PRO PICKS: Can Saints slow Falcons’ march through NFC?

This is a big game for numerous reasons.

From September 1995 to December 1999 the Falcons beat the Saints 11 consecutive times, with the Saints breaking the streak on October 22, 2000.

“The two teams and the rivalry, it’s a fun thing to be a part of”, he said. The Falcons won in New Orleans last season but haven’t won consecutive road games against the Saints in 13 seasons.

The Atlanta Falcons are 5-0 and sit alone in first place in the NFC South. Atlanta has beaten the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans and Washington Redskins. He might find a few soft spots in the middle of the Falcons’ zone with crossing routes, or utilize the screen game. Matt Ryan and Julio Jones look like a dynamic duo that no defense has been able to stop yet, and the defense has been tough, as well. Falcons RB Devonta Freeman, the league’s No. 2 rusher, should like what he sees.

Falcons running back Devonta Freeman has been dominant so far this season – rushing for 405 yards on 93 carries with eight touchdowns, and he is expected to be a handful for the Saints on Thursday night. Still, everything starts with Julio Jones.

Most of the concerns entering the season were about the defense.

The Falcons don’t blitz much, although one by linebacker Nate Stupar last Sunday in overtime helped create Robert Alford’s game-winning interception that was returned for a touchdown. No team has ever started 5-0 and come from behind the in the final stanza four times before.

The Saints know they have to improve in a hurry, or the season will get away from them before they get near the midway point of the schedule.

There’s really no kind way to put it. The Saints have been awful this season. The Saints rank 30th out of 32. This defense is absolutely awful. Drew Brees has been battling injuries this year, he’s missing his favorite target in Jimmy Graham and nothing seems to be working correctly. The Saints have struggled big time to establish a ground game, so it’s pretty much pass or bust offensively. If Jones plays, he’s still one of the best, regardless if he’s nursing an injury or not. The Falcons continue to show that they are hungry for a championship and this just might be the right year for them. Clearly this is a must win game for Sean Payton.

Surprisingly, though, the Saints’ passing attack remains potent.

The game kicks off at 8:25 p.m. ET with CBS and NFL Network providing a simultaneous broadcasts.

The Saints have talent, but the Falcons are just flat out better and more balanced. Falcons fans can listen to the game on 92.9 The Game, while Saints fans can catch the radio broadcast on WWL 870. Broncos, 19-16 Carolina (+ 6½) at Seattle Panthers’ spotless record will get marked, but Seahawks don’t do anything easily.