Saints vs Falcons Betting Odds - NFC South rivals both have plenty to lose

The Saints vs Falcons betting odds may seem like a sportsbook dud now that Matt Ryan could be out for the season and the Falcons are sliding out of the NFC playoff picture. But the truth is that the Falcons are still in the playoff hunt for now, making Sunday’s matchup a must-win. The undefeated Saints obviously have plenty on the line, too.

Saints vs Falcons betting odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
With Matt Ryan’s turf toe possibly holding him out for the rest of the season, the Falcons are close to throwing in the towel. A single loss would derail their postseason hopes. Saints coach Sean Payton made headlines Monday when he admitted that the Saints are going for the perfect season even if they clinch home-field advantage throughout the NFC playoffs. Every game means a lot for the Saints; they showed that with a gutsy, come-from-behind, overtime win over Washington last week.

Saints vs Falcons betting odds maker breakdown: Offense
The Saints remain the top offensive team in the NFL and have shown no signs of slowing down. Even against Washington’s elite pass defense, Drew Brees found a way to spread the ball to his bevy of tall, rangy, athletic receivers. One play it was Marques Colston; the next play it was Robert Meachem. Even if the Falcons’ pass defense steps up, Brees can hand off to Pierre Thomas and Mike Bell. New Orleans complements its No. 3 passing attack with the No. 5 running game in NFL betting.

A healthy Falcons offense can hang with the Saints, as it did in Week 8 when the Saints held on for a 35-27 win. But Ryan will almost certainly sit and backup Chris Redman doesn’t stand a chance against the best takeaway team in the NFL. The Falcons ran on New Orleans in Week 8 but that was with Michael Turner in and Sedrick Ellis out. Now, Turner may sit again with a sprained ankle and the Saints’ Ellis is back to plug holes up the middle.

Betting Edge: Saints

Saints vs Falcons betting odds maker breakdown: Defense
Allowing 374.4 total yards per game, the Falcons have by far the lowest-ranked defense of any team .500 or better (28th). They can’t stop the run or the pass. New Orleans isn’t perfect by any means, allowing 343.9 yards per game, but the Saints make up for their mistakes by forcing boatloads of turnovers. Led by Darren Sharper, they have a league-high 23 interceptions and a ridiculous eight defensive touchdowns this season.

Betting Edge: Saints

Saints vs Falcons betting odds for total: Not posted
The Saints have gone over the total in seven of 12 games and should post enough points to do so again versus a mentally broken Falcons team. We’ll see a high sports betting total this week but the Saints and Falcons are still solid bets to clear it.

Pick: Over

Saints vs Falcons betting odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
The Saints are healthy enough and any maladies they have pale in comparison to Atlanta’s woes. Without Ryan and Turner, the Falcons are the equivalent of a bottom dweller – no offense to protect the bad defense.

Betting Edge: Saints

Saints vs Falcons betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
After Coach Payton’s declaration, it seems the Saints won’t look past any opponent down the stretch. Their huge scare against Washington should jolt them awake and they now face a much weaker defense at a cozy indoor stadium. Expect the Saints to light up the Falcons and cover the spread.

D.J.’S PICK: Saints

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