Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Commanders 2024 NFL Odds, Time, and Prediction

The Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Commanders game at Northwest Stadium (a.k.a. FedEx Field) carries significant playoff implications for both teams. If the hosts win, they will clinch their spot in the postseason.

Such a scenario would mean bad news for the Falcons, whose playoff chance would drop to 36%. But if the visitors from Georgia win on Sunday evening, the number will go up to 85%.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Commanders Week 17 Odds

407 players claimed the offer this month

50% up to $1000

bet now

When, Where, and How to Watch?

• Place: Northwest Stadium in Landover, Maryland
• Date: Sunday, December 29, 2024
• Time: 8:20 p.m. ET
• How to Watch: NBC

Atlanta Falcons’ Top Prey is the NFC South Title

The Atlanta Falcons have set eyes on the divisional title, which they haven’t won since 2016. They have an identical record as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but they’ve done better than them in divisional matchups. What this means is that if they finish with the same record, the Falcons will win the NFC South title.

They have an advantage, but this doesn’t mean their job is finished. On the contrary, they need to keep on winning to win the division and secure the playoff berth. If they beat the Commanders on Sunday, they’ll come very close to achieving that. And if the Bucs lose to the Panthers the same day, they’ll secure the title even before the final game week of the regular season.

Beating the Commanders won’t be easy, though. After all, they haven’t done it since 2018. On the bright side for the Falcons is that they’ve got momentum right now. They won their last two games, with their most recent outing resulting in an offensive masterclass.

The reason why this is somewhat surprising is that their starting quarterback in the 34:7 demolition job against the New York Giants wasn’t Kirk Cousins. Instead, it was rookie quarterback Michael Penix Jr., who went 118-for-27 for 202 yards. He didn’t throw any touchdowns, and one of his passes got intercepted, meaning that there is room for improvement.

But second-year running back Bijan Robinson stepped up and saved the day with two rushing touchdowns. Their defense also did a fine job that day. Actually, Atlanta’s defensive team has done very well over the last four weeks, recording 16 sacks in the last four games, as well as keeping the opposition to under 17 points in three of those.

Reasons Why the Commanders are Favored to Win

Betting odds favor the Commanders due to their home-field advantage, recent form, and the fact that they’re a win away from securing a Wild Card entry to the postseason. Their record is 10-5, so they’ll probably get to the playoffs no matter what. Still, they do want to keep on winning.

These guys won their last three games, scoring 98 points along the way. In their most recent game, they defeated their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles 36:33. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was incredible in that game, throwing five touchdowns and rushing for 81 yards in that game.

He’s a Swiss army knife of a quarterback who poses a dual threat to Atlanta’s defense. However, the Commanders seem to be relying on his way too much. But that’s because some of their key runners (e.g., Austin Ekeler) are out with injuries.

Atlanta Falcons vs. Washington Commanders Week 17 Prediction

The Falcons vs. Commanders is going to be a fun game as both teams are in great shape, and both are hungry for wins. The Commanders are, hands down, the better team, but we don’t think they’ll blow out the Falcons. In fact, we doubt they’re going to cover the 4-point spread.

Pick: Atlanta Falcons +4