The Atlanta Falcons will be trying to hold on to the final NFC Wildcard playoff spot when they visit the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. The game will be played at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome, and is scheduled to begin at 1 PM. ET.
Falcons vs Saints Odds
Point Spread and Over/Under
- Atlanta Falcons +5.5
- New Orleans Saints -5.5
- Over/Under 52.5
My Pick
Atlanta Falcons Analysis…
The Falcons have not looked very good doing it, but they have won five of their last six games and they will be going in to this game with a lot of confidence because they defeated the Saints two weeks ago.
With their playoff lives on the line, the Falcons need to defeat the Saints to avoid a four-way tie with the Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, and Dallas Cowboys for the final playoff spot in the NFC.
Despite their inconsistent play this season, the Falcons still have a chance to win the NFC South if they win out because they will knock the Carolina Panthers into third place in the division if they finish the season tied with the same record as the Saints, whom they will have the tie breaker over.
However, the Falcons can’t afford to start thinking about next week until they defeat the Saints.
In their first meeting, the Falcons’ defense bailed them out with a last second interception of a Drew Brees pass in the end zone, after Matt Ryan almost gave the game away with three interceptions. The offense will need to step up if the Falcons want to get the win on the road.
New Orleans Saints Analysis…
The Saints will be going into this game looking for a little payback after losing a game they felt they should have won in Atlanta. The team also knows their division lead is on the line, so expect them to be ready for the Falcons.
The Saints will also have rookie running back Alvin Kamara, who missed most of the first meeting after suffering a concussion early in the game. Kamara, who was named to the Pro Bowl on Tuesday along with Mark Ingram and four other Saints, has been a difference maker in the run and passing games.
With a healthy Kamara in the backfield, the Saints will likely focus on running the ball, to create more room for Drew Brees to operate. They will also be relying on their defense to make life difficult for Matt Ryan and force him into throwing a few interceptions again.
Final word…
As the home team, the Saints have the advantage, but the Falcons are desperate for a win, making them more dangerous and giving them the edge. Take the Falcons +5.5.
Play: Falcons +5.5
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