Saints vs Falcons Odds, Predictions, Picks and Betting Lines
- The Atlanta Falcons (7-9) host the New Orleans Saints (8-8) at 4:25 p.m. EST on Sunday, January 9th
- The Saints need to win to have a chance of making the playoffs, while the Falcons have already been eliminated
- Continue reading below for odds, analysis and a pick for this game
The New Orleans Saints travel to Atlanta this weekend for a divisional showdown with the Falcons. New Orleans, who is favored, must win this game to have a chance at the playoffs, while Atlanta has already been eliminated.
Atlanta won the only previous matchup between these two teams this season, although the Saints have seen plenty of success in this rivalry during the past few seasons.
Saints vs Falcons Odds
| Team | Moneyline | Spread | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Orleans Saints | -170 | -3.5 (-105) | Over 39.5 (-110) |
| Atlanta Falcons | +150 | +3.5 (-115) | Under 39.5 (-110) |
Odds as of January 8th at DraftKings.
The Ground Game
There is a very good chance that this game is decided in the trenches. With the Saints having a carousel of quarterbacks this year, not to mention the absence of star wide receiver Michael Thomas, their passing game has predictably suffered.
Saints' shot at playoffs is remarkable considering:
-Drew Brees retired
-Shaved $111 million to get under reduced salary cap
-Displaced by hurricane
-Injuries to Michael Thomas, Jameis Winston, o-line, etc
-Set NFL record using 58 different starters
https://t.co/djAhrpzVRL— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) January 6, 2022
However, New Orleans has some good pieces in the ground game. The Saints rushing attack starts with Alvin Kamara, who has had an up and down season to this point.
That being said, Kamara is still an explosive player and he represents a threat to take one to the house any time he touches the ball. Kamara is not the only player the Saints will rely on in the ground game, though. They also have dual threat quarterback Taysom Hill, who is averaging 55 yards per game on the ground over his past five games.
Taysom Hill hits Alvin Kamara for the @Saints TD!
📺: #CARvsNO on FOX
📱: NFL app pic.twitter.com/0AGLQ1cgFf— NFL (@NFL) January 2, 2022
Another factor the Saints have going in their favor is that they will be going up against a Falcons defense that has been near-abysmal defending against the run this season. The Falcons are allowing nearly 130 rushing yards per game, to go along with surrendering almost 20 touchdowns on the ground.
Quarterbacks Under Pressure
The Saints have done an excellent job of getting after opposing quarterbacks this season, to the tune of recording 43 sacks. Atlanta, meanwhile, has allowed their QB to get sacked 37 times this year.
While the Saints haven’t been much better in the quarterback protection department, allowing 36 sacks, Atlanta’s defense has only recorded 17 sacks all season. Due to this discrepancy in getting after the opposing quarterback, I will give the edge to Sean Payton and company here.
Cam Jordan has 7.5 sacks over the past 3 games. Next up is a date with his favorite QB, Matt Ryan. pic.twitter.com/r2EpMMxZPt
— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) January 3, 2022
If New Orleans can get to Matt Ryan early and often, they will throw a wrench into Atlanta’s offensive possessions, in addition to gaining an advantage in the field position battle. Additionally, Matt Ryan is not very mobile at this stage of his career, so if he’s forced into running for his life most of the afternoon he won’t be able to do a very good job of getting away from pressure and orchestrating the offense for Atlanta.
Motivation
This is an NFC South matchup, so you can expect plenty of animosity and competition between these two division foes. That being said, at the end of the day New Orleans has more to play for than Atlanta does.
If the Saints win, they will still have a shot at making the playoffs, although they will need some outside assistance for this to happen. Atlanta, meanwhile, has no shot to make the playoffs regardless of what happens in this game or across the league.
Tipico Sportsbook favors the Saints over the Falcons and the Rams over the 49ers, which would put New Orleans in the playoffs: https://t.co/Y68TsBAJSo
— John Sigler (@john_siglerr) January 6, 2022
Coaching Impact
The two head coaches for this game are Sean Payton for the Saints and Arthur Smith for Atlanta. While Smith has certainly overcame some adversity this season, he was only hired as Atlanta’s head coach in January of 2021.
Payton, meanwhile, has been the head coach of the Saints since January 2006. Payton is also battle-tested in the playoffs, including winning a Super Bowl ring in 2009. Expect Payton to have his team prepared and ready to go in this matchup.
The Pick
New Orleans has more to play for, is better at getting after the quarterback, and has by far the more experienced coach. Despite the moderate juice, I’m backing the Saints to win this game.
The Pick: Saints moneyline -170
DRAFTKINGS SPORTSBOOKBET $5 & GET $200 INSTANTLY & A NO SWEAT NBA SGP EVERY DAY!
- FANDUEL SPORTSBOOK
BET $5 & GET $150 GUARANTEED!
- BETMGM SPORTSBOOK
GET UP TO $1,500 BACK IN BONUS BETS!
- CAESARS SPORTSBOOK
GET UP TO $1,000 BACK - ON CAESARS!
David graduated from Quinnipiac University with his Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism. A baseball, football and basketball fan, David has covered everything from local sports to Quinnipiac’s D-I teams. David also enjoys tracking his own wager predictions and modifying formulas to handicap games.
