I STARTED the week resolved to pick the Falcons, 5-0 at home this season, 12-1 over the past 2 years in their cozy dome.
The Eagles have been both plucky and lucky in winning the past 2 weeks, and their injury list seems to be growing, not shrinking. They are due for a reality check.
However, then I heard Matt Ryan was out, and Michael Turner might be, too. You look at the Falcons' recent work, other than a reasonably close loss at New Orleans, 35-27 on Nov. 2, not much impresses. They've lost four of their last six. They're giving up 24.6 points per game - their defense is ranked 27th in the league. Even with no DeSean Jackson, and playing in a loud dome, I have to think the Eagles can score some points. Especially now that it seems Brent Celek's thumb thingy isn't that big a deal.
