Atlanta Falcons: Game-by-game predictions for the 2018 season

ATLANTA, GA - SEPTEMBER 17: Devonta Freeman #24 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates with Julio Jones #11 after scoring a 1-yard rushing touchdown during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 17, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/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) /

Week 3: New Orleans Saints

Like most of the Falcons games against their NFC South rivals, the last time the Saints came to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, the game went all the way down to the final minutes. Fortunately for Atlanta, Deion Jones was able to intercept Drew Brees’ pass in the end-zone and give the Dirty Birds offense the football back for the last time.

While I would love to say the Falcons will beat the Saints for the second-straight season at home, I don’t foresee it happening. Yes, I know Mark Ingram will still be suspended at this point in the season, but Alvin Kamara still presents a big-time challenge for Atlanta’s defense.

As great as I believe this Dirty Birds team will be in 2018, I think they’ll struggle to contain the Saints offense this early in the season. There are very few teams in the league who can move the football like the Falcons, and needless to say, one of those units is led by future Hall-of-Fame quarterback Drew Brees.

It’ll be a tough afternoon for the Falcons, but it’ll also be one that helps them later on in the year.

Final Score:

New Orleans Saints: 24, Atlanta Falcons (2-1): 16

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