NFL Predictions: Falcons vs. Saints Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Monday, 26 December 2011 16:29

Predictions are ready on the final score of the Monday night NFL game between the Falcons and the Saints.

The Atlanta Falcons (9-5) will hit the road for the week 16 Monday Night Football game against the New Orleans Saints (11-3), and our preview will try to let everyone know what to expect.  The Falcons vs. Saints game will be shown on the ESPN channel, and start time is scheduled for 8:20 PM ET.  Legends Sportsbook has the odds favoring the home-team Saints at -6.5 with a total of 52.

Atlanta played well in a 23-26 overtime loss against the Saints earlier this season, but traveling into New Orleans is a completely different animal.  The Saints are a perfect 6-0 at home this season and have looked unbeatable at times when playing in New Orleans.  That being said, the Falcons won 27-24 in overtime last time they went there, and the road team has won outright in 4 straight head-to-head meetings between these NFC South rivals.

Falcons’ Offense vs. Saints’ Defense:

Atlanta has a nice mix of the run and the pass, but their rushing attack really hasn’t been up to par when compared to previous seasons.  They still show enough balance to be productive, and quarterback Matt Ryan (3698 yards, 60.9%, 26 TD, 12 INT) has done a pretty decent job at carrying the load.  New Orleans has a very beatable defense and they’ll give up some points if this game stays close.  If the Saints get an early lead, I could see the Falcons struggling a bit without being able to run as much as they’d like.

Saints’ Offense vs. Falcons’ Defense:

New Orleans has one of the elite offenses in the NFL, and quarterback Drew Brees (4780 yards, 71.5%, 37 TD, 11 INT) has led them to 32.6 points scored per game.  The Saints are a pass-first team but their ability to do so really opens up rushing lanes.  The Falcons have a good defense that is capable of slowing down most teams, but stopping the Saints in New Orleans this year has proven impossible for just about anyone.  Atlanta will have to force some turnovers if they want to slow down their opposition because I don’t see them forcing many punts on Monday Night Football.

Falcons vs. Saints Predictions:

It is imperative for Atlanta to establish the running game early, and they should be able to do a decent job of it.  That being said, the Saints are going to score quite a bit of points and they’ll force the Falcons into a high-scoring affair.  New Orleans is simply better at that type of game, and they should be able to get a win at home.  Predictions call for the bet of the day to be on the total going over 52 points.

Bet on the Monday Night Football game between the Falcons and the Saints at Legends Sportsbook and receive a 25% cash bonus just for clicking on our link to get signed up!

Falcons 27

Saints 34