The Atlanta Falcons travel to Landover, Maryland Sunday night for an NFC playoff contenders showdown with the Commanders. It’s the latest in the season that two top 10 rookie quarterback picks have ever matched up during the season while still in playoff contention. Kickoff is set for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC. Let’s take a look at this Falcons-Commanders preview and predictions.
The Falcons turned over the keys to the franchise to their #8 overall draft pick, quarterback Michael Penix last week after benching Kirk Cousins. Penix had a good day leading the Falcons to a 34-7 win over the Giants. He went 18/27 for 202 yards and an interception. The Falcons hold the keys to their own destiny as the leader of the NFC South and are currently the fourth seed in the NFC playoffs.
The Commanders hold the seventh and final seed in the NFC currently with a record of 10-5. They’ve won three games in a row, including a huge victory over the NFC East-leading Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday. The Commanders’ road to the playoffs is a strong one, they’d need more help to miss than to make it at this point. They’ll clinch a playoff spot with a win on Sunday Night.
Atlanta Falcons at Washington Commanders Preview and Predictions Video
Atlanta Falcons at Washington Commanders Preview and Predictions
Michael Penix Jr Over .5 Interceptions (-110)
This is the true welcome to the NFL week for Michael Penix. Last week against a JV Giants team that your local high school team could beat in their current version was a great way to get Penix’s feet wet. Even despite the lack of quality of the team they played against, the Giants still managed to get an interception of the rookie. The Commanders have six interceptions this season, and they’ve done it against subpar quarterbacks like Byrce Young and Jake Haener. Expect them to take full advantage of the rookie and capitalize on picking him off at least once.
Washington Commanders -3.5 (-120)
Taking advantage of, and welcoming Penix to the NFL is the building blocks of the Commanders winning this game. Dan Quinn and company will confuse and disturb the rookie to make him uncomfortable. Washington has been one of the better teams on the season against the spread with a 9-5-1 ATS record. Atlanta on the other hand has been just 6-8-1 ATS. While both playoff contenders, this is a clear-cut case of one team being better than the other and also being the home team. Commander roll on Sunday Night Football.
