Carolina Panthers Part Deux
Where: Bank of America Stadium
When: Sunday November 15th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Divisional Game
Importance: Serious Business. Duh, the only way to get the wild card is to sweep the Panthers.
Notes: The Panthers look much improved since we last saw them. Peppers has seemingly woken up and DeAngelo is continuing to prove his worth. Since the Falcons have a bit of an issue with road games, I'm a teensy bit nervous about this one. Prove me wrong, Birds!
The Falcons Win If: Michael Turner continues his one-man turf gobblin' show. Let's face it, Ryan, Gonzo, White, Lofton, Duff Man, Predator, Sledge, DeCoud, U.S.S. Babineaux, etc are amazing players, but Turner has been, at least the last two weeks, the heart of this team's ability to win.
The Panthers Win If: The Falcons continue to have issues stopping the run. The Redskins' rush looked competent against our D, especially in the third quarter. Can't let that happen against Carolina. They'll eat us alive.
Prediction: Falcons win a close one.
New York Giants
Where: Giants Stadium
When: Sunday November 22nd, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: To be the best, you have to beat the best, which seemingly no longer pertains to this contest.
Importance: Serious Business. If we want an amazing marquee road win, we need this one. Yes, we beat up the 49ers, but that win is looking less and less sharp in the waning months of the season. If we win against the Giants, that'll push them to 5-5.
Notes: Giants slid down again, losing their fourth game in a row; they'll teetering on a .500 record going into our contest two weeks from now. If the Falcons show up and play hard, we can push them over the edge.
The Falcons win if: They bring their A game to Giants Stadium. The Giants' D is not as scary as it once was and, if our defense can stop their rush and get adequate pressure on Eli, it will be a long, sad day for the G-Men.
The Giants win if: The team that won five in a row at the start of the season shows.
Prediction: The Falcons lose a tightly contested game.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Where: Georgia Dome
When: Sunday November 29th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Divisional Game
Importance: Serious Business.
Notes: Tampa somehow beat the Packers. Well, really, the Packers beat themselves. Still, Bucs are more or less rebuilding. The foundation isn't even dry yet. Expect the Falcons to put a few footprints in the concrete.
Prediction: Falcons stomp 'em.
Philadelphia Eagles
Where: Georgia Dome
When: Sunday December 6th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Because Eagles and Falcons are natural enemies.
Importance: Serious Business. Let's avenge 2004's playoff loss.
Notes: Up, down, up, down. That's the Eagles this year. Hopefully we get them on a down day.
Prediction: Falcons finally get their revenge.
New Orleans Saints 2: The Season Definer
Where: Georgia Dome
When: Sunday December 13th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Divisional Game
Importance: Serious Business. No more joking around. The Saints have the division title. A win here does, however, almost guarantee a wild-card berth. Prepare for another toughly contested game.
Notes: New Orleans will be 12-0 here. No doubt about it. Rams and Bucs up next? Yeah, they aren't losing those.
Prediction: Falcons win a very close one.
New York Jets
Where: Giants Stadium
When: Sunday December 20th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Because New Yorkers couldn’t get enough of us the first go round against the Giants.
Importance: Pay Attention
Notes: The Jets have posted wins against the Titans, Raiders, Texans, and Patriots (which, let's be honest, won't happen when they meet again). The Jets will likely be 7 and 4 here due in large part to a relatively easy schedule. However, I don't expect them to see much mercy from our Birds. Hopefully, whatever road shakes the Falcons have will have been fixed by this point in the season.
Prediction: Falcons win.
Buffalo Bills
Where: Georgia Dome
When: Sunday December 27th, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: CBS
Why: The Bills aren't looking too good. Uh oh...
Importance: Pay Attention.
Notes: As long as we show up, we've got this one.
Prediction: Falcons win by a touchdown or more
Tampa Bay Buccaneers With a Vengeance
Where: Raymond James Stadium
When: Sunday January 3rd, 2009 @ 1:00pm
Network: FOX
Why: Divisional Game
Importance: Hmm...
Notes: Tampa may have more to gain from this game than we would, and it's in their stadium to boot. Let's just say that the Falcons better not be looking past these swashbucklers this late in the season.
Prediction: Falcons win, barring any miracles for the struggling Bucs.
Current season record: 5-3 (Wins against MIA, CAR, SF, CHI, WAS; losses against NE, DAL, NO)
Current season prediction: 12-4 (Wins: MIA, CAR, SF, CHI, WAS, CAR, TB, PHI, NYJ, NO, BUF, TB; Loss: NE, DAL, NO, NYG)
tlozwarlock's Current Prediction record: 7-1 (I know the pitfall is coming soon. I'm just too dang positive).