Atlanta Falcons: 3 Great benefits of beating Saints in Week 14

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 7: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons carries the ball for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 7: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons carries the ball for a touchdown against the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 07: Deion Jones #45 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after their 20-17 win over the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 07: Deion Jones #45 of the Atlanta Falcons reacts after their 20-17 win over the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

3. Falcons have a mini bye-week before facing Buccaneers

Sure, while improving to 8-5 is the most important thing the Falcons accomplished from beating the Saints on Thursday night, I also argue that this mini bye-week will almost be as crucial. Not to mention, the fact Atlanta is going into this 11-day stretch as victors over New Orleans, makes their NFC Playoff chances even more realistic.

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This means the Falcons will have some much-needed rest and relaxation before they head south to face the Buccaneers in Week 15 on Monday Night Football. Even though that matchup looks to be one that Atlanta will be favored in, Dan Quinn’s squad will have some extra time to prepare.

Also, the only significant injury that came out of the Dirty Birds’ win over the Saints was that Tevin Coleman was going through concussion protocol. While having Coleman play versus Tampa Bay would be ideal, it would also be nice for him to have a week off before the Falcons have to play New Orleans again in Week 16.

Again, with this mini-bye week, Coleman would have even more time to heal and get himself ready for the team’s crucial last two games against the Saints and Panthers.