2019 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 12

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (3-7) at Atlanta Falcons (3-7)

Sunday, November 24, 1PM ET

I don’t know what happened, but the Atlanta Falcons seem to have flipped a switch. It’s probably too late after they started the season 1-7, but they’re now rattling off impressive wins against quality competition. So beating the Tampa Bay Buccaneers seems reasonable, right?

Well, it’s the pick I’m making here. The Falcons have looked like a different team over the last two weeks, knocking off the New Orleans Saints and Carolina Panthers in dominant fashion. If they can take down the two leading clubs in the NFC South, the Buccaneers simply shouldn’t be a problem on Sunday.

Then again, the Buccaneers have kept most of their games interesting in 2019. Jameis Winston has had a few meltdowns, but continues to make plays with the help of his gaggle of talented receivers. The Tampa Bay defense isn’t great, but has shown playmaking potential from time to time. Put simply, the Buccaneers can’t be ignored.

Still, the Falcons should have this one in the bag. Matt Ryan will pick apart Tampa Bay’s pitiful secondary, with Julio Jones doing work against any cornerback they dare line up across from him. Atlanta’s defense has also been better in recent weeks, which should allow them to keep Winston from pulling off the win on the road.

Prediction: Falcons win 33-14