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There's never a dull moment when two future hall of famers go up against each other. That's why you need to mark on your schedule this week's NFC South marquee matchup between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons, that'll have Drew Brees and Matt Ryan go head-to-head to decide which team gets to 1-2. The NFL latest line has the Falcons as a field-goal favorite, but will the Saints pull off the win instead? Keep reading to find out.
Saints vs Falcons NFL Week 3 Lines and Preview
Here are #Saints storylines to keep an eye on
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 20, 2018
https://t.co/74fhu1UOBa pic.twitter.com/UfcobGoELI
- When: September 23, 2018, 1:00 PM ET
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Opening NFL Lines: Saints -3 (54)
Why Bet on the Saints?
The Saints didn't get this season started on the right foot after losing their season opener to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a big favorite. The following week, they barely won over the Cleveland Browns at home by a score of 21-18. If it weren't for the fact the Browns don't have a good kicker, the Saints would be 0-2 right now.
Once more, New Orleans is relying on Drew Brees to get them out of hot water; against the Browns, Brees completed 28-of-35 passes for 243 yards and two touchdowns.
However, there are some positives for the Saints. Brees is connecting well with Michael Thomas, who caught 12-of-13 targets for 89 yards and two touchdowns against Cleveland, even if he did fumble the ball for the second game in a row.
Meanwhile, Alvin Kamara rushed 13 times for 46 yards and caught all six of his targets for 53 yards vs. Cleveland. Kamara also gained a 2-point conversion in the 4th quarter. But, Kamara has struggled on the ground, only rushing 21 times for just 75 yards (3.6 YPC) but has been great in the receiving game, catching 15-of-18 targets for 165 yards.
The Saints have some work to do on offense, but all in all, they have a good shot at beating the Falcons.
Why Bet on the Falcons?
The Falcons will still be without their top running back, Devonta Freeman, who isn't expected to take the field due to an aggravated MCL/PCL injury suffered back in 2017 that's holding him back. Tevin Coleman is filling in as the Falcons’ feature back for the time being, but it's something Atlanta will have to deal with down the line.
Regardless, the Falcons are probably looking forward of going up against the Saints because they might not need to rely on the ground game as much considering the Saints are horrible to defend against the pass, giving up 10.67 yards per pass play.
Matt Ryan completed 23-of-28 passes for 272 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception in the Falcons’ Week 2 win, adding 18 yards and two additional touchdowns on four carries. Ryan's two passing TDs went to Calvin Ridley and Austin Hooper.
Both of the Falcons' touchdowns against Carolina were in the red zone, which is a notable improvement from their Week 1 game when they went 0-of-5 in the red area.
However, there isn't a lack of bad news for the Falcons because apart from having lost two top defenders, possibly for the season, they might have to do without LG Andy Levitre who is out for the season with a triceps injury.
Saints vs. Falcons Betting Trends
New Orleans is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
New Orleans is 13-5 SU in its last 18 games
The total has gone OVER in 4 of New Orleans's last 5 games
New Orleans is 13-5-1 ATS in its last 19 games on the road
Atlanta is 8-4 SU in its last 12 games
The total has gone UNDER in 8 of Atlanta's last 9 games
Atlanta is 5-1 ATS in its last 6 games at home
Atlanta is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games at home
Game Prediction: The Falcons will suffer the injuries to their defensive players; Brees will put on a great air attack and end up on top.
Pick: Saints +3
