Pick #1 FK Rubin Kazan win or draw
FK Rubin Kazan should be able to win, and most definitely at least draw with PAOK Salonika. I feel like the Russian side has played better competition and has more skill than the Greek league that PAOK Salonika competes in. PAOK has already clinched a spot in the next round, while Rubin Kazan must win or draw to advance. Kazan has much more incentive to play hard, and advance with a draw, therefore, if the game is tied late they will most probably defensive and settle for the draw. I would pick FK Rubin Kazan for the win or draw.
Pick #2 Atlanta Falcons win by double digits.
I like the Atlanta Falcons to win this game on Thursday night by double digits. In general, Atlanta plays very well at home. In addition, road teams have not faired well on the short week playing on thursday. Atlanta should start feeling desperate as the wild card in the NFC is becoming more competitive. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones have started to have some chemistry, and I expect them to put connect on some big plays. Meanwhile, I expect the Falcons to stack the box and stop Maurice Jones Drew, forcing an inept Blaine Gabbert to beat them. The Falcons are one of the best teams at stopping the run. I tend to under rate the Jags as I did this last sunday, so pick at your own risk, but I do believe the Falcons will beat them by double digits.
Christian's Picks:
1. @ San Jose Sharks
The Sharks are tough to beat at home in the Shark Tank. The odds are highly in favor of San Jose at -195, almost two to one and they are 73% to win (according to a simulation). Granted, hockey odds don't really mean too much because anything can happen (Like when the Blue Jackets beat Vancouver a few nights ago). However, these odds are pretty hard to bet against. Whether this is on SFTC or not, San Jose is still the much better team and should definitely win this. They have lost two straight OT games and Niemi will have a nice performance against Duchene and company tonight. The Shark's GAA is 2.39 while the Av's GAA is 3.03. Also, the Sharks score 2.68 GPG and the Avs score 2.48 GPG. Every stat leads me to believe that the Sharks will win this 3-1. Good Luck!
Christian's Picks:
1. @ San Jose Sharks
The Sharks are tough to beat at home in the Shark Tank. The odds are highly in favor of San Jose at -195, almost two to one and they are 73% to win (according to a simulation). Granted, hockey odds don't really mean too much because anything can happen (Like when the Blue Jackets beat Vancouver a few nights ago). However, these odds are pretty hard to bet against. Whether this is on SFTC or not, San Jose is still the much better team and should definitely win this. They have lost two straight OT games and Niemi will have a nice performance against Duchene and company tonight. The Shark's GAA is 2.39 while the Av's GAA is 3.03. Also, the Sharks score 2.68 GPG and the Avs score 2.48 GPG. Every stat leads me to believe that the Sharks will win this 3-1. Good Luck!
