Atlanta Falcons (1-1) at New Orleans Saints (0-2)
The New Orleans Saints will commemorate one of the more noteworthy games in franchise history when they host the Atlanta Falcons on Monday night in a matchup of longtime NFC South rivals. It will mark the 10-year anniversary of the reopening of the Superdome after the venue was forced to close for one season in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
While emotions certainly will not be as high as in New Orleans’ win over Atlanta a decade ago, the Saints can use any edge to avoid an 0-3 start after dropping their first two games by a combined four points. “This is an important division game,” said New Orleans coach Sean Payton, readily acknowledging the significance is far less than the game from 2006. “One team is 0-2 and trying to get a win, and another team that’s 1-1.” The Falcons rebounded from a 31-24 home loss to Tampa Bay in Week 1 with a 35-28 road win last week at Oakland, which squeezed out a 35-34 victory at New Orleans in the season opener. ■ WHEN: 5:30 p.m. ■ WHERE: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans ■ TV: ESPN ■ LINE: Saints -3; total 53½
■ ABOUT THE FALCONS: Matt Ryan had his fewest touchdown passes (21) since his rookie season in 2015, but he is off to a fast start with 730 yards passing with five scores and one interception while leading the league with a 121.4 quarterback rating. There is cause for concern in the passing game with star wide receiver Julio Jones sitting out his second straight practice Friday due to a calf injury, but Atlanta coach Dan Quinn said he expects him to play. The Falcons are receiving solid production from the backfield tandem of Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman, who have combined for 181 rushing yards and 11 receptions. Atlanta’s defense ranks 29th overall, allowing an average of 412.5 yards per game.
■ ABOUT THE SAINTS: New Orleans was horrendous on defense last season and little has changed — it ranks 30th in the league with a staggering 451.5 yards surrendered and has been torched through the air for an average of 336.0 yards. Keeping the defense off the field would be easier if the Saints could crank up their running game, with lead back Mark Ingram producing 88 rushing yards on only 21 attempts, including nine carries in last week’s 19-16 loss at the New York Giants. “From a rushing standpoint, I think we had some early positive runs, and all of a sudden we end up with the game over and only 13 rushing attempts (overall),” Payton said of the Week 2 loss. “I don’t like the balance there.” Quarterback Drew Brees has a potent receiving duo in Willie Snead and Brandon Cooks, who have combined for 27 catches and four touchdowns. ■ EXTRA POINTS: 1. The Saints are 15-5 versus Atlanta since Payton and Brees joined the team, including a season sweep in 2015.
2. Jones had nine receptions for 149 yards in the last meeting against New Orleans.
3. Cooks has a touchdown catch in six consecutive home games.
■ Saints 30, Falcons 27