Atlanta Falcons: 3 Bold predictions vs. Saints in Week 16

ATLANTA, GA - DECEMBER 7: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons runs with a catch against Marshon Lattimore #23 and Vonn Bell #48 of 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: Julio Jones #11 of the Atlanta Falcons runs with a catch against Marshon Lattimore #23 and Vonn Bell #48 of 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 7: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons carries the ball against Tyeler Davison #95 of 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 against Tyeler Davison #95 of the New Orleans Saints at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on December 7, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

3. Devonta Freeman will have another huge game

In a year when Matt Ryan hasn’t played like an MVP quarterback, the Falcons running game has picked up the slack, and helped lead this team to nine wins in 15 weeks. With Devonta Freeman coming off a humongous game against the Bucs on Monday Night Football and another great match-up against the Saints this weekend, don’t be shocked to see him have another solid performance.

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Remember, the last time these two teams met up, the former Florida State Seminoles running back had a very productive day on the ground. According to ESPN, Freeman finished that game with 24 carries for 91 yards and one rushing touchdown. 

Not only did that help keep the football away from Saints quarterback, Drew Brees, but his steady play helped the Falcons overcome three Ryan interceptions.

If Atlanta wants any chance of coming away with a victory in Week 16, they have to continually rely on the legs of Freeman. Offensive coordinator, Steve Sarkisian, has shown he’s committed to running the ball, but it’ll be awfully difficult if the Falcons get behind early against New Orleans.