New York Giants vs. Atlanta Falcons Pick & Prediction DECEMBER 22nd 2024

Preview and Prediction

As their chances of making it to the playoffs quickly diminish, the Atlanta Falcons have decided to bench their highly-paid quarterback Kirk Cousins and instead start rookie Michael Penix Jr. for their upcoming game against the New York Giants.

Just six weeks ago, the Falcons (7-7) seemed like a sure bet to secure a spot in the postseason for the first time since 2017. With a record of 6-3 and a two-game lead in the NFC South after defeating the Dallas Cowboys in Week 9, Atlanta appeared to be in a strong position. However, with only three weeks left in the season, they now find themselves on the outside looking in as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers hold a one-game lead in the division.

The Falcons had high hopes for Cousins when they signed him to a four-year contract worth $180 million in March, with $100 million guaranteed. However, their partnership has not lived up to expectations, particularly in the past six weeks where Cousins has only averaged 236 yards per game and has thrown one touchdown pass and nine interceptions.

Following a lackluster 15-9 win against the Las Vegas Raiders on Monday, where Cousins completed just 11 of 17 passes for 112 yards, one touchdown, and one interception, Falcons coach Raheem Morris announced that they would be making a change at quarterback.

In place of Cousins, the Falcons will be starting Penix, the eighth overall pick from Washington. Although he has only played in garbage time during two losses, the 24-year-old will now have the opportunity to start for the first time in his professional career.

"We recognize that we need to improve at the quarterback position and we believe that this decision will help us do that," said Morris. "Michael has been our backup all season and has been preparing for this opportunity. He has been learning from Kirk and the coaches, and we have confidence in his abilities. While this decision may have financial implications for us, our main focus is always on making football decisions that will help us win games."

Cousins, who has thrown for 3,508 yards, 18 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions this season, acknowledges that he has not met the standards set for him by the team.

"I hold myself to a high standard and unfortunately, I haven't been able to consistently meet that standard," said Cousins. "Now, my focus is on supporting Michael and helping the team win our remaining three games to secure a spot in the playoffs. That's what matters most."

The Giants, on the other hand, are not concerned with playoff scenarios as they currently hold the worst record in the NFC and are tied with the Raiders for the worst record in the league at 2-12. They have also struggled at the quarterback position, having released Daniel Jones in November and rotating through Tommy DeVito, Tim Boyle, and Drew Lock.

Lock, who missed last week's game against the Baltimore Ravens due to a heel and elbow injury, is expected to start for the Giants this week according to coach Brian Daboll. Daboll, who has a record of 17-30-1 in his three years as head coach, was asked about the possibility of being fired by owner John Mara at the end of the season.

"I focus on what I can control," said Daboll. "John and I have regular conversations and we discuss a variety of topics, but those conversations will remain private. Right now, our focus is on preparing for the Falcons."

In other news, the Falcons have placed kicker Younghoe Koo on injured reserve due to a hip injury. Koo, who has made 25 of 34 field-goal attempts this season, will be replaced by Riley Patterson, who was signed off the Cleveland Browns' practice squad.

Meanwhile, Falcons wide receiver KhaDarel Hodge, who had a strong performance in Monday's win against the Raiders with a blocked punt and a deflection, was limited in practice on Wednesday due to a rib injury. Tight ends Ross Dwelley (ankle) and Charlie Woerner (quad) were also limited.

For the Giants, linebackers Brian Burns (ankle/neck), Patrick Johnson (knee), and Bobby Okereke (back) did not participate in Wednesday's practice. Guard Aaron Stinnie (concussion) and cornerback Greg Stroman (shoulder/shin) were also out.

PREDICTION

New York Giants

17

26

Atlanta Falcons