12/23/17 4:00pm
Falcons vs Saints Week #16 Prediction
Photo: Jason O. Watson/Getty Images
By. Andrew Rodberg
After defeating the Saints at home, courtesy of Deion Jones’ end-zone interception at the end of the game, the Falcons now look to continue their 2 game win streak. They head to New Orleans to face the NFC South Leader, 10-4 Saints at 1:00pm. With each game meaning more and more as the playoffs inch closer, there are a few keys to victory for the Atlanta Falcons.
In the last meeting with the New Orleans Saints, the Atlanta Falcons left victorious after a 10 point turnaround in the 4th quarter. In a game that was won by star players, Julio Jones (5 for 98 yds) and Devonta Freeman (24 for 91yds, 1 TD), the Falcons will look for the same success they had against New Orleans in week 14.
Following at 24-21 win over Tampa Bay on Monday night, the offense once again had their struggles in the 2nd half. With the play calling keeping Tampa on the ropes in the 1st half, the plays in the 2nd were the complete opposite. They were unable to get Julio Jones the ball and Devonta Freeman had trouble holding onto the ball.
Now for the Keys to Victory for ATL:
New Orleans known for having the most explosive offense this season, will rely on Drew Brees’ arm and the legs of rookie, Alvin Kamara. In the last meeting, Kamara was knocked out of the game after a hard hit that caused him to be placed in the concussion protocol. If Atlanta is able to stop the Kamara this time around, the defense can feed off of their strong and talented core to put pressure on Drew Brees!
A negative trend for Atlanta during this season would have to be Matt Ryan’s inability to throw away the ball. Matt known for extending plays has fallen into a slump where he tries to fit balls into tight windows that has resulted in INT’s, Matt Ryan almost averaging 1 interception a game, he will need to cut down on the mental errors he has been committing and not give the ball away.
The major #1 Key for Atlanta offensively is to get Julio involved early if you have watched the games we have lost, Atlanta has been unable to get Julio the ball early in the game to help establish the rush. If Atlanta is able to spread out the defense, it will be easy pickings for Freeman and Coleman.
Defensively for Atlanta they need to stick to their game-plan. They are a dangerous group of players when they are all in sync and feed off of each other. If Atlanta can handle their business, stop the New Orleans run game, and get Julio the ball, this game will be a win for Atlanta.
Prediction: Atlanta 27 Saints 17
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