Division Rivals
The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons have a bitter and fierce NFL rivalry. For many years, the rivalry was all about who would win the NFC South. Nowadays, it might be about who’ll avoid finishing in last place.
The Saints have a new head coach leading the way for the first time in a long time. As for the Falcons, those who bet online expect them to be among the worst teams in the NFL.
Which squad has the upper hand in Week 1? Let’s take a closer look at the NFL betting odds.
Let’s check the latest NFL picks, stats, injury reports, and NFL odds for Saints vs Falcons. We’ve plenty of NFL predictions for you to consider.
New Orleans Saints
It’s a new era for the New Orleans Saints. Sean Payton, the winningest coach in Saints history and the man who guided the franchise to its only Super Bowl title 13 years ago, called it a career after 16 years with the organization.
Former Saints defensive coordinator Dennis Allen was promoted to head coach. It’s the second head coaching job for Allen, who lasted two-plus seasons with the Oakland Raiders from 2012-14.
Allen will have to work with Jameis Winston, who started seven games for New Orleans last season before suffering a torn ACL. Winston has a lot of upside as a quarterback but often gets himself into trouble with interceptions and mistakes.
He has to learn to make the safe, percentage throw and find easier ways to move the ball down the field. The main question is what’s going to change?
Oft-injured receiver Michael Thomas, who has not been able to stay healthy in recent seasons, should join him for this game against the Falcons. That should help.
The hope is that the two will form a great combination and can revive the New Orleans offense this season.
Atlanta Falcons
Things are different with the Atlanta Falcons as well as in New Orleans. The coaching staff is the same, but quarterback Matt Ryan went to the Indianapolis Colts in pursuit of a Super Bowl title.
In comes Marcus Mariota, the former Tennessee Titans quarterback who then went to the Raiders and backed up Derek Carr last season before getting this golden chance in Atlanta.
It’s a prove-it season for Mariota, who will be backed up by rookie Desmond Ridder.
He will throw passes to rookie Drake London, the team’s top draft pick at No. 8 overall. London was the first receiver off the board, and it’s time for him to live up to the billing. However, this team looks bereft of talent and is heading into a rebuilding year.
Saints vs Falcons Injury Report
Winston is probable with a knee injury but it’s likely just a basic designation. Thomas is questionable with an ankle injury.
For the Falcons, offensive lineman Jalen Mayfield is out with a back injury while defensive lineman Marlon Davidson and linebacker Deion Jones are out.
Saints vs Falcons Head-to-Head
The teams last met in January. The Saints won 30-20 in Atlanta.
Saints vs Falcons Game Information
- Game: Saints vs Falcons
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
- Day/Time: Sunday, Sept. 11, 1 p.m. ET
- How to watch Saints vs Falcons?
Saints vs Falcons Live stream: NFL Game Pass
Saints vs Falcons Betting Lines
Saints vs Falcons Prediction
The uncertainties around the Saints with Allen and around the Falcons with Mariota are numerous.
If you’re making your NFL picks, this game could go in any direction. However, the Falcons figure to keep it very close and will probably cover.
Jameis Winston is not yet a trustworthy NFL quarterback. It’s hard to lay points on the road with the Saints in the sportsbook.
Take a Look at Other NFL Week 1 Game Previews, Picks & Predictions
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- Steelers vs Bengals Odds, Game Preview, Live Stream, Picks & Predictions
“The odds and predictions in the article are based on the time of writing and publication. They may differ as to when the actual event takes place.”
Saints vs Falcons Trends
Saints vs Falcons Edge
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Saints vs Falcons Game Injuries
Saints vs Falcons Game Summary
