The Atlanta Falcons Week 16 matchup against the Detroit Lions provides the perfect opportunity for the Falcons to climb back into the playoff chase. They are coming off a blowout loss to the San Francisco 49ers, 31-13. It was humbling for a team trying to sneak in, but they should not be deterred. The 49ers might be the hottest team in the NFL right now.
With the loss last week, the Falcons are 6-8. However, they are still only a game behind the Minnesota Vikings who currently hold the final wild card spot. Granted, there are a lot of teams between the Falcons and Vikings. But a win nonetheless would put Atlanta right back into the thick of the race.
For more insight on the Falcons' Week 16 matchup against the Lions, listen below:
Here are the Atlanta Falcons Week 16 bold predictions.
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Falcons Week 16 Predictions
4. Cordarrelle Patterson gets back on track
The Atlanta Falcons appeared to solve the enigma known as Cordarrelle Patterson this season. Patterson was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the first round of the 2013 NFL Draft. He is on his 5th team in nine seasons. Patterson has appeared to be a massive bust for much of that time.
In his first season with the Falcons, he found a perfect fit. Atlanta uses him as both a running back and a wide receiver. Patterson has over 500 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving. He also has 10 total touchdowns, five each way. That is amazing versatility. Yet, he has been slowed lately.
In the loss to the 49ers, Patterson was held to 18 yards rushing on 11 carries and only five receiving yards. But he is staring at the perfect game to get right. The Detroit Lions rush defense has struggled all season. The Lions rank 28th in the NFL, allowing 133 rushing yards per game. Once Patterson gets going on the ground, that should open up the air yards as well.
3. Matt Ryan throws for over 300 yards, but only 1 touchdown
It would make a lot of sense for Atlanta to lean on the running game Sunday. As I mentioned, the Lions can't stop anyone on the ground. But any team that gets gashed over and over eventually have to move their safeties down into the box. Once that happens, I look for Matt Ryan to expose the secondary and take some shots.
Matty Ice has always played better in the friendly confines of Atlanta. Darius Slay will cause some problems for Ryan, especially in the red zone. But I look for Ryan and wide receiver Russell Gage to hook up quite often Sunday.
2. Russell Gage puts up another big game
Earlier in the season, Pro Bowl wide receiver Calvin Ridley shocked the football world. He announced he was stepping away from football for mental health reasons.
That left the team without a true top option at wide receiver. But over the last five weeks, Russell Gage has taken on a prominent role in this offense. He has received 8, 7, 12, 6 and 12 targets. That's among the league leaders in terms of looks every week.
Gage has also produced when given the chance with 396 yards receiving and two touchdowns. He has the playmaking ability to change a game.
"Russell Gage, keep ballin" @ochocinco increased his Madden rating 📈 pic.twitter.com/zjf3RF8WQF
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) December 23, 2021
Gage draws a tough assignment against the Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay. But I expect the Falcons to scheme up ways to get the ball in Gage's hands. Gage and rookie tight end Kyle Pitts are the primary options for Matt Ryan through the air and both should do well Sunday.
1. Falcons defense records 2 sacks and 2 turnovers
The Detroit Lions are coming off one of the most unexpected results of the entire NFL season. They defeated the Arizona Cardinals 30-12, for their 2nd win on the year. Typically a team like Detroit, that might only win a couple games per year, struggle after a win.
Prime example is a few weeks ago. The Lions defeated the Minnesota Vikings 29-27 on a walk-off field goal. The following week, they got blown out 38-10 by the Denver Broncos.
Coming off a huge win against the Cardinals, I expect a poor effort from Detroit Sunday. The Falcons defense at times has looked good this season. They should feast against the lackluster Lions offense led by Jared Goff.
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