NFL Week 16 predictions, picks for Colts vs. Falcons

The Indianapolis Colts visit the Atlanta Falcons in NFL Week 16 action as both teams pursue playoff berths. The Colts (8-6) are in a three-way tie atop the AFC South, while the Falcons (6-8) are one game behind in the NFC South.

The Colts are coming off an emphatic win over the Pittsburgh Steelers, while the Falcons lost to the Carolina Panthers.

Atlanta is 4-3 at home, and the Colts are 4-2 on the road.

Atlanta is 4-3 as a favorite (3-3 as a home favorite), and the Colts are 3-6 as an underdog (2-2 as road underdog).

More: Colts vs. Falcons start time, betting odds, injuries, playoff standings

Who is favored to win, Colts or Falcons?

via BetMGM

Favorite: Falcons by 2.5 points (Colts are 9-5 against the spread; the Falcons are 4-10 ATS)

Over/under: 44.5 total points (10 Colts games have gone over, 4 under; 5 Falcons games have gone over, 9 under)

Moneyline: Colts +115, Falcons -135

ESPN's matchup predictor gives the Colts a 51.9% chance of winning.

NFL Week 16 picks, predictions: Colts vs. Falcons

Pete Prisco, CBS Sports, Falcons 23-20: Both of these teams are still alive, but they have a feel of two teams going in opposite directions. The Falcons will start Taylor Heinicke in this one at quarterback. The Colts have been playing well, but I think this is a game where the Falcons will find a way behind Heinicke.

Gerry Dulac, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Colts 27-23: The Steelers made the Colts look like a playoff team even without Jonathan Taylor and after losing Michael Pittman Jr., their top offensive players. The Falcons have lost two in a row and five of their last seven and have just one division game left.

David Bearman, Pro Football Network, likes the Colts: Atlanta was a play away from basically having the NFC South wrapped up, then blew the lead to Tampa Bay and then lost to one-win Carolina. The Colts, meanwhile, have won five of six and are right in the thick of the AFC South and Wild Card races. Indianapolis continues winning.

Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News, Colts 23-20: The Colts are up-and-down too because of injuries shaking up both sides, but they've been a terrific road team this season (5-2) and get the benefit here of a comfortable home-like dome. Shane Steichen should get top runner Jonathan Taylor back to boost Gardner Minshew vs. a fading Falcons' front seven defense.

Brent Sobleski, Bleacher Report, Colts 24-21: The Falcons are making a change at quarterback, with Taylor Heinicke taking the reins. But this particular matchup is all about the trenches, specifically how well Indianapolis is playing at the line of scrimmage. Indianapolis dominated at the point of attack against the Pittsburgh Steelers, with…checks notes…Trey Sermon and Tyler Goodson rushing for 157 yards.

Guess what? Jonathan Taylor could return to the lineup this weekend. On defense, Indianapolis is tied for third overall with 46 sacks. The Colts are constantly getting after opposing quarterbacks, thus creating opportunities for turnovers and shutting down drives.

Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk, Colts 24-17: The Colts are feeling more and more confident. The Falcons are down to their last chance, or close to it.

Ryan Reynolds, 33rd Team, Falcons 23-20: The Falcons have the better roster, but the Colts have the better coaching staff. Atlanta is coming off two losses that have cost it the NFC South lead and is the more desperate team in this matchup.

Tom Pelissero, NFL.com, Colts 22-20: Last Saturday, Gardner Minshew and the Colts swashbuckled their way out of a 13-0 hole with deep shots and long runs. Last Sunday, Desmond Ridder and the Falcons sealed their fate against the lowly Panthers by barely moving the ball on two final possessions that ended in turnovers. Taylor Heinicke stepping back in at QB for Atlanta doesn't move me much. I have written versions of this sentiment multiple times this season, but I am very comfortable rolling the dice on Indy's swagger, which is further exemplified by the Colts' 5-2 record away from their home stadium.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: NFL Week 16 predictions, picks for Colts vs. Falcons