The Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints meet Sunday in NFL action from Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Atlanta lost to the Bears in their last matchup, dropping the Falcons to 7-9 overall. As for New Orleans, they’re 8-8 so far following a win over Tampa Bay last Sunday. Let’s get into our Falcons vs. Saints prediction. Check back all season long for free NFL picks at Sports Chat Place.
Atlanta Falcons
Atlanta managed to go just 4-6 over their first 10 games this year, and since the bye it’s been a 3-3 run with losses to the Buccaneers, Panthers and Bears. The Falcons are averaging a tepid 19.0 points per game so far, which includes 200.8 yards per game, 15 total touchdowns and 15 interceptions through the air. On the ground, Atlanta averages 130.1 yards per game with 14 scores.
In their latest matchup versus the Bears, the Falcons were down 21-7 by halftime. Atlanta gave up another 16 points in the second half and ended up losing 37-17. Taylor Heinicke posted 163 yards with one TD and three interceptions (and a rush TD), while Bijan Robinson rushed 15 times for 75 yards. Tyler Allgeier added one 75-yard touchdown catch.
Atlanta Falcons Team Facts
- The Falcons have lost eight of their last nine road games against NFC opponents.
- The Falcons have covered the spread in each of their last five games as underdogs against NFC South opponents.
- The Falcons have lost the first quarter in four of their last five games in January.
- The Falcons have won the first half in each of their last five games following a loss.
- The Falcons have scored the first touchdown in four of their last five games against NFC South opponents.
New Orleans Saints
Over on the Saints’ side, they were slightly better in the 10 games before their bye, going 5-5 overall. New Orleans is also 3-3 in the last six though, beating the Panthers, Giants and Buccaneers in that time. On average, the Saints are producing 22.1 points per game while allowing 19.4 points per game on the other side.
The Saints managed a victory over the Buccaneers in their last outing, posting a 20-0 edge in the first three quarters. New Orleans cruised from there in a 23-13 outcome. Derek Carr threw for two touchdowns and 197 yards, while Juwan Johnson caught eight balls for 90 yards and a score. Jamaal Williams led the rush on 19 carries for 58 yards.
New Orleans Saints Team Facts
- The Saints have lost three of their last four games as favorites following a road win.
- The Saints have failed to cover the spread in each of their last seven games as favorites following a road win.
- The Saints have won the first quarter in five of their last six January games against NFC opponents.
- The Saints have won the first half in four of their last five home games against teams that held a losing record.
- The Saints have scored the first touchdown in seven of their last nine home games against the Falcons.
Matchup/League Facts
- The Saints rank 32nd in the NFL in average yards per punt this season (42.8).
- The Saints rank T1st in the NFL in Q3 win percentage this season (62.5).
- The Falcons rank 31st in the NFL in average kickoff return (16.9 yards) this season.
- The Falcons rank T3rd in the NFL in forced fumbles this season (17).
ANDREW’S FREE FALCONS VS SAINTS PREDICTION
I’ll probably just stick with the Saints in this one. New Orleans posted a pretty solid victory over the Bucs in their last game despite notching a tepid 310 total yards (202 passing) with 20 first downs. The Saints are on a pretty good scoring run during this 3-2 stretch, posting 22 or more points in each game—but not getting past 28 points.
As for Atlanta, they’ve been at 17 or fewer points in three of their last five games and may have some issues finding room against the New Orleans defense. The Falcons posted just 307 yards and 15 first downs in their latest game versus the Bears—and the four interceptions didn’t help either. Sunday’s game might not be that bad but I don’t think Atlanta will cover.