Joe D'Amico's NFL Falcs/Lions ESPN Winner

Atlanta vs. Detroit, 12/22/2012 20:30 EDT, Score: 31 - 18

Point Spread: -3½/-110 Atlanta

Sportsbook: BETONLINE

Result: Win

Saturday's winner is Atlanta overt Detroit.

Don't over-think this game. With a win here, Atlanta gets a first round bye and can rest next week. Not only that, but they will earn the NFC's top seed. The Falcons came back LW to decimate the Giants, 34-0. This is a team that has faced and beat some of the NFLs best. Matt Ryan and the air assault is the real deal. We all know how stacked his receiving corps is, but the QB has 4202 YP and 27 TDs. The big news is that the offense has run the ball successfully of late. Outside of their two losses, the defense hasn't allowed more than 28 all season. When your coach announces to the media that "the ship has sailed" all hope is gone. The Lions lost 6 straight (1-5 ATS) and have given up 32 PPG. Matt Stafford is sinking. The QB has lost15 INTs. There is no ground game to off-set the pass. And barring Johnson, the team has no air-threat. Take Atlanta. Thank you.