Fansided

Ranking the 25 biggest NFL rivalries of all time

By Mike Phillips

PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jackson Carman #79 of the Cincinnati Bengals in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 26, 2021 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
PITTSBURGH, PA - SEPTEMBER 26: Jackson Carman #79 of the Cincinnati Bengals in action against the Pittsburgh Steelers on September 26, 2021 at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 07: Cordarrelle Patterson #84 of the Atlanta Falcons is tackled by Marcus Davenport #92 of the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter at Caesars Superdome on November 07, 2021, in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 07: Cordarrelle Patterson #84 of the Atlanta Falcons is tackled by Marcus Davenport #92 of the New Orleans Saints during the fourth quarter at Caesars Superdome on November 07, 2021, in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

23. Top NFL Rivalries – New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons

  • All-Time History: Falcons lead 54-51
  • First Meeting: Nov. 20, 1967 (Saints 27, Falcons 24)
  • Last Meeting: Nov. 7, 2021 (Falcons 27, Saints 25)
  • Postseason History: Falcons lead 1-0

The NFL hasn’t always done the best job maintaining geography with its divisions, which has led some of the league’s younger teams to have trouble forming long-standing rivalries. One notable exception is with the Saints and Falcons, who have been bitter rivals since New Orleans joined the NFL as an expansion team in 1967.

Just seven hours separate New Orleans and Atlanta, allowing fans in the football-crazed south a perfect opportunity to travel to each stadium during the season. The Saints and Falcons were both placed in the NFC West after the NFL merger in 1970, where their rivalry took off.

One of the most memorable games in Saints’ history came against the Falcons in 2006, when Steve Gleason’s blocked punt helped New Orleans pick up a win in their first game back in the Superdome since Hurricane Katrina devastated the city. This rivalry has also picked up steam in recent years with both teams in contention for the NFC South title more often than not.

Contests between the Saints and Falcons have also become underrated gems due to the shootouts that became a frequent occurrence over the past decade. With Drew Brees retired and Matt Ryan on the decline, however, the next iteration of this rivalry should emerge in the coming years.

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