The Atlanta Falcons have the recent historical advantage in the rivalry with the New Orleans Saints, winning five of the last seven games outright, and going 5-3 against the spread over the last eight.
The Atlanta Falcons are riding a two game win streak. Both wins came against division opponents, New Orleans and Tampa Bay. Last week, the Atlanta Falcons looked below average against a bad Tampa Bay team. The Falcons got the win, 24-21. Matt Ryan looked decent. He was 17 of 31 for 212 yards and one touchdown. Ryan was also sacked three times in the loss. The Atlanta offense generated 410 total yards of offense in the win.
Running back Devonta Freeman was the best offensive player for Atlanta on Monday night. He rushed for 126 yards on 22 carries and had one touchdown. Look for the Falcons to feed Freeman early on the road. His run and catch ability can open up the offense for Atlanta. Defensively, the Falcons did not look good last week against the Buccaneers. Atlanta allowed 373 yards of total offense in the win last week. Jamies Winston threw for 299 yards and 3 touchdowns.
Had it not been for a missed field goal to tie the game last week, the Falcons defense dodged a close one. Atlanta’s defense better be ready in this game. The Saints had 306 yards of total offense against the Falcons two weeks ago. New Orleans will have Alvin Kamara in the lineup. He was knocked out of the game in the first quarter of the first meeting.
The New Orleans Saints are on a mission to win the NFC South title. The Saints record is better than the Falcons, but Atlanta owns the head to head division matchup. A home win from the Saints, would seal the NFC South title for New Orleans this season.
New Orleans is playing well. Last week the Saints beat a bad New York Jets team, 31-19. The Saint controlled the game throughout. New Orleans had 416 yards of offense in the win.
Drew Brees threw the game ending interception against the Falcons in week 14. Expect a big game from Brees in this one. Alvin Kamara is also going to play against Atlanta. He was limited to one quarter in the first meeting.
On the defensive side of the ball, the Saints have been solid. The defense is allowing 20.1 points per game this year. Ranking the Saints 9th in points allowed this season.
Look for the New Orleans defense to be a lot better on a regular weeks rest at home against Atlanta. The Falcons had 343 yards of total offense against the Saints two weeks ago.
Writer’s Prediction
With everything that is on the line in this game, more pressure is on Atlanta to beat New Orleans. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan needs to look like last seasons MVP. If he throws three interceptions against the Saints this time, they will get destroyed. Take the New Orleans Saints to win the NFC South title and cover at home. Pick: New Orleans Saints (-5.5)
