The NFC South rivalry will heat up this Sunday afternoon as the New Orleans Saints (2-1; 2-1-0 ATS) face off against the Atlanta Falcons (1-2; 1-2-0 ATS). The clash is set for 1:00 p.m. EST at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the Falcons will look to defend their home turf. Historically, the home team has triumphed in the last three encounters, including a decisive 48-17 win for New Orleans in January. Both squads are eager to bounce back after recent losses. Which team will seize the victory this time?
New Orleans Seeking Redemption
The Saints experienced their first offensive setback of the season last week, suffering a narrow 15-12 defeat on their home field. They managed just 219 total yards, with star players Chris Olave (86 yards) and Alvin Kamara (127 yards) accounting for the bulk of that production. Despite this underwhelming performance, New Orleans ranks second in the league with an average of 34.3 points per game and ninth in total yards with 343.3. Quarterback Derek Carr has been impressive, only taking three sacks and leading the league in yards per pass attempt. The Saints also rank third in rushing attempts, contributing to their sixth-highest rushing yard total. With an average of 6.0 yards per play, they sit seventh in the NFL. Although they have had turnovers each week, their offensive capabilities remain strong. The question is whether they can bounce back from last week’s showing.
On the defensive side, New Orleans has performed admirably. They enter this matchup with seven takeaways, ranking second in the NFL, and have recorded 11 sacks. The Saints allow just 14.7 points per game, the fifth-fewest in the league. However, they do give up a fair number of yards, with opponents averaging 4.5 yards per rush attempt. Leading in games can skew stats, but the Saints are currently 25th in passing yards allowed per game, yielding 5.4 yards per play overall. Will they be able to keep the Falcons in check this Sunday?
Key Injuries – Alvin Kamara (questionable); Cesar Ruiz (questionable); Khalen Saunders (questionable); Demario Davis (questionable); Chris Olave (questionable).
Atlanta Struggling to Find Comfort
The Falcons faced disappointment last Sunday, falling 22-17 to the Kansas City Chiefs, which left them winless at home this season. Hoping to secure their first home victory, Atlanta will rely on a defense that limits opponents to 4.8 yards per play (10th in the league). They also rank ninth in rushing defense, allowing only 4.1 yards per carry, and fifth in passing defense, limiting teams to 6.0 yards per attempt. This defensive performance results in an average of 20.3 points allowed per game. However, they need to generate more game-changing plays, as they have only recorded three sacks and two takeaways in three games. Will they be able to increase those numbers to contain the Saints?
On the offensive front, Atlanta’s performance has not met expectations. They currently sit 26th in points per game, averaging just 16.3. In two home games, they have only managed three points in the second half. Additionally, they have committed four turnovers during home games. On a brighter note, quarterback Kirk Cousins has been sacked only five times. The offense averages 5.6 yards per play (13th), indicating potential, yet their third-down conversion rate of 22.2% hampers their scoring opportunities. Will they improve their efficiency this week?
Key Injuries – Bijan Robinson (questionable); Robert Burns (out); Kaleb McGary (questionable); Matthew Judon (questionable)
Betting Insights for New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons
In their past nine encounters, the Saints have won seven times, boasting a solid 4-1 record in Atlanta. They currently appear to have the upper hand in this rivalry. Meanwhile, the Falcons are struggling to find their footing at home this season. Based on current trends, a victory for the Saints seems likely.
Atlanta’s offense struggles on third downs, ranking fourth-worst in the league, and averages two turnovers per game at home, while sitting at 26th in scoring. While Cousins is capable of breaking down defenses when provided time, his mobility is hampered by an Achilles injury. New Orleans stands out as a defensive powerhouse, ranking second in takeaways and having yet to allow an opponent to score 20 points this season. If the Falcons fail to reach that mark once again, their defense might not have enough strength to keep pace with the potent Saints offense. Expect the Saints to come out on top in this matchup.
