NFL picks and predictions, Colts vs. Falcons 2015: Atlanta is slight favorite at home

Preseason expectations were high for the Indianapolis Colts and Atlanta Falcons, but both teams have had their stumbles recently. The Falcons are hoping the rest from their bye week will help shake off their two-game losing streak. Meanwhile, the Colts are once again without their franchise quarterback.

Heading into their own bye week, the Colts got a much-needed win against a usually formidable opponent. They handed the Denver Broncos their first loss of the season and Andrew Luck outdueled former Indy quarterback Peyton Manning. Luck took a huge hit in the fourth quarter and although he finished the game, he was later diagnosed with a lacerated kidney and partial abdominal tear.

Luck is expected to be sidelined for a month, which means Matt Hasselbeck will take the snaps Sunday against the Falcons. Hasselbeck started two games earlier in the season when Luck was out with a shoulder injury, and he led the Colts to back-to-back wins. Even at 40 years old, he's capable of stepping in.

Atlanta was primed for a postseason run early in the year, starting as one of the few undefeated teams through Week 6. But the Falcons have been on the decline since their first loss against the New Orleans Saints. Quarterback Matt Ryan has been inconsistent -- he has been successful getting down field with 2,702 passing yards this season, but turnovers and sacks have limited the scoring potential of the offense.

The Falcons' defensive line underwent a lot of offseason changes and has settled into a nice rhythm, but still struggles with the pass rush. Adrian Clayborn and O'Brien Schofield have shown their value immediately, while Vic Beasley and Grady Jarrett could wind up long-term starters for the team. Forcing Hasselbeck to throw might not be the worst thing for Atlanta.