2021 NFL picks, score predictions for Week 17

Atlanta Falcons (7-8) at Buffalo Bills (9-6)

Sunday, January 2, 1PM ET

Surprisingly, the Atlanta Falcons have managed to keep themselves in the playoff hunt this season despite several big hurdles to overcome. Unfortunately, it may all be for naught with a trip to upstate New York coming up in Week 17.

I just don’t see the Falcons finding a way to defeat the Buffalo Bills, who still have the potential to be one of the league’s best teams. They haven’t quite lived up to it thus far, but they’ve shown flashes of being nearly unstoppable when the defense steps up and Josh Allen plays smart. Will we see some of that potential this upcoming weekend?

I think so, especially against a Falcons defense that has bad all year long. They figure to get shredded through the air, especially with Allen and Stefon Diggs playing well right now. Even if Atlanta is able to create some offense of their own, it won’t be enough to keep pace.

We already knew the Falcons were a long shot to make a trip to the postseason. This one should just about end their chances, while the Bills get one step closer to locking up the AFC East crown for the second year in a row.

Prediction: Bills win 35-24 | Spread: Bills (-14.5)