A pair of terrific offenses will meet up on Thursday when the New Orleans Saints host the Atlanta Falcons. The Saints are the clear class of the NFC South this season, while the Atlanta Falcons are trying to fight for a Wild Card spot into the playoffs. New Orleans beat the Falcons, 43-37, in a game earlier this season.
The Saints have won nine straight games after losing their season opener to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. New Orleans is the only team to beat the Los Angeles Rams this season, and they have their eye on the top spot in the NFC. The Atlanta Falcons have lost two straight games, and have fallen to just 4-6 on the season. The Saints are 13 point favorites over the Falcons in this Thanksgiving Day showdown.
Brees Putting Up Monster Numbers
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees is having a monster season in leading the top offense in the NFL. Brees has thrown for nearly 3,000 yards so far this season, and has thrown 25 touchdown passes to just one interception. The Saints are averaging 37.8 points per game this season, and have scored at least 45 points in their last three games.
The Saints defense has started to play much better after a slow start to the season. New Orleans is giving up just 23.9 points per game this season, and have allowed just 21 combined points in their last two victories. Cameron Jordan has been the defensive star for the Saints so far this season, recording six of the team’s 24 sacks. New Orleans will look to have a better performance than their week three game against the Falcons when they gave up 37 points.
Can The Falcons Stop Anyone?
Speaking of defense, the Atlanta Falcons haven’t played any of it all season long. The Falcons are allowing 27.6 points per game this season, making them one of the worst defensive teams in the NFL. The Falcons have forced just nine turnovers this season, and have struggled to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Takkarist McKinley leads the team with 5.5 sacks this season, but the rest of the defense must step up to stop the Saints.
Quarterback Matt Ryan is having another stellar season for the Falcons, and he has another top target to throw to this season. Rookie Calvin Ridley is averaging 13.6 yards per catch this season, and has caught seven touchdowns already this season. Julio Jones is still the top receiver for the Falcons, racking up over 1,100 receiving yards, but has scored just three touchdowns.
Saints Blow Out Falcons on Thanksgiving
The New Orleans Saints have the most explosive offense in the NFL this season, and now they get to take on one of the worst defenses. The Falcons have been getting torched all season long, and this will be a long game for the Atlanta defense. Look for the Saints to pick up their 10th straight victory in blowout fashion on Thursday. Bet the New Orleans Saints -13.0 over the Atlanta Falcons.
