The New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons meet Sunday in NFL action from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. New Orleans is 5-5 on the year so far. The Saints are coming off a bye week and lost to Minnesota in their most recent outing. As for 4-6 Atlanta, they had an open slate last weekend as well. The Falcons lost to Arizona back on November 12 in their last game. here you can have a look at our Saints vs Falcons Prediction.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints have a pretty good defense overall this year, however they haven’t been able to match it with offensive output. New Orleans is giving up 19.8 points per game on average, with 21.4 points scored per game themselves. So far the Saints have 237.4 yards per game, 13 TDs and seven interceptions through the air with 100.0 yards rushing per game and seven scores.
Back on November 12 in their most recent outing versus the Vikings, the Saints coughed up 21 unanswered points in the second quarter. New Orleans couldn’t recover after that and lost 27-19. QB Jameis Winston put up 122 points with two TDs and two interceptions, while Chris Olave led the receivers on 94 yards and a score off six catches.
New Orleans Saints Team Facts
- The Saints have won 18 of their last 20 Sunday games played on the East Coast.
- The Saints have failed to cover the spread in each of their last six games against NFC opponents.
- The Saints have scored the first touchdown in each of their last five games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
- The Saints have won the first quarter in each of their last four road games against the Falcons.
- The Saints have won the first half in five of their last six November games against NFC South opponents.
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Atlanta Falcons
Over on the Falcons’ side, they’re in much the same boat stats-wise. Atlanta is giving up a solid 21.7 points per game so far but scoring just 18.9 points per game. Passing has been an issue, as the Falcons average 204.9 yards per game through the air with nine scores and seven picks. Rush-wise Atlanta averages 130.4 yards per game with nine scores.
In their last appearance versus a struggling Arizona team, the Falcons had a 14-12 edge going into the second half. Atlanta was outscored 13-9 from there however and lost 25-23. QB Taylor Heinicke had just 55 yards with one TD, but Bijan Robinson had a pretty good day rushing on 95 yards and a score off 22 carries.
Atlanta Falcons Team Facts
- The Falcons have lost five of their last six November games against NFC opponents.
- The Falcons have failed to cover the spread in eight of their last nine games.
- The Falcons have scored the first touchdown in three of their last four games played on the East Coast.
- The home team has won the first quarter in four of the Falcons' last five Week 12 games.
- The Falcons have lost the first half in four of their last five November games against NFC South opponents.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Falcons rank 32nd in the NFL in average kickoff return (16.7 yards) this season.
- The Falcons rank 32nd in the NFL in average punt return this season (5.3 yards).
- The Saints rank 32nd in the NFL in average yards per punt this season (43.0).
- The Saints rank T2nd in the NFL in interceptions this season (12).
ANDREW’S FREE PICK
I’ll probably stay with the Saints. There’s not a lot to get excited about here, but we should have a fairly competitive game if both teams play well. New Orleans mustered just 280 total yards (215 passing), 16 first downs, nine penalties and two turnovers in their latest loss to the Vikings. The Saints have scored 24 points or fewer in four of their last five games, so it’ll be important for them to get off to a good start on Sunday.
As for Atlanta, they’re coming off just 254 yards (70 passing) in their latest defeat, but the team was at least solid on third downs (7-of-14) and didn’t have any turnovers. The Falcons haven’t been able to crack 28 points all season, so if the Saints can hit that threshold I think they’ll be okay cover/win-wise.
