Saints (5-5) at Falcons (4-6)
Sunday, 1 p.m. ET, MercedesBenz Stadium, Atlanta
TV: Fox
Spread (BetMGM):
Saints by 1
Saints’ keys to victory: The Falcons have struggled with pass protection throughout the season, so getting pressure on QB Desmond Ridder is a must. The Saints should look to establish the run early against Atlanta’s banged-up front seven in order to take advantage of the team’s overly aggressive secondary with play-action passes later in the game. Defensively, if New Orleans can stop RB Bijan Robinson, the Falcons will struggle to score points. The Saints should also involve TE Taysom Hill, who has a knack for stepping up in these divisional games.
Falcons’ keys to victory: Atlanta’s offense has consistently underachieved all season regardless of who the quarterback has been. The key for the Falcons is offensive balance. The Saints will load up the box if the passing game can’t prove to be a threat. Perhaps even more important will be maximizing red-zone opportunities. The last time Ridder started a game, he turned the ball over three times in the red zone. The QB must protect the ball if the Falcons are going to avoid losing.
Matchup to watch: Saints WR Chris Olave vs. Falcons CB A.J. Terrell. Olave has been a stud for the Saints over the last season and a half. The Saints wideout will likely be matched up against Terrell, who has followed opposing teams’ No. 1 receiver more in 2023 than he has in previous seasons.
Who wins? The Falcons are on a three-game losing streak and continue to play musical chairs at QB. The Saints aren’t exactly a powerhouse, but they’re slightly more competent than Atlanta.
Saints, 28-24