The NFC South has proven to be the deepest division in the NFL, with three teams on pace to make the playoffs. The divisional title is still up for grabs, and there is a titanic Week 16 clash awaiting between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints.
The Falcons are the defending NFC champions and have had a nice season, but not as good as the Saints. New Orleans is currently in first place in the division at 10-4, but Carolina has an identical record and the Falcons are only one win behind.
This should be an intriguing matchup. The Falcons played on “Monday Night Football” so there is no spread quite yet but look for New Orleans to come in as a favorite based on the home field advantage.
This matchup in Week 16 of the regular season will take place on Sunday, December 24, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Atlanta Falcons (Check Back Later)
New Orleans Saints (Check Back Later)
Over/Under (Check Back Later)
Odds Analysis
The spread should favor the Saints, as analytical models give them about a 70 percent chance to win this game at home. It could be close though, so any line over three or four points should force the bettors to consider backing the underdog Falcons.
Rest assured this game should have a high scoring total. Both of these offenses are chock full of playmakers and elite passing games. Look for a shootout despite the first matchup being low-scoring.
Injury Report
Ted Ginn Jr. — The Saints’ wide receiver missed Sunday’s game against the Jets with a rib injury. He suffered the injury against the Falcons on December 7th. Ginn has 46 receptions for 678 yards and three touchdowns this season.
Tevin Coleman — The Falcons’ running back was sidelined for his team’s game against Tampa Bay on Monday night due to a concussion. He sustained the injury against New Orleans on December 7th. Coleman is the team’s second-leading rusher this year behind Devonta Freeman and Atlanta will hope to have him cleared for the rematch with the Saints on Sunday.
Andy Levitre — The Falcons’ left guard also missed Monday’s game against the Buccaneers, marking the second straight in which he was out with an injury. Levitre continues to recover from a tear to his left triceps and is being replaced by Ben Garland.
Last Meeting
This Sunday’s matchup between the Falcons and Saints will mark the second meeting between the NFC South foes in three weeks. Atlanta won the first matchup on December 7th, 20-17, behind a game-ending interception by linebacker Deion Jones in the end zone.
The Saints were well within striking distance, and facing just second down at least had a chance to send the game to overtime, when Jones made the interception. The win helped keep Atlanta’s playoff hopes still very much alive.
Matt Ryan got off to a shaky start for the Falcons in the win, throwing three interceptions before tying it up early in the fourth quarter with an eight-yard pass to Mohamed Sanu and setting up the game-winning field goal by Matt Bryant on the next drive. Aside from the late interceptions, Drew Brees played well, finishing with 26-of-35 for 271 yards and two touchdowns.
Free ATS Pick
The Falcons are finding their groove and it’s never a given to pick against such a strong team. However, the Saints have taken a huge leap forward this season and are a formidable foe.
The Saints are zeroing in on the division title and a win in this game would be a big boost. Take New Orleans to win the game, but keep an eye on the spread because the Falcons may be the pick to cover.
NFL Odds: Saints 31, Falcons 27
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