Saints vs. Falcons: Our staff makes its predictions for Sunday’s game at Caesars Superdome

The New Orleans Saints (2-8) are coming off their bye week and host the rival Atlanta Falcons (3-7) at Caesars Superdome. Here are the predictions from our staff.

Jeff Duncan (Season record: 6-4)

Saints 19, Falcons 16: The Saints are catching the Falcons at a good time, in the midst of a five-game losing streak and after losing starting quarterback Michael Penix to injury. These rivalry games are always tough, but the it feels like a matchup of two teams heading in opposite directions.

Zach Ewing (Season record: 7-3)

Saints 20, Falcons 16: In looking ahead at the schedule, I had this circled as a good spot for the Saints: Off their bye week, playing their only home game of November against a fierce rival. But it’s been further underlined by the fall of the Falcons, who have lost five straight — and are without quarterback Michael Penix and top receiver Drake London because of injury. Surely the Saints can’t screw this up, right? Right?

Luke Johnson (Season record: 7-3)

Saints 23, Falcons 20: I’m hesitant to put too much stock into one strong performance by Tyler Shough and the Saints defense … but thankfully the Falcons have given me a larger sample size. Atlanta being the losers of five straight and being without their starting quarterback and top pass catcher make it easier to pick New Orleans in this spot.

Matthew Paras (Season record: 6-4)

Saints 27, Falcons 17: Scoring more than 20 points has been a challenge for the Saints this season, but they are catching the Falcons at the right time. With Atlanta on a five-game losing streak, I believe New Orleans can control Sunday’s game with a solid running game and chunk plays. The Falcons have a very respectable running back duo, but Kirk Cousins is past his prime and is without top target Drake London. All that adds up to a Saints win. 

Rod Walker (Season record: 7-3)

Saints 23, Falcons 20: Before the season began, I picked the Falcons to win the division. What a disappointment they have been. The Saints, of course, have been a disappointment, too. But the expectations were much lower. I’ve gone back and forth on who to pick in this one, but I’m giving a slight nod to the Saints for two reasons. They are at home coming off a bye. And the Falcons may have quit on the season. Big day for Tyler Shough coming.