The Atlanta Falcons have reached a critical point in their 2024 campaign and desperately need a win to keep their playoff hopes alive. Not only has the team lost four consecutive games, but quarterback Kirk Cousins has not thrown a touchdown pass in over a month.
In Week 15, the Falcons return to prime time to face the 2-11 Las Vegas Raiders. While this seems like a game the Falcons should win on paper, they haven’t looked like themselves since their Week 9 win over the Dallas Cowboys.
Can the Falcons turn things around on national television? Check out our staff picks and predictions for Monday night’s game in Las Vegas below.
Crissy Froyd (6-6):
Atlanta is on a four-game losing streak and things have gone from bad to worse for Kirk Cousins. It’s not just him, the Falcons are among the NFL’s worst in penalties and will have to stop hurting themselves to get the victory. Bijan Robinson and Brock Bowers should be major factors in Week 15. If Cousins has another bad game, though, don’t be surprised if the veteran QB is benched for Michael Penix. Winning the turnover battle will also be key for Atlanta. | Falcons 20, Raiders 17
Deen Worley (7-5):
There doesn’t seem to be much going for the Falcons this season. They once held firm control of their division but managed to play themselves out of the lead and now struggle to keep pace of Tampa Bay who seem to be getting hot at the right time. However, a loss from the Bucs doesn’t help when the Falcons don’t win themselves. The Raiders pull the upset. | Raiders 24, Falcons 13
Matt Urben (6-6):
Regardless of who plays quarterback for the Raiders on Monday night, the Falcons need to be on upset alert. Desmond Ridder may not be a starting-caliber quarterback, but revenge is a hell of a drug. Atlanta hasn’t looked right in over a month but I think the team will overcome a shaky start and defeat Las Vegas in prime time. | Falcons 21, Raiders 13
Monday night’s game between the Falcons and Raiders kicks off at 8:30 p.m. ET. Atlanta is currently a 4.5-point favorite over Las Vegas.
