The Atlanta Falcons (6-7) visit the Las Vegas Raiders (2-11) trying to break a four-game losing streak that cost them first place in the NFC South. Las Vegas is having its worst season in a decade. Our Falcons vs Raiders prediction is for favored Atlanta to cover the 5.5-point spread.
Head-to-head, Atlanta leads 8-7.
Offshore Odds: Atlanta is a Surprisingly Light Favorite
| Team | Spread | Money Line | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falcons | -5.5 (-110) | -250 | O 44.5 (-105) |
| Raiders | +5.5 (-110) | +210 | U 44.5 (-115) |
Atlanta Needs to Break Its Losing Streak
After Week 9, the Falcons were 6-3 and in first place in the NFC South. Their playoff spot seemed assured. Since then, however, they have lost four straight to drop from first place. Tampa Bay’s win over the Los Angeles Chargers puts Atlanta 1.5 games behind the Buccaneers. If they want to make a late run, they must start by beating the Raiders.
Atlanta has been having some bad luck in general, but their main problem is turnovers. In their last two losses to the Chargers and Vikings, they turned the ball over seven times. Earlier in the season, they won some close games they probably should have lost. This seems to be catching up to them.
Still, they have won the season series over Tampa, so if they manage to tie them, they win the division.
Quarterback Kirk Cousins has been playing fast and loose with the ball and his Achilles tendon injury from last season is making him even less mobile than he was before. There have been calls for head coach Raheem Morris to give rookie Michael Penix a shot, but he does not appear ready to do that.
If they cannot get back on track against Las Vegas, their season is likely over.
Las Vegas is Heading for Massive Changes
The Raiders have more questions than answers. That includes:
- How involved with part owner Tom Brady be in football ops?
- Will head coach Antonio Pierce be back?
- What are their plans in the 2025 NFL Draft when they could have the top pick?
- Will they trade away the few marketable players they have including Maxx Crosby?
They need a franchise quarterback and the late Al Davis would have been enamored of Shedeur Sanders in part because of his talent and in part because of his pedigree. But Al is no longer here and Mark Davis seems to defer to others in decision-making.
They have been moderately effective defensively in 2024, but their offense and turnovers have been the issue. Letting Josh Jacobs walk and injuries to running back Zamir White plus a leaky offensive line have left their running game impotent.
Falcons vs Raiders Prediction: Atlanta Will Win Easily
Atlanta will take out its frustrations on Las Vegas and easily cover the somewhat light 5.5-point spread. For one night at least, the Falcons will resemble the team they were early in the season.
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