Nov 29, 2012; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Jacquizz Rodgers (32) holds off New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Jonathan Casillas (52) during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the Saints 23-13. Mandatory Credit: Josh D. Weiss-USA TODAY Sports
Week one of the NFL season is one of the most exciting times of the year, and 2013 offers a few very good match ups to kick the year off. Of course most of the publicity is evolved around the Thursday night game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Denver Broncos, and for good reason. Meanwhile, a heated rivalry game is going almost unnoticed.
One of the most underrated rivalries in football is without a doubt the rivalry between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints. These NFC south franchises have had a lot of success recently, and both have great football teams. In the last 5 years the Saints have won 7 of the 10 games, but Atlanta still holds the overall lead of the match up (47-41).
The seasons games between the Falcons and Saints are poised to be the most bitter, and electrifying. The Saints now have head coach Sean Payton back, and hired Rob Ryan as the defensive coordinator. After a sub par season last year, the Saints are ready to once again take a hold of the NFC South title the Falcons have owned 2 of the last 3 seasons. The reuniting of Payton and quarterback Drew Brees, you never know what the Saints are capable of.
As for the Falcons, it’s another year of Super Bowl or bust. The Falcons finished 13-3 in the regular season, but lost in the NFC Championship game to the San Francisco 49ers at home 28-24. The team signed running back Steven Jackson in free agency to bolster a running attack, and extended quarterback Matt Ryan’s contract. Now that Ryan has a playoff win under his belt, the Falcons have their sights on a Super Bowl.
Kickoff at the Superdome is set for 1:00 PM on Sunday. If you want to see a great football game this weekend, treat yourself to this game.