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Former running back predicts close win for Falcons on Sunday

ATLANTA — Former Falcons running back Jamal Anderson made a prediction for Sunday's NFC Championship game at the Georgia Dome, saying the Falcons will win a close game.

"They're in it. They're in it now. They've got a great opportunity to go to the Super Bowl again. We'll see," Anderson told Channel 2's Amy Napier Viteri.

He recalled the excitement when he was a member of the 1999 team that took Atlanta to its first Super Bowl in franchise history, when they fell to the Denver Broncos.

"To be here again and have a chance at another championship, everybody's fired up and I think everybody's a little nervous," Anderson said.

Fans rejoiced after Sunday's nerve-wracking divisional round win over the Seattle Seahawks.

The support was touching to Anderson, who said he and teammates worked to build the fan base here.

Anderson's signature Dirty Bird dance is still a fan favorite.

He told Viteri that quarterback Matt Ryan and the rest of the team have played exceptionally at home and thinks that will be a factor in Sunday's game against the 49ers.

"It's going to be another close game. Get your hearts ready get ready to cheer, get ready to celebrate. Get ready for anything. But I like the Falcons to win," Anderson said.

Anderson predicted the game will be decided by 3 to 4 points, but the Falcons will get the win.