3 Crazy Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints week one predictions

2. Marcus Mariota finishes the game with 280-passing yards 60-rushing yards and 3-combined touchdowns

While these may not seem like crazy numbers to predict for today’s starting quarterback let’s remember it is Marcus Mariota under center for the Falcons. As good as he looked throughout the preseason there is nothing in his career that suggests he can step in with a rebuilding Atlanta roster and put up these types of numbers.

This prediction is based on Mariota and Arthur Smith both complimenting each other well and believing Marcus has learned from his time on the bench behind Derek Carr. Mariota is going to be in no hurry to return to the bench and must put up numbers to hold off rookie quarterback Demond Ridder.

Mariota has the targets and the ability outside the pocket to put up these numbers and keep Atlanta in this game deep into the second half. His willingness to push the ball down the field and ability to create when the play breaks down is what separates him from Matt Ryan and will allow the quarterback to put up numbers that will have Ridder sitting safely on the bench heading into week two.