The Kirk Cousins era is already over in Atlanta, as the Falcons will start rookie Michael Penix Jr. in Sunday’s Giants vs. Falcons matchup at 1:00 p.m. ET. Will Penix lead the Falcons to a win and a 10-point cover in his first NFL start?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
New York Giants (+10) at Atlanta Falcons (-10); o/u 43
Mercedes Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday, December 22, 2024
Giants vs. Falcons Public Betting: Bettors Leaning Towards Atlanta
Our NFL Public Betting Information page indicates that 53% of public bettors are currently backing the Falcons when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Burns questionable to face Falcons
Brian Burns (ankle) is questionable for Week 16 against the Falcons. Two of the Giants’ best remaining defenders are questionable to play this week. Burns managed just one limited practice (Friday) while CB Deonte Banks (rib) remained limited all week. Both players are at risk of missing Michael Penix’s first career start, elevating his fantasy-scoring potential.
London added to injury report for Atlanta
Drake London (knee) was added to Friday’s injury report but will play in Week 16 against the Giants. In a strange turn of events, London was added to Friday’s injury report with a knee injury but carries no game status in the Falcons’ Week 16 matchup against the Giants. Fantasy managers should expect London to play but following news closely is a recommended course of action.
Giants vs. Falcons Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Giants’s last 5 games when playing on the road against Atlanta
Over/Under has gone UNDER in 5 of NY Giants’s last 5 games when playing Atlanta
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 5 games when playing at home against NY Giants
The total has gone UNDER in 5 of Atlanta’s last 5 games when playing NY Giants
Giants vs. Falcons Prediction:
Take Atlanta. Cousins was a f*cking disaster the past four weeks. His poor play likely cost the Falcons the NFC South but credit the team for realizing that their playoff hopes are on the line and made the move to Penix. (I’m not saying the Falcons have handled any of this well, but at least they finally recognized what everyone else saw: Cousins is done.)
One of the biggest issues with the Falcons’ offense with Cousins under center is that he can’t move. Offensive coordinator Zac Robinson had Cousins in the Piston Formation nearly every down so that he could move just quick enough to hand the ball off in their zone scheme. Toss in dimensioned arm strength and absolutely horrendous decision making and this is how you get a Falcons offense scoring only 15 points against a Maxx Crosby-less Raiders team on Monday night. It was pathetic.
Penix won’t be perfect. He’ll make mistakes, too. But at least the rookie moves well and he’s 24 with a ton of experience from college. As Bo Nix or Brock Purdy if that matters. He’ll also face a horrendous Giants team that has been checked out for over a month. On top of that, Atlanta’s defense has quietly played better over the past four weeks (save for an ugly performance in Minnesota). That’s one of the things that makes sticking with Cousins so frustrating for Falcons fans. They should have had the NFC South wrapped up by now.
Giants vs. Falcons NFL Prediction: Atlanta Falcons -10