Atlanta Falcons at Washington Commanders: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 12 matchup
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The Atlanta Falcons (5-6) and Washington Commanders (6-5) tangle for playoff positioning on Sunday.
The Commanders are peaking at the right time. They have won five out of their last six games and clicking in all three phases. Commanders quarterback Taylor Heinicke has provided a spark, but Washington's defense deserves praise. They allowed 10 points last week and could get star Chase Young back on Sunday.
The Falcons will be without tight end Kyle Pitts. It's a big loss to the play-action passing game. Atlanta will rely on its third-ranked rushing attack led by Cordarrelle Patterson and company. The backfield group is averaging 159.4 yards per game.
Here's a look at the betting details and USA TODAY's NFL staff picks for the Falcons vs. Commanders Week 12 game:
Falcons at Commanders odds, moneyline and over/under
Spread: Commanders (-3.5)
Moneyline: Commanders (-200); Falcons (+170)
Over/under: 40.5
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NFL Week 12 odds, predictions and picks
Bills at Lions | Giants at Cowboys | Patriots at Vikings | Broncos at Panthers | Buccaneers at Browns | Ravens at Jaguars | Texans at Dolphins | Bears at Jets | Bengals at Titans | Falcons at Commanders | Chargers at Cardinals | Raiders at Seahawks | Rams at Chiefs | Saints at 49ers | Packers at Eagles | Steelers at Colts
Lorenzo Reyes: Commanders 25, Falcons 20
Washington has covered five of its last six games and the defense will only get a boost with the activation of Chase Young to the active roster. Taylor Heinicke has this team playing competitively and the Falcons, with Kyle Pitts now sidelined, needed some breaks on special teams to pull ahead of the Bears.
Safid Deen: Commanders 21, Falcons 17
This game features two subpar offenses, but the Commanders are on a roll, winning four of their last five, and they should take care of the visiting Falcons.
Lance Pugmire: Commanders 21, Falcons 20
By winning four of five, Washington has given the NFC East four above-.500 entrants, and now it finds another favorable spot in this home game.
Jarrett Bell: Falcons 26, Commanders 24
Nate Davis: Commanders 24, Falcons 23
Tyler Dragon: Commanders 20, Falcons 17
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Atlanta Falcons at Washington Commanders: Predictions, picks, odds