The Atlanta Falcons (6-7) are gearing up to take on the Las Vegas Raiders (2-11) on Monday, December 16, 2024, at Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. The game kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET. Both teams are having a tough time, with the Falcons stuck in a four-game losing streak and the Raiders facing a nine-game slump. This game is really important for Atlanta as they try to stay in the playoff race, while the Raiders are just looking to finish the season on a high note.
Atlanta Falcons
Record: 6-7
Last Game: Lost to the Minnesota Vikings (42-21)
The Falcons kicked off the season looking good, with a solid offense powered by quarterback Kirk Cousins and rookie running back Bijan Robinson. But lately, things have taken a turn for the worse. In their last matchup against Minnesota, Cousins had a rough outing, tossing two picks and not managing to score. In fact, over the last four games, he’s thrown eight interceptions, which has people wondering about his judgment when the heat is on.
Robinson is still a standout for Atlanta’s offense, even with the hurdles they face. He’s racking up more than 100 rushing yards each game and is doing well both on the ground and as a pass-catcher from the backfield. The Falcons really need to get their running game going early against the Raiders to take some pressure off Cousins and open up chances for big plays down the field.
Las Vegas Raiders
Record: 2-11
Last Game: Lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (28-13)
The Raiders’ season has been a rollercoaster ride, filled with ups and downs, especially due to injuries. Their offense has really had a tough time, especially with the running game, where they sit at the bottom of the league. Quarterback Gardner Minshew has had his fair share of struggles too, tossing nine touchdowns but also racking up ten interceptions, which has made it hard for the team to put points on the board.
Las Vegas’s defense has had its moments, but it tends to get exposed when opponents put together long offensive drives. They’ll really need to tighten up against an Atlanta offense that can light up the scoreboard if they’re allowed to operate freely.
Key Matchups
Kirk Cousins vs. Raiders Secondary
Cousins will have to deal with a Raiders secondary that can be tricky; they’ve had their moments of making big plays but also have some coverage breakdowns. If Cousins gets into a groove early and links up with his receivers—especially Drake London and Kyle Pitts—Atlanta might just take advantage of some holes in Las Vegas’s defense.
Raiders’ Offensive Line vs. Falcons’ Pass Rush
The success of Las Vegas’s offensive line is super important for keeping Minshew or whoever’s under center safe. The Falcons’ pass rush, spearheaded by Grady Jarrett and Arnold Ebiketie, will be eager to take advantage of any slip-ups in protection. If they can keep the pressure on, it might create chances for turnovers and scoring for Atlanta.
Betting Odds
The Falcons are coming into this game as four-point favorites, and the over/under is around 44 points. With both teams having a tough season, experts are expecting a tight game that could see a lot of scoring because of some shaky defenses.
Sports Betting Ace’s Final Score Prediction: Atlanta Falcons: 25 – Las Vegas Raiders: 22
This forecast takes into account how both teams are playing right now and points out that even though Atlanta has the edge, the unpredictable nature of NFL games might throw in some surprises.
With both teams eager to snap their losing streaks, this game offers a fascinating chance for Atlanta to pick up some steam in their playoff pursuit, while the Raiders aim to restore some pride in front of their fans. With important players coming back and changes happening on both ends, this matchup could be crucial for both teams as they focus on the rest of the season.