*Each week AtlantaFalcons.com contributing writer Daniel Cox examines the NFL experts and their Falcons picks and compiles it all to see who believes the most in the Atlanta Falcons. ESPN's Mark Schlereth and ProFootballTalk.com's Gregg Rosenthal remain tied for the "league" lead at 9-1. Ten of the 16 pundits selected the Falcons this week to defeat the Packers. *
It's being billed as Week 12's best game, as it should be.
A matchup between two of the hottest teams in the NFC ... nay, the NFL pits the Packers traveling across the country to meet the Falcons, a game that could be a preview of a playoff contest.
But that's getting a little ahead of ourselves. Let's say it'll be a playoff-like atmosphere at the Georgia Dome on Sunday.
The overwhelming opinion and a statement used by more than one pundit in writing about this game is this:
"Something's got to give."
Two teams evenly matched, playing at a high level and not turning over the ball ... well, they're right.
But enough about the game on the field. Let's review the pundits' game.
Sitting in last place with a 5-5 record is one of ESPN's finest, Adam Schefter. After weeks of picking against the Falcons, he may finally be on the bandwagon.
The shocking pick of the week comes from ProFootballTalk's Gregg Rosenthal. He's normally skipping through game weeks holding the Falcons' hands. In short, he's a big fan.
But not this week. He's putting his Falcons love and his 9-1 record on the line and picking Green Bay.
With him at the top is ESPN's Mark Schlereth who is also picking Green Bay.
There's a log jam in a close second, with AccuScore — who has the Packers winning — among them.
Another week, another chance for the Falcons to show the computer who's boss.
"Everyone ignores the Falcons, one of three 8-2 teams in the NFL. They win by average scores, they win at home and they ...Well, they just don't *seem *like a power. But they're pretty good. So are the Packers, who already have shut out the Jets in the Meadowlands. The same Packers who are getting healthier. The same Packers who ... you get the idea." - Dave Goldberg, AOL Fanhouse's NFL Picks Week 12
* "The Falcons have been unbeatable at home, and the Packers have been dominant. On Sunday, something has to give. Given that the Falcons ... managed to beat the Ravens, a better overall team than the Packers, we'll defer to the home team in a game that could go a long way toward determining where the possible postseason rematch will occur." - Mike Florio, ProFootballTalk.com's Week 12 picks
* "Game of the Week, by far. Great battle between two of the game's top 10 quarterbacks. Aaron Rodgers 260 yards per game, Matt Ryan 250. Rodgers .641 completion rate, Ryan .631. The difference here? The Green Bay corners. Tramon Williams and Charles Woodson will give Ryan his toughest day of the year so far." - Peter King, SI.com's Weekend Pickoff
* "The winner has the inside track for home field through the NFC playoffs. If you don't think that's a big deal, check the difference in January forecasts between a dome and Fond Du Lac. Not feeling real solid on this but Matt Ryan is 18-1 at home. So: Birds win." -Jeff Schultz,
Top News
