Three years ago, we’d never expect the Commanders and the Falcons to be dueling on Sunday Night Football for a playoff spot. A lot can change in that time, and as a fan of a formerly disastrous franchise, I hope that gives you all hope for the future. Sure, if you’re a Jets or Giants fan, the end seems nowhere in sight. The years of franchise disarray have ruined your Sundays for nearly a decade. But it just takes a few good decisions to propel the team forward. So, if you’re watching your team and their backup QB take on an equally disastrous team in Week 17, take some solace that the Falcons and Commanders were in your spot just a few years ago. 

Atlanta Falcons @ Washington Commanders (-3.5), O/U 46.5

Although this is a high-stakes game between two teams trying to punch their ticket to the playoffs, I think they both have fraudulent units on the field. The Falcons exploded for 38 points against the Giants last week in Michael Penix Jr.’s first game under center. However, that was against a Giants team that had quit on the season and Atlanta scored twice on defense. The offense didn’t have to endure multiple turnovers by Kirk Cousins, which allowed them to get a rhythm against a bad team. But, the offense still isn’t explosive and I don’t think it will be able to put up numbers on an average Commanders defense.

The Commanders offense has struggled down the stretch as well. They’re thin at wide receiver, after suffering injuries to Noah Brown and Dyami Brown, and they miss Austin Ekeler to spell Brian Robinson Jr. in the run game. Jayden Daniels is a legitimate quarterback for years to come, but Kliff Kingsbury’s offense could struggle against an above-average Atlanta defense. So if I think both offenses will underperform in this one, it may be a boring Sunday night after all.

Pick: Under 46.5 Total Points

Over the Moon

Darnell Mooney has been one of, if not, the most consistent weapon for the Falcons in the passing game this season. Last week, Michael Penix Jr. learned the hard way he may not be able to trust Kyle Pitts. If the Commanders come out firing, Penix Jr. won’t be able to pepper the running backs with targets like he did last week. He’ll need to rely on Darnell Mooney if he wants to open up Drake London in the passing game. I expect them to take deep shots to Mooney and use him over the middle in the short game as well.

Pick: Darnell Mooney Over 47.5 Receiving Yards