NFL Picks Week 17: 3 Teams That Will Thump Opposition

While the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys will battle for the NFC East crown and the final AFC wild-card spot will be decided on in Week 17, a few games won't be filled with such high drama. 

Here are the three teams that will thump their opposition this weekend. 

Atlanta Falcons

Despite being spanked by the New Orleans Saints on Monday Night Football, the Falcons are still a playoff team loaded with talent on both sides of the football.

Facing the 4-11 Tampa Bay Buccaneers will boost the Falcons' confidence heading into the postseason. 

Matt Ryan should have a huge day against a secondary that's allowed opposing quarterbacks to average a 97 QB rating in 2011. 

Same goes for Michael Turner. 

The Bucs allow nearly 150 yards on the ground per game. 

San Francisco 49ers 

The 49ers are a few weeks removed from a stunning road loss to the Arizona Cardinals, but playing the offensively-challenged Rams in St. Louis will be no problem. 

Although San Fran has been settling for more field goals than they would like, their defense will totally stymie the Rams' putrid attack and force turnovers. 

That will lead to short fields for Alex Smith, which is always a plus. 

Frank Gore should break off a handful of long scampers against the league's worst run defense in this blowout. 

New Orleans Saints 

I don't expect the Saints defense to limit Cam Newton's big-play ability all afternoon, but is the Panthers defense really going to slow down Drew Brees and Co?

No way.

Brees will stretch the field frequently, and the running back committee of Darren Sproles, Pierre Thomas and Chris Ivory will wreak havoc on a Carolina defense that allows 4.5 yards per carry. 

Another big win for the Saints at home. 

Shocker.