Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints Prediction, Pick: Can Jameis Winston Lead the Saints Offense?

Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints Prediction, Pick: Can Jameis Winston Lead the Saints Offense?

• Opening Line: Falcons +5. -105, O/U 41.5
• Current Line: Falcons +5.5 -105, O/U 42.5
• Last meeting: January 9, 2022, Saints 30, Falcons 20

The NFC South is wasting no time in getting the action fired up this season, as the Saints head to Atlanta to take on the division rival Falcons in the early slate on Sunday. For both teams, a new era is underway as Sean Payton and Matt Ryan have departed their respective franchises. 

With that in mind, let’s take a closer look at these two’s first matchups of the season and see where the value is as kickoff approaches in Atlanta. Here are our picks, predictions, and odds for Sunday's game between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons.

Falcons vs. Saints Start Time, Where to Watch, and Odds

• Date: September 11, 2022
• Game Time: 1:00 pm ET
• Where to Watch: FOX

Click Here for Falcons vs Saints Odds

Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints Prediction

Not since 2007 have the Falcons had someone not named Matt Ryan at the helm at quarterback, as they now usher in an era of the rebuild as Marcus Mariota will start the season at QB. A 2014 Heisman Trophy winner, Mariota has largely been an NFL journeyman in his time in the league. 

In the coaching box, second-year head coach Arthur Smith will have some familiarity with Mariota to start the season, as he was the quarterback offensive coordinator in his final season with the Titans (2019). An underrated quarterback when it comes to mobility, Mariota will have to rely on those legs as he comes in behind an offensive line rebuilding along with the rest of the team. 

For the Saints, after some uncertainty at quarterback themselves last season, they’ll be happy to get back Jameis Winston at the helm following a knee injury that cost him most of 2021-22. 

Winston will have to make his debut this season with his WR1 being potentially limited, as Michael Thomas was unable to do much throughout the week with a hamstring injury. Setting a single-season record in 2019 with 149 catches, the lack of Thomas would be a huge blow to a Saints offense that needs the weapons.

The Saints might also be without two of their best defensive players, as safety Tyrann Mathieu (illness) and cornerback Paulson Adebo (ankle) are both questionable ahead of kickoff in Atlanta. 

Even with a significantly better option at quarterback last season in Matt Ryan, the Falcons finished 7-10 in the division and 29th in total offense at 304 total yards per game. Their rushing attack was the anchor behind that rating, ranking 31st in the league at just 85.4 yards per game. 

Despite having Cordarrelle Patterson and rookie phenom tight end Kyle Pitts, this offense should continue to struggle this season with one of the worst offensive lines in the conference. 

For the Saints, while there is much to still sort out on the offensive side of the ball, their defense should be amongst the best in the NFL and I think we see them dominate in this game. While the total is enticing, I think there’s enough on the Saints' side for them to cover this short number against a team they know well. 

Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans Saints Pick

Pick: Saints -5.5 (-110) (Bet $110 to win $100)

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