On the road this season, the New Orleans Saints are 4-2 straight up and 4-2 against the spread. The Atlanta Falcons are currently 3-3 SU and ATS at home. The last time these two teams met was back in January 1, 2017 as the final regular season NFL game played in the Georgia Dome. In Atlanta’s 38–32 victory over New Orleans, the Falcons clinched the second seed in the playoffs.
The Saints are sitting on top of the NFC South and are aiming for a strong finish to stamp their position in the playoffs.
New Orleans is coming from a 31-21 victory over the Carolina Panthers, with Drew Brees completing 25 of 34 passes for 269 yards and a TD. On the ground, running back Mark Ingram rushed for a total 85 yards and a TD in 14 carries while fellow running back Alvin Kamara put in an additional 60 yards and two TDs in nine carries. In the air, wide receiver Michael Thomas put up 70 yards and a TD in five catches while Kamara and Ingram each added 37 yards on receptions.
On the offensive end, the Saints are averaging 29.4 points and 408.6 total yards per game this season. On the defensive end, the team is averaging 20.2 points and 330.1 total yards per game.
The Atlanta Falcons are sitting third in NFC South, a full two games behind the rival New Orleans Saints. Atlanta is coming from a 14-9 loss to the Minnesota Vikings in Week 13 of the 2017 season.
Quarterback Matt Ryan completed 16 of 29 passes for a total of 173 yards. On the ground, 2014 draft pick running back Devonta Freeman rushed for 74 yards in 12 carries while 2015 draft pick Tevin Coleman added just 22 yards in eight attempts. In the air, wide receiver Mohamed Sanu notched 43 yards on three catches while Coleman contributed 27 yards on the same number of catches. Tight end Levine Toilolo added 25 yards on two catches.
On the offensive end, the Atlanta Falcons are averaging 22.8 points and 365.2 total yards per game this season. On the defensive end, the Falcons are averaging 20.3 points and 321.0 total yards per game.
Writer’s Prediction
All time, Atlanta boasts a 51-45 record over NFL South rival New Orleans Saints, but that number will edge one step closer to being balanced, as the Saints take the game by at least one touchdown in a game that goes under the 53.5 O/U (even if 53% of bettors currently like the over). Pick: New Orleans Saints (+1)
