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The NFL is a week-to-week league. Pretty much any team is capable of looking like a world-beater before laying an egg the very next game, or vice versa.
Sometimes, the opponent plays a key part in that role reversal, and I believe we have such a scenario for “Monday Night Football.”
The Falcons seemingly have the perfect opponent in the Raiders to snap their four-game losing streak and get back in the division race.
Falcons quarterback Kirk Cousins has not thrown a single TD pass during this skid while tallying eight interceptions.
It’s been so grim that some have called for rookie Michael Penix Jr. to replace the 13-year veteran and four-time Pro Bowler.
But with Raiders stud pass rusher Maxx Crosby being ruled out, Cousins should be able to thrive against a weak defense. He has a plethora of weapons in Bijan Robinson, Drake London, Darnell Mooney and Kyle Pitts, and without Crosby applying pressure, I believe Cousins will get back on track.
Falcons vs. Raiders odds
Falcons vs. Raiders prediction
Antonio Pierce is fighting for job at 2-11 this year. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters Con
The betting market began to move the point spread from four to 5.5 in favor of Atlanta once reports surfaced that Desmond Ridder looked like he would start over the injured Aidan O’Connell. The stage is set.
Backing a home underdog on “Monday Night Football” is never a bad idea.
The Raiders will not roll over. They will play hard, and coach Antonio Pierce needs to finish the season strong to solidify his job.
But the Raiders are 2-11 for a reason, and it is because of a talent deficiency on both sides of the ball.
Ridder is extremely limited and this offense has only mustered more than 20 points three times this year.
Kirk Cousins is also on the hot seat after poor play. USA TODAY Sports via Reuters ConBetting on the NFL?
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Their season-high is 26 points — when they had a fairly competent quarterback in Gardner Minshew. The drop-off to Ridder is massive.
So as much as I think Vegas will feed off the crowd’s energy and put up a fight, I just think Atlanta’s offensive weapons will provide too much firepower.
PICK: Falcons -6 (-110, ESPN BET)
Why Trust New York Post Betting
Doug Kezirian is a New York Post contributor who has over two decades of experience in the betting space, including spending 11 years at ESPN as a host, columnist and betting analyst. He’s also the rare personality who has documented success – 14th place in 2023 Circa Million and Las Vegas SuperContest ($37K), two top-10 finishes in 2022 William Hill College Football Challenge ($58K) and also grabbed headlines with a $297K win on the 2021 NFL Draft.
