New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons preview, predictions, betting odds, live stream info
By Hayden Kane
New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons
Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints enter this season with sky-high expectations. They start their 2014 campaign off with a tough road test at the Georgia Dome against Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons, a team looking to rebound after a disastrous fall from grace last season.
Details for Sunday’s game are below:
Date: Sunday, Sept. 7
Start Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
Location: Atlanta, Georgia
Stadium: Georgia Dome
TV Info: FOX
Live Stream: NFL Sunday Ticket
Radio: NFL Audio Pass
Ticket Information: For Saints ticket info click here. For Falcons ticket info click here.
Keys to Victory
The Saints enter the 2014 season on the short list of Super Bowl favorites in the NFL. With super tight end Jimmy Graham healthy, happy, and paid, head coach Sean Payton at the controls and Brees at quarterback, New Orleans will score points in bunches once again. What makes this team even scarier, however, is the fact that this is their second year under defensive coordinator Rob Ryan. Say what you will about those Ryan brothers, but they know how to coach up a defense.
After a disappointing season that was lampooned by injuries in 2013, the Falcons enter 2014 healthy and on a mission. With weapons like Julio Jones, Roddy White, and Steven Jackson healthy once again, Atlanta should see the return of the prolific offense that nearly took them to the Super Bowl two seasons ago. Their ability to stop opposing offenses could be another story, however, with a defense that was ranked 27th in the NFL last year with 27.7 points allowed per game.
The Falcons will need to start fast and light up the scoreboard to outrun the Saints in Week 1.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: Falcons +3
Moneyline: Saints -150, Falcons +130
O/U: 51.5
Prediction
The Saints might not lose many games this season, but this is a tough opening assignment for them. There is no shame in losing to a divisional rival on the road, especially one that has as much to prove as the Falcons do. Ryan and the rest of the Atlanta offense will make a statement in this one and open 2014 with a win.
Final Score: Falcons 31, Saints 28