Our Atlanta Falcons vs. Baltimore Ravens prediction takes a look at the Week 16 matchup that features plenty of question marks surrounding the QB position. Let’s dive into the current NFL betting odds, key storylines to watch, and make a prediction for the game. Note that all odds are from DraftKings Sportsbook as of Monday, Dec. 19.
Falcons vs. Ravens Odds
- Spread
Ravens -7 - Moneyline
Ravens -320, Falcons +265 - Over/Under
37 points
Falcons vs. Ravens Prediction
The Falcons’ season seems like it’s been over for a long period of time, but due to the state of the NFC South, they could easily string together a couple of wins to end the year and find themselves hosting a playoff game.
At 5-9, Atlanta currently sits at the bottom of their division. Nevertheless, due to how the other teams have fared, the Falcons could easily jump up to the No. 1 seed with a couple of things going their way over the next three weeks.
With that being said though, they still have to win a couple of matchups down the stretch, and their offense’s performance in Week 15 doesn’t exactly instill a ton of confidence in that taking place.
Last week, Atlanta turned to their rookie QB Desmond Ridder for his first NFL start, and it wasn’t exactly the performance he or the Falcons were hoping to see. The former Cincinnati Bearcat QB went 13 of 26 passing with just 97 yards and no touchdowns with zero interceptions.
While the run game helped keep Atlanta’s game against New Orleans close, this team will need more from the QB position if they hope to compete against Baltimore. With the Ravens allowing just the third-fewest rushing yards per game this season, the Falcons could struggle to move the ball much at all this week.
The key to Atlanta winning this matchup and keeping their playoff hopes alive is dependent upon Ridder gaining confidence after his first NFL start and keeping the offense on track. He doesn’t need to come out and throw for 300 yards, but if Ridder can execute the offense and take care of the football, Atlanta has a chance of winning this game.
MORE: Early NFL Week 16 Predictions and Picks Against the Spread
As for the Ravens, they finally fell out of first place in the AFC North after their loss in Week 15 to the Cleveland Browns. Since Lamar Jackson left Week 13’s matchup with the Denver Broncos due to an injury, the Ravens have been unable to accomplish much on offense.
Over the past three weeks, Baltimore has just two total touchdowns on offense. Tyler Huntley has been unable to provide the same sort of spark to this team as Jackson, which is understandable, and Baltimore simply lacks the playmakers to compensate for it.
Against the Browns’ defense in Week 15, the Ravens found immense success on the ground with J.K. Dobbins. He’s been the lone bright spot on offense for this Baltimore team over the past two weeks, and he might have some help coming back this week if Jackson is cleared to return.
Early reports have signaled that Jackson will be active and in the starting lineup this week against the Falcons. If that is the case, Baltimore should remain heavy favorites, and we could see points flying up on the board against a Falcons defense that’s allowing the 11th-most points per game.
However, if Jackson isn’t cleared to return and Huntley is the starting QB again in Week 16, we could see Atlanta keep this game close. We may even potentially witness Baltimore be in danger of losing their Wild Card spot in the 2022 NFL playoffs.
Falcons vs. Ravens Score Prediction
Ravens 21, Falcons 14