Falcons vs Eagles, Saturday at 4:35 on NBC

Ian’s Take:

This should be a very good match up. Even with Nick Foles starting for the Eagles, I think this game will come down to the wire. With that said, the Falcons should come out on top after going 6-2 in their last 8 and knocking off the Rams in impressive fashion. The Falcons defense looking quite impressive holding the Rams rapid offense to only 13 points along with a very experienced Matt Ryan running the show, the Falcons should be able to handle the Eagles in Philly.

Falcons 24-17 Eagles

Wyatt’s Take

Never has there been a number one seed in a conference get so slighted going into a first playoff game like the Eagles have been leading up to Saturday. The Falcons are the six seed, and are three point favorites while on the road in Philadelphia. Rightfully so, the Eagles starting quarterback Carson Wentz went down with an ACL injury that put him out for the rest of the year, and it has been up to backup Nick Foles to now lead them through the playoffs. In the past three weeks, the Eagles have gotten exposed through the air defensively at times, and have struggled to move the ball consistently with Nick Foles in at QB. This game is not going to be pass heavy; both the Falcons (Devonta Freeman) and the Eagles (Jay Ajayi) rely heavily on the run, and whichever team wins the battle up front I think is going to come out with this one. One thing to look for is Julio Jones against the Eagles secondary, he is a top three receiver in the league and if Matt Ryan gets in a rhythm, that offense can be scary

Falcons 23-13 Eagles

Riley’s Take:

The Eagles would have been the favorites for this game if Carson Wentz hadn’t gone down with a torn ACL injury in week 14, But the Falcons seem to be hitting their stride at the perfect time this year, having won 3 of their last 4, dating back to the regular season. I think the Atlanta defense will shut down Jay Ajayi and the Eagle offense.

Falcons 24-20 Eagles

Varun’s Take:

The Eagles haven’t been able to get anything going on offense recently. The Falcons have no such issues, as their dynamic playmakers are capable of taking over any game. On defense, the Eagles have a dynamic pass rush but lackluster linebackers and an average secondary that will be exploited by Matt Ryan and his weapons. The Falcons defense is extremely fast, with linebacker Deion Jones making a case as the best MLB in the league, and they should be able to shut down the Eagles offense while their offense has a field day.

Falcons 24-10