The New Orleans Saints (6-10) and Atlanta Falcons (7-9) face off in Week 18. Kickoff is set for 1 p.m. ET from Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. Saints vs Falcons will broadcast on FOX.
The Falcons are 4-point favorites on the spread (Falcons -4; -115), with the over/under set at 43.5. Atlanta is a -220 favorite on the moneyline, while New Orleans is +180 underdog.
Let's get into my Saints vs Falcons prediction in my preview for this NFC South game below. You can also find the latest NFL odds, betting trends, injuries/inactives and more.
Saints vs Falcons Predictions, Picks
- Saints vs Falcons pick: Falcons -3 (-120)
My Saints vs Falcons best bet is on Atlanta to cover the spread. Find the best odds by checking our live NFL odds page.
Saints vs Falcons Odds
| Saints Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
+4 -105 | 43.5 -110o / -110u | +180 |
| Falcons Odds | ||
|---|---|---|
| Spread | Total | Moneyline |
-4 -115 | 43.5 -110o / -110u | -220 |
Saints vs Falcons Preview, Prediction
The Falcons can't make the NFL playoffs, but they figure prominently into who will win the NFC South.
There were two ways the Panthers could win the NFC South: either defeat (or tie) the Buccaneers on Saturday, or hope the Falcons defeat the Saints today.
Well, the Panthers couldn't get the job done themselves so now they have to hope the Falcons win to create a three-way tie atop the division. Such a scenario gives the Panthers the division via a tiebreaker.
The Falcons are a good team, but they're just poorly coached and have historically bad special teams, which has cost them four games.
The Falcons lost to the Patriots because of a missed extra point. They lost to the Colts in overtime after giving up some big kick returns. They lost to the Jets in a game they statistically dominated because they muffed a punt at their own two-yard line. I could go on and on about Atlanta's special teams.
However, you look up and down the roster, and the Falcons defense is actually really good and can generate pressure. I love their secondary, and their offensive line is good.
TE Kyle Pitts has emerged with QB Kirk Cousins, who has been playing well. Bijan Robinson is arguably the best running back in the NFL.
Plus, the Falcons have all the incentives to keep winning since they already traded away their first-round draft pick to the Rams. Cousins is basically playing for his job. The whole staff is coaching for their jobs. I expect to see maximum effort from Atlanta in what is otherwise a rather meaningless game for them.
Now, the Saints will also try to win this game, and QB Tyler Shough has been playing well lately, but the hype has gone too far.
This is who the Saints have played since their bye week: the Falcons (without Drake London), who blew them out at home; the Dolphins, who they also lost to; and they beat the free-falling Bucs, Panthers, Jets, and Titans.
That schedule is comical. Shough has not faced a playoff-caliber team. Also, for what it's worth, Atlanta has beaten the Saints in two straight home meetings entering this matchup.
Saints vs Falcons Predictions, Spread Pick to Make
The Falcons secondary is good, and there's only one receiver they need to cover on the Saints and he's not even playing (Chris Olave). They’re not worried about Kevin Austin or Mason Tipton.
Also, Bijan Robinson is going to get fed here, which I like, since this is the last game of the season for the Falcons regardless of the outcome.
You shouldn't have to worry about Robinson splitting more carries than usual. I expect him to go off. Give me the Falcons.
Pick: Falcons -3 (-120)
Saints vs Falcons Betting Trends
Saints vs Falcons Viewing Info: Channel, Start Time, Streaming
| Location: | Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Ga. |
| Date: | Sunday, Jan. 4 |
| Time: | 1 p.m. ET |
| TV / Streaming Options: | FOX |
Saints vs Falcons Injuries, Inactives
Saints Inactives
- DB Ugo Amadi
- QB Spencer Rattler
- WR Chris Olave
- RB Alvin Kamara
- T Xavier Truss
- DT Bryan Bresee
- DT Nathan Shepherd
Falcons Inactives
- P Trenton Gill
- LB Ronnie Harrison
- DL Brandon Dorlus
- OL Michael Jerrell
- WR Casey Washington
- WR Malik Heath
