The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons will square off for the first time this season as they add another chapter to the bitter rivals’ storied history. While this game may not significantly impact
the playoffs and standings for 2025, there is still a lot at stake for both sides.
New Orleans is currently projected to have a top-three pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, but is seeking back-to-back wins after defeating the Carolina Panthers before their bye week. Atlanta is hoping to snap a five-game losing streak.
Tyler Shough is at the helm of the 26th-ranked offense in the league. He will get his first opportunity to play in front of the home crowd at the Caesars Superdome as the starting quarterback after making his first two career starts on the road.
The rookie quarterback has tossed for nearly 600 yards thus far, but has also thrown two interceptions. His selection of targets against Atlanta will be altered after the recent departure of wide receiver Brandin Cooks. The twelve-year veteran ends his second stint in New Orleans with just 19 receptions on the season. I would expect players like Devaughn Vele and Mason Tipton to see an expanded role within the Saints’ offense sometime soon.
While the Saints may be riding a bit of momentum after the recent victory, the offense has unfortunately still been a struggle, having managed to put up just 17 points against the Panthers. The Falcons have scored more than 20 points in three straight contests- albeit losses in each- but New Orleans will have to find some deeper production to keep up with Atlanta’s high-octane offense.
As for New Orleans’ offensive line, they will be in for a long day that will require maximum effort against a red-hot, aggressive Falcons’ pass rush. Atlanta has 14 players on its defense with at least one sack this year. Defensive tackle Brandon Dorlus and defensive end Zach Harrison are tied for the team lead with four and a half sacks each.
Atlanta drafted a star-studded defensive duo in linebackers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. Both first-round picks have had solid rookie campaigns with six and a half sacks and three forced fumbles combined. The tandem will look to wreak havoc in the Saints’ backfield on Sunday afternoon against a battered line.
It’s hard to say how this game will go, as meetings in this rivalry series always tend to be close and gritty. However, I like the Saints’ chances against Atlanta this time around, given the team’s good momentum versus a group on a multi-game skid.
