Falcons vs Saints NFL Football Spread/Handicapping
The Falcons are the last unbeaten team in the league and now that we are entering the second half of the season it is reasonable to start assessing their chances of completing the trick.
Atlanta Falcons (8-0) vs New Orleans Saints (3-5)
Sunday November 11
Superdome – New Orleans, LA
1:00PM
Moneyline: Atlanta -135, New Orleans =115
Spread: Atlanta -2.5
O/U: 53.5
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Atlanta
To me this week will be one of the most challenging obstacles: a road game against a familiar opponent that can’t afford to lose. The Falcons have won at the Superdome only once in the last 5 years and I am sure they are aware of that fact.
It is hard to nitpick anything about Atlanta’s start.
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They haven’t beaten anyone I would call a Super Bowl contender but with an ATS record of 6-2 they are exceeding expectations. The offense has become more pass heavy than in recent memory but with Matty Ice playing well and the weapons they have that is probably a good thing. On defense they are not laden with stars and they give up yards but they stiffen on their own side of the field giving up just 17ppg.
I would love to see what the number in this one would be if the Falcons had even just one loss. My guess is that New Orleans might have been favoured. The Falcons have been a money 4-0 ATS as the visitor but I think that will really be tested on Sunday. We know both these teams prefer playing indoors so it should be fun to watch.
New Orleans
Odds are the Saints can’t really afford another loss. That means they would have to go on a hell of a run to make the season meaningful with a slew of tough games ahead. This is one of them but they are familiar with the Falcons and know they can beat them in the Superdome. [soliloquy id=”82219″]
Last week they beat an Eagles team that is just a mess and the defense showed some signs of life. A very encouraging sign.
The 13 points surrendered to the Eagles was their best showing of the season. They really got after Mike Vick sacking him 7 times. Getting to Matt Ryan might be a greater challenge but they just have to make him a little uncomfortable back there to be effective. Offensively Drew Brees is being his usual efficient self. The ground game showed some life last week with three backs totalling 140 yards. Just enough to keep the opponents honest.
I am not one generally for bold predictions but the Falcons streak ends this week. I don’t know if the Saints can get back in the race or not because their schedule is a monster but they can win and upset on Sunday. I expect one of the better regular season games of the season with huge plays and an exciting finish.
Spread Pick: New Orleans +2.5
O/U Pick: Over
Score Prediction: New Orleans 34 – Atlanta 30
