Marred in the midst of a four-game losing streak and staring up at the Bucs in the NFC South, the Falcons need a win badly on Monday night in Las Vegas. Will Atlanta finally snap its losing skid? Better yet, will the team cover in tonight’s Falcons vs. Raiders matchup?
Game Matchup & Betting Odds
Atlanta Falcons (-5.5) at Las Vegas Raiders (+5.5); o/u 44.5
Allegiant Stadium, Las Vegas, NV
8:30 p.m. ET, Monday, December 16, 2024
Falcons vs. Raiders Public Betting: Bettors Backing Atlanta
Our NFL Public Betting Information page indicates that 67% of public bettors are currently backing the Falcons when it comes to the spread. This information is subject to change throughout the day, however, so be sure to check the link so you’re receiving the most up-to-date public betting data.
Morris refuses to bench Cousins
Falcons coach Raheem Morris said “Kirk Cousins is our quarterback” when asked about the possibility of replacing him. Morris didn’t place much blame at Cousins’ feet following the Falcons’ 42-21 loss to the Vikings. Morris said his quarterback “played significantly better than he did [in Week 13]” while adding the team “did not support him” in the loss. Cousins threw for 344 scoreless yards in the defeat and has now gone four-straight games without throwing an interception while tossing eight picks.
Morris sticking by his quarterback shouldn’t come as a surprise at this point. The Falcons get a chance for a nice bounce-back in Week 15 against the Raiders and then have games against the Giants, Commanders, and Panthers to close things out. You couldn’t ask for an easier schedule when it comes to correcting course, now it’s on Cousins to take advantage of the schedule.
Crosby will underdog season-ending surgery
Raiders EDGE Maxx Crosby will undergo season-ending left ankle surgery. Dealing with the second “roll up” of his left ankle this year, 27-year-old Crosby is opting for the operation instead of fighting through what seems to be another high sprain. It’s a sensible choice both for Crosby and the Raiders, though his Vegas future is uncertain. Highly-paid Crosby’s deal is out of guaranteed money, and it could be a good time for both sides to part company. The Raiders are rebuilding, and Crosby is at a stage of his contract where restructures/extensions are common. A trade and a flood of new guaranteed money would be highly unsurprising. Crosby had never missed time with injury before 2024.
Falcons vs. Raiders Betting Trends
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Atlanta’s last 5 games
Atlanta is 5-0 SU in its last 5 games when playing Las Vegas
The total has gone OVER in 6 of Las Vegas’s last 7 games at home
The total has gone UNDER in 4 of Las Vegas’s last 5 games when playing Atlanta
Falcons vs. Raiders Prediction:
Take Atlanta. The Falcons stink right now. Cousins is an absolute mess but their issues are deeper than just at quarterback. The Falcons have also had trouble protecting Cousins and their defense was shredded for five touchdowns last week by Sam Darnold.
That said, the Falcons defense has showed some improvement of late, generating a pass rush for the first time all year. Plus, this Raiders team is closing in on the first overall pick. Without Crosby, I don’t see how they hold up on defense, even against a struggling offense. If the Falcons can get Bijan Robinson and the running game going, their defense should hold up against this hapless Vegas squad.
Falcons vs. Raiders NFL Prediction: Atlanta Falcons -5.5