Falcons Saints Betting – Saints Clip Falcons’ Wings In New Orleans
Online betting players should be gearing up for a big matchup in the NFC South this weekend, as Atlanta had a great game last week and are looking to carry that into New Orleans, where the Super Bowl champions are waiting. The Falcons are going to need to keep their cool heading into the hostile SuperDome, and we don’t think they can, which bodes well for the Saints.
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, September 26th, 1:00 PM ET
- Where: The SuperDome, New Orleans, LA
- Pick: New Orleans Saints -3.5
What’s On The Line
The Falcons (1-1) flexed their muscles with a 41-7 thrashing of Arizona at home, which means they have plenty of confidence going into a game that could show New Orleans they have company in the NFC South. Meanwhile, the Saints (2-0) edged San Francisco 25-22 in a Monday night game that was probably closer than it needed to be, and they’ll want this game to prove they’re still the kings of the division.
Offensive Matchups: Falcons Saints Betting
Atlanta’s offense came alive against the Cardinals, racking up 223 yards through the air and 221 yards on the ground. Matt Ryan threw for 225 yards and three touchdowns, and even when Michael Turner went down with an ailing groin, the running game kept going with Jason Snelling, who had 129 yards and a pair of scores. Ryan was sacked just once and not pressured that often, and he’s shown that he can be a pretty good quarterback when given time.
Drew Brees did whatever he wanted against the 49ers, going 28-of-38 for 254 yards and a pair of touchdowns, passing for 14 first downs on the day. The Saints didn’t have any semblance of a running game, but you know what you’re getting when you’re dealing with Brees and company: a stunning aerial attack, and they get the nod because of their efficiency.
Betting Edge: Saints
Defensive Matchups: Falcons Saints Betting
Atlanta forced three turnovers and completely stymied the Arizona passing attack, and outside of Tim Hightower’s 80-yard touchdown run, the Falcons allowed 38 yards on 12 carries. The Falcons don’t have a spectacular defense, and they don’t have to, if their offense is clicking. Their play against the Cardinals is very encouraging, especially going into a game against a team like the Saints that has a pass-heavy offense.
The Saints are pretty much following their game plan from last year: giving up lots of yards, and then forcing turnovers. New Orleans allowed 417 yards, but ended up with four takeaways, which also ended up giving them good field position. Jonathan Vilma held up his end of the bargain in his middle-linebacker duel with San Francisco’s Patrick Willis, posting 10 tackles.
Betting Edge: Draw
Notable Injuries: Falcons Saints Betting
Receiver Michael Jenkins (shoulder) and safety Erik Coleman (knee) likely won’t feature, but Turner (groin) should suit up for the Falcons.
Cornerback Randall Gay (concussion) is still on the fence for this game, and tackle Zach Strief (knee) is no closer to returning for the Saints.
Betting Edge: Draw
Outlook and Pick: Falcons Saints Betting
NFL betting odds have the Saints as a 3.5-point favorite at home in this divisional clash, and they’ve won seven of their last 10 against the Falcons, but have gone just 5-5 ATS. The record is the same in the last 10 meetings in New Orleans, and the last two have gone over the posted total. If the Falcons play like they did last weekend, they can keep this game within a field goal, but we think the pressure of playing the champs on the road will get to them. Ryan, in particular, has to avoid mistakes because the Saints don’t need that many chances to score, but if they get to him early, it could be a long day in New Orleans. Take the Saints in your sports betting picks.
Stan’s Pick: New Orleans Saints -3.5
