The NFC South delivers an intriguing early-season division rivalry game when the New Orleans Saints travel to face the Atlanta Falcons. Battle-tested Atlanta opened the season facing three 2023 postseason teams in a row. The Falcons aim to slow down a hot Saints offense that finally stalled in a loss to Philadelphia. With home-field advantage, Atlanta is considered a slight favorite.
Just as things aligned in Atlanta’s offense, injuries have hit the offensive line. Center Drew Dalman (ankle) was put on IR this week. Right tackle Kaleb McGary (knee) is also listed as questionable. Kirk Cousins (230 yards, TD) delivered a solid Week 3 with two backup linemen. But the veteran taking 10 hits and two sacks, as he did against the Chiefs, is not sustainable.
Bijan Robinson (16 carries, 31 yards) and the Falcons’ backfield struggled to gain traction in the run game against Kansas City. Robinson (shoulder) was listed as questionable after being limited in practice this week.
That said, Saquon Barkley (147 rushing yards) gashed the New Orleans defense in Week 3, which could aid the Falcons and their new linemen.
Following back-to-back 40-point blowouts, New Orleans was humbled in Week 3. Losing Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy three snaps into the game had a sizable impact. The Eagles outgained the Saints 460 to 219 in total yards. New Orleans is down two starters up front with McCoy (groin) sidelined for several weeks and right tackle Ryan Ramczyk on IR to start the year.
With a new line, the Saints need consistent production from quarterback Derek Carr (142 passing yards in Week 3) and running back Alvin Kamara (26 carries, 87 yards) after both were held in check during Week 3. The bad news? Carr will be playing through a groin injury, and Kamara was limited in practice this week and listed as questionable.
Atlanta ranks 11th in passing defense after facing two good offenses in a row, offering another early test for Klint Kubiak’s offense.
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New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons odds
How to watch Saints vs. Falcons
- Venue: Mercedez-Benz Statium — Atlanta
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
- TV: FOX
- Streaming: Fubo (try for free)
Expert picks for Saints vs. Falcons
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(Photo of Kirk Cousins: Kevin C. Cox / Getty Images)
