Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints
If their first battle of 2017 taught us anything, it’s that the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints are going to have a barn-burner again in Week 16. With a huge opportunity for the Saints to win the NFC South in quite some time, the Dirty Birds can expect some offensive creativity and fire from Sean Payton on Sunday.
At the same time, don’t sleep on the Falcons ability to handle pressure. Sure, you can argue that they’ve been dealing with their Super Bowl loss to New England all year, but this could be the weekend they make people start believing again.
If Atlanta can beat New Orleans and remain alive in the NFC South race, we could be looking at another deep postseason run from Dan Quinn’s “fast and physical” football team.
That said, here are both team’s keys to victory in Week 16:
Falcons Keys to Victory:
Start Fast, Finish Strong: I believe the biggest key to a Falcons victory on Sunday is starting fast and finishing strong. Not only will this force New Orleans to throw the football more than they want, but it’ll give Vic Beasley and Takk McKinley more than enough opportunities to sack Drew Brees. If that indeed happens, look for Atlanta to pull off the upset.
Protect The Football: Let’s be honest, if the Falcons throw three more interceptions in Week 16 against the Saints, it’s going to be ugly for Atlanta. Heck, two of Ryan’s interceptions two weeks ago could’ve ben easily avoided. Don’t force the football into windows that are closed and don’t put the ball on the ground. It’s as simple as that.
Saints Keys to Victory:
Get Pressure on Matt Ryan: The Saints defense actually played a great game against the Falcons offense back in Week 14, but they were only able to sack Matt Ryan one time. Needless to say, if they want to have another opportunity to play with a lead in Week 16 against the Dirty Birds, they have to get to the NFL’s 2016 MVP more often.
Commit to Running the Football: Even with a lead over the Falcons for the majority of the second-half in Week 14, Sean Payton refused to run the football. With Alvin Kamara sidelined, the Saints only rushed the football 15 times for 50 total yards. If that happens again this weekend, New Orleans will lose their fourth-straight to Atlanta.
That simply cannot happen again if the Saints want to win the NFC South.
Odds:
Point Spread: New Orleans -6
Moneyline: Atlanta +230, New Orleans -280
Over/Under: 52.5
Next: 2018 NFL Mock Draft: Giants start baking
Prediction
It’s a good thing Atlanta was able to get a victory over the Saints a few weeks ago, because they are going to be walking into a hornet’s nest in Week 16. Not only are the New Orleans fans ready for their first playoff-like atmosphere in a long time, but the Saints know they let one slip away in Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Falcons will hang in there, but will have to wait another week to clinch a spot in the NFC Playoffs.
Pick: Atlanta Falcons: 23 , New Orleans Saints: 31