Fargo's NFL Nonconference Game of the Year (11-5)

This is a play on the ATLANTA FALCONS for our NFL Nonconference Game of the Year. We lost a tough one with Atlanta last week as the Falcons were driving for the winning touchdown but at the four-yard line, a Marcus Mariota pass was deflected and intercepted by Washington which added to the frustrating losses for Atlanta this season. That was their fifth one-possession loss this season but at 5-7, the Falcons are only a half-game behind the Buccaneers in the NFC South and they are catching a number at home despite winning four of their last five home games with the lone loss coming against the Chargers by a field goal and the only other home defeat was against New Orleans by a point in Week One. The running game remains the strength for Atlanta as it is ranked No. 4 in the league in rushing offense and put up 167 yards last week against a very good Commanders defense and it will be tested again but that has not stopped them this season. The Falcons are 6-2 ATS in their last eight games after allowing less than 150 yards passing in their previous game. The Steelers won for us last week in Indianapolis although the second half got a little dicey as their 16-3 halftime lead turned into a deficit by the end of the third quarter but they were able to grab the win with the only points in the fourth quarter. Pittsburgh won the yardage battle by only 33 total yards and that was only the second time in 11 games they have outgained their opponent. While they do own a pair of wins over likely playoff teams in Cincinnati and Tampa Bay, the offense was bad in both of those, gaining just 267 and 270 yards respectively. The insertion of quarterback Kenny Pickett into the offense has given them a spark but they are now playing on a short week with travel involved so despite going up against a poor defense, this will be a test for the rookie. Pittsburgh is 2-10 ATS in its last 12 games after one or more consecutive wins against the spread. 10* (456) Atlanta Falcons