After defeating the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, the New Orleans Saints have to face another tough challenge in the NFC South against an Atlanta Falcons team that is fighting to make the playoffs. The game will be played on Thursday, at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, and is scheduled to begin at 8:25 PM. ET.
Saints vs Falcons Odds
Point Spread and Over/Under
- New Orleans Saints -1
- Atlanta Falcons +1
- Over/Under 53
My Pick
New Orleans Saints Analysis…
The Saints are 9-3 and have the best record in the NFC South, thanks to an improved running game that has taken a lot of pressure away from Drew Brees.
The running game stepped up against the Panthers, as the Saints were able to rush for 148 yards and three touchdowns on 28 carries. It also allowed the Saints to win the time of possession battle, as the Saints offense was able to keep the Panthers defense on the field longer than Carolina would have liked.
New Orleans’ defense also stepped up against the Panthers, holding Cam Newton to 17 of 27 completion for 183 yards and 2 touchdowns.
Thanks to the running game and defense, Drew Brees didn’t have to be the hero for the Saints, and finished the game completing 25 of 34 attempts for 269 yards and 1 touchdown.
If the Saints can control the clock and defend like they did against Carolina, they should be able to get the win.
Atlanta Falcons Analysis…
The Falcons had a great opportunity to move up the NFC South standings on Sunday because the Saints and Panthers played each other. They also had a chance to prove they are still one of the teams to beat in the NFC, but couldn’t pull off a victory against the visiting Minnesota Vikings.
Now, the Falcons desperately need a win to stay one game behind the Panthers who are currently in the fin al Wildcard spot.
After an explosive offensive performance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Falcons struggled to get anything going against the Vikings defense, which is one of the best in the league.
Matt Ryan threw for 173 yards, and Julio Jones, who had over 200 receiving yards against the Bucs, finished with 24 yards on two receptions.
The Falcons should be able to move the ball a little better against the Saints, but they will need to find a way to stop the Saints offense, which remains one of the best in the league. If they can do that, they should be able to get the win.
Final word…
The Saints have obviously been the better team so far, but this is a must win for the Falcons, so take Atlanta +1.
Play: Falcons +1
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