Atlanta Falcons vs Saints: Predictions for big Week 16 game

Writer: Randy Gurzi

Game: Atlanta Falcons (9-5) at New Orleans Saints (10-4)

Breakdown: The Atlanta Falcons escaped with another three-point win on Monday Night Football over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. It was a much tighter contest than many expected — or at least than I expected anyway. Now they head to Louisiana to take on the team they squeaked out a three-point win against the week before, the New Orleans Saints.

It was about an ugly a win as can be expected as Matt Ryan threw three interceptions and just one touchdown. They then allowed the Saints to march down the field at the end, only to catch a huge break when linebacker Deion Jones picked off a pass in the end zone.

Now at home, look for the Saints to be a little more “in sync” in this game. The last time these two played, they were out of rhythm and they actually had a line forming on the sidelines to get into the medical tent.

As for the Falcons, don’t expect them to make this easy. They could get themselves into first place with a win, so they’ll probably come out flat just to toy with their fans emotions like they love to do. This season isn’t going to be decided in Week 16, no — the Falcons will go into Week 17 needing a win to get into the playoffs because, well just because.

Prediction: New Orleans 27, Atlanta 23