By Stephen Rodriguez – Wannamakeabet Staff Writer
Parlay of the Week: Atlanta – 8.5 /Carolina -4.5. 1000 units pays 2,600
First leg: Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons (-8.5)
The Atlanta Falcons moved into sole possession of the 6th seed in the NFC playoff picture after a Monday night victory against the Seattle Seahawks 34-31. Although the Falcons are 2-5 ATS in their last 7 games, last week included one of those victories. This week Atlanta begins a three-game home stand and will host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Each team has won two games in a row.
Atlanta’s struggling offense scored 30 points for the first time since week 3 and will look to continue against the Bucs who are a favorable matchup ranking 29th in total defense. The Falcons defense has also had a resurgence totaling 3 fumbles, 11 sacks, 3 Ints, and a touchdown during their two-game winning streak. With Jameis Winston out, look for the Falcons top 10 defense to give Ryan Fitzpatrick problems.
Atlanta’s next two opponents will be the Vikings and Saints, and will need to win this divisional game in order to keep pace in the NFC. Expect Matt Ryan and the defense to soar to three wins in a row.
Prediction: Falcons win 28-14
Second Leg: Pick of the Week: Carolina Panthers (-4.5) at New York Jets
With the point spread set at (-4.5), this matchup becomes a great ATS play for the Carolina Panthers. The Panthers appear to have caught stride winning three games in a row and are coming off their best outing of the season after dominating the Miami Dolphins 45-21. The Jets, on the other hand, are coming off one of their most disappointing losses of the year losing to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 15-10. Both teams are coming off a bye week which will benefit both sides in terms of health, but it doesn’t appear health will dictate the result of this game.
Something that will dictate this game is the Carolina defense. The Panthers rank 2nd in total defense and hold opponents to just 18.0 ppg; which ranks 5th in the NFL. If New York’s inability to score points against the Bucs is any indication for Sunday’s matchup, Josh McCown, and the offense will have a long day.
New York also have to worry about Cam Newton. During the three-game winning streak, Newton is averaging 75 rushing ypg and is coming off his best passing performance of the year throwing for 254 yards and 4 TDs. The Jets defense ranks 21st in total defense and give up 117.9 rushing ypg. Newton, Christian McCaffery, and Jonathan Stewart will be too much for the Jets defense.
Prediction: Panthers win 27-17
The coveted 4 team Parlay Ticket: 1000 unit wager pays 10,000 units
Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Atlanta Falcons (-8.5)
Carolina Panthers (-4.5) at New York Jets
Seattle Seahawks (-7) at San Francisco 49ers
Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals (-7.5)