NFL Predictions: Will Saints beat Falcons, cover spread in rematch? 12/24/17
Will the Saints beat the Falcons and cover the spread in this NFC South rematch? The rivals will meet Sunday at 1:00 p.m. ET in New Orleans.
The Odds: Falcons at Saints, 1:00 p.m. ET, Sunday
According to oddsmakers, the Saints are 5.5-point home favorites to beat the Falcons. New Orleans opened as a 6-point home favorite before the line was bet down slightly. As for the total, the number hit the board at 53 but was bet down to 52.
Atlanta enters play with a 9-5 record and is 5-2 on the road this year. New Orleans, meanwhile, is 10-4 on the season and 6-1 at home. From a betting standpoint, the Falcons are just 6-8 against the spread while the Saints are 8-6 at the window.
Atlanta Falcons Injury Report
Atlanta is relatively healthy for this NFC South rematch. After sitting out Monday night’s game in Tampa due to a concussion, Tevin Coleman is probable for today. Guard Andy Levitre (triceps) also missed Monday night’s win but is questionable to face the Saints. Those are the only significant injuries impacting the Falcons.
New Orleans Saints Injury Report
Receiver Michael Thomas is dealing with a hamstring injury but is probable for today. Ted Ginn (ribs) is also probable, as is guard Larry Warford (concussion). That said, Trey Hendrickson (ankle), Coby Fleener (concussion) and David Parry (ankle) are all out.
Our Prediction
The Saints should have won the first meeting between these two teams in Atlanta. A handful of calls didn’t go in their favor and they lost Alvin Kamara to a concussion on the first drive of the game. They also intercepted Matt Ryan three times but still lost by a field goal when linebacker Deion Jones intercepted Drew Brees in the end zone in the closing minutes.
With Kamara healthy again, the Saints should roll. Atlanta is playing on a short week and looked pedestrian against a depleted Tampa Bay team on Monday night. These teams tend to play close games but I like the Saints to win by double-digits.
NFL Week 16 Prediction: New Orleans Saints -5.5
