One of the most surprising wins of the 2019 NFL season was that of the Atlanta Falcons’ over the New Orleans Saints some weeks ago. This time, the Saints will have their chance to get back at Atlanta, when they pay the Falcons a visit at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
In a slugfest last Sunday, the Saints emerged as the winners over the Carolina Panthers, taking a 34-31 victory at home. Drew Brees flashed his usual form, passing for 311 yards and three touchdowns against just an interception on 30-of-39 completions. Life is so much easier for Brees with Michael Thomas as his No. 1 option. Thomas had 101 receiving yards and a touchdown on 10 catches and 11 targets, while tight end Jared Book also had a big night. Cook recorded 99 receiving yards and a touchdown on six receptions. Brees and the Saints’ passing attack was locked down by Atlanta in New Orleans’ 26-9 home loss off the bye in Week 10, but the Saints will come into the rematch aware that they can’t let their guards down even against the going-nowhere Falcons. On top of the Saints’ priority is having better pass protection, as Brees was sacked six times for a loss of 46 sacks in the first meeting with Atlanta. New Orleans is ninth in the league with 24.7 points per game.
The Saints are 7-3 against the spread (ATS) in their last 10 games.
Betting on the Atlanta Falcons (3-8)
The good times appeared to have been cut short for the Falcons. After two-straight wins over the Saints and the Panthers, Atlanta was sent back down to earth by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a 35-22 home loss. The defense that carried Atlanta to those aforementioned pair of wins was barely there for the Falcons. They did pick off Jameis Winston twice, but Winston always does that against any opponent. What was glaringly missing for Atlanta’s defense in that game was the pass rush. Winston wasn’t touched at all, paving the way for him to have 313 passing yards and a trio of touchdown tosses. Still, the Falcons’ defense can’t be discounted entirely, considering the havoc they wreaked in the first encounter with New Orleans. If the Falcons can get back running back Devonta Freeman back, it would be a big boost for them. Brian Hill hasn’t been effective nor efficient in his last two starts in lieu of Freeman.
The Falcons are 3-3 ATS in their last six games at home.
