Falcons at Saints: Preview and prediction

The Atlanta Falcons are leading the NFC South with a 5-0 record, but they don’t have much breathing room. The Carolina Panthers are only a half-game back at 4-0, making Atlanta’s date with the New Orleans Saints on Thursday Night Football at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome that much more important.

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Atlanta has shocked everyone with a ball-hawking defense and an offensive line that no longer appears to have money on the opposition. The Falcons are a balanced offensive attack for the first time in years, with rookie running back Devonta Freeman racking up 405 rushing yards, tied with Chris Johnson and Doug Martin for second in the league.

Matt Ryan is still his prolific self, throwing for 1,456 yards, only behind Philip Rivers and Andy Dalton. On the outside, Julio Jones might be the best receiver in football with 545 receiving yards, only trailing DeAndre Hopkins.

Meanwhile, the Saints are a mess. The offensive line has been poor throughout the campaign, leading to quarterback Drew Brees having to miss a game with a shoulder injury. New Orleans is a team without a true identity at the moment, with head coach Sean Payton arguing with defensive coordinator Rob Ryan on the sideline last week. Payton could be coaching his last season with the Saints should this season spin out of control. At 1-4, it appears Payton’s 11th season with the franchise could be his last.

New Orleans will struggle to stop Atlanta, with its defense ranking dead last in the league. Despite offseason hopes of a revamped group including a secondary of Brandon Browner, Keenan Lewis and Jairus Byrd, bad play and injuries have led to another dismal campaign.

Pick: Atlanta 34, New Orleans 20