwhile, the Ravens are 12-4 ATS in the last 16 in December and 5-2 ATS in their last seven in Week 16. Baltimore is 1-4 ATS in their last five overall.
PICK: I’m going to stick with the Ravens. Baltimore has been struggling mightily on offense with just two touchdowns in three games since QB Lamar Jackson’s knee injury. The good news for the Ravens is that Jackson is on track for a return against the Falcons; the bad news is that he may be limited performance-wise as he gets back to game form.
That said, if Baltimore can keep Atlanta’s offense in check the Ravens should be fine. The Falcons posted a tepid 320 total yards (89 passing) in their loss to a struggling Saints team last weekend. Atlanta hasn’t surpassed 18 points for three straight games so it shouldn’t take much to get out front in this one.
