— The Atlanta Falcons have had a few close calls, but only one blemish on their record. It came at New Orleans.
On Thursday night, the archrival Saints visit the Georgia Dome, with the Falcons not only looking for vengeance, but with a chance to get in position to clinch a playoff spot.
"I didn't know that," running back Michael Turner said when told the Falcons take the NFC South with a victory and a Tampa Bay loss at Denver on Sunday. "You just focus on this week. We know nothing is guaranteed."
Well, some things are pretty close to a certainty, such as the Saints giving the Falcons a tussle. New Orleans has won 11 of the last 13 meetings, including that 31-27 victory on Nov. 11. Of course, the Saints (No. 15 in the AP Pro32) are a much different — read better — team at the Superdome than in Atlanta's building.
To beat Atlanta (No. 3, AP Pro 32), which is a 3½- point favorite, New Orleans probably needs to turn this game into a shootout. The problem there is that the Falcons are pretty good at those type of games and rank sixth in yards gained this year, ahead of the Saints, who are eighth.
It should be an entertaining game for the national TV audience, and a profitable night for the Falcons, who will secure at least a wild card of they win and Seattle loses.
FALCONS, 33-27
___
No. 7 New York Giants (pick-em) at No. 16 Washington, Monday night
Not having to give points make this an obvious ...
BEST BET: GIANTS, 27-24
___
No. 10 Indianapolis (plus 4 1/2) at No. 20 Detroit
Hold that challenge flag, coach Schwartz, especially on long TD runs.
UPSET SPECIAL: COLTS, 22-20
___
No. 12 Tampa Bay (plus 6 1/2) at No. 5 Denver
Buccaneers are testing everyone and will give Broncos a mile-high scare.
BRONCOS, 28-27
___
No. 12 Seattle (plus 4) at No. 8 Chicago
Bears are a M.A.S.H. unit, and thankful Seahawks travel so poorly.
BEARS, 21-20
___
No. 17 Minnesota (plus 9) at No. 9 Green Bay
Packers also are banged-up, so Vikes keep it close.
PACKERS, 24-17
___
No. 2 San Francisco (minus 7) at No. 22 St. Louis
No deadlocks this time.
49ERS, 24-13
___
No. 4 New England (minus 7 1/2) at No. 19 Miami
A win and the Patriots are in the playoffs with yet another AFC East crown.
PATRIOTS, 37-20
___
No. 1 Houston (minus 4 1/2) at No. 27 Tennessee
Texans have some tough ones coming up after this victory.
TEXANS, 23-20
___
No. 28 Arizona (plus 4 1/2) at No. 24 New York Jets
A matchup in which Mark Sanchez is the far better QB.
JETS, 20-10
___
No. 26 Carolina (minus 1) at No. 32 Kansas City
Unlike Eagles, Chiefs are playing hard. But Cam Newton still will dominate.
PANTHERS, 24-16
___
No. 29 Philadelphia (plus 10) at No. 18 Dallas
Speaking of the sputtering Eagles ...
COWBOYS, 33-14
___
No. 30 Jacksonville (plus 6) at No. 23 Buffalo
Jaguars got their other win for the year last week.
BILLS, 27-16
___
No. 11 Cincinnati (minus 1) at No. 21 San Diego
How will the Chargers find a way to mess up this one?
BENGALS, 23-17
___
No. 14 Pittsburgh (OFF) at No. 6 Baltimore
Ravens secure at least a playoff spot, even if Roethlisberger returns for Steelers.
RAVENS, 20-13
___
No. 25 Cleveland (OFF) at No. 31 Oakland
Finally, a team that won't blow out the Raiders. But the Browns will beat them.
BROWNS, 23-20
___
2012 RECORD:
Against spread: 8-3-1 (73-91-6). Straight up: 13-3 (110-65-1)
Best Bet: 6-4-2 against spread, 10-2 straight up.
Upset special: 8-4 against spread, 6-6 straight up.
___
Online: http://pro32.ap.org/poll and http://twitter.com/AP_NFL
Heat vs. Pacers: Playoff grudge match
Triple Play: Miguel Cabrera, Giants, and Rays
Globe 10.0: Can the Bruins young defensemen keep playing well?
Does Tiger feel he should clear the air with Sergio? In a word: no.
Redskins looking to find edge at the tight end position
Galiardi: 'We think we're the better team'
Kevin Dupont discusses Bruins-Rangers Game 2
Singer forgets lyrics, makes up words to National Anthem
Padres honor Marines
Nolan Arenado Fitting Right In With The Rockies
Preakness Day 2013
WQAM Audio: Lamar Miller's goal? 1,500 rushing yards
Red Wings beat Blackhawks 4-1 in game 2 of Western Conference Semifinals
Orb heads Preakness field
Betting at the Preakness
Amico: Grizzlies/Spurs series preview
Three and Out: Knick's Bench
