Saints vs. Falcons: Atlanta stumps New Orleans, moves to 11-1

Maybe.

Atlanta’s offense failed to convert a single third down until the seven-minute mark of the fourth quarter. It was the only one Matt Ryan and Co. would convert out of 11 chances. Not exactly the hallmark of efficiency. Prior to this game, there were six NFC teams ranked higher in Football Outsiders overall efficiency ratings, Defense-adjusted Value Over Average (DVOA).

The five interceptions are a new career high for Brees. He had another interception that was nixed by a Falcons penalty in the fourth quarter. Brees has thrown four picks in a game twice in his career, prior to this outing. Only one other Saints quarterback has thrown five picks in a game: Archie Manning.

The Saints quarterback finished the game 28 for 50 with 341 yards and five interceptions. He had a 37.6 quarterback rating.

Fantasy studs and duds

Neither Drew Brees nor Matt Ryan — usually stud fantasy performers — were especially strong on the night and submitted less-than-stellar fantasy outputs for their owners. Brees threw for more than 300 yards, but his five picks were debilitating to his fantasy potential. Ryan threw for a touchdown, but ended the night with only 165 yards.

His last game against the Falcons was rather impressive, but Drew Brees is really struggling against his division rival in Week 13. Through three quarters he’s completed 22 of 38 passes for 264 yards and three interceptions.

If he can’t find the end zone in the fourth quarter, Brees’ consecutive touchdown streak will finally come to a close.

Matt Ryan hasn’t been as accurate on Thursday night against the Saints, leaving Julio Jones with only a couple catches after the first half. Through two quarters Jones has hauled in two receptions for 25 yards on four targets.

Roddy White isn’t even on the stat sheet, so Jones is at least showing some signs of life.

Brees then spiked the ball right on third-and-5, but the clock was already at zero. See for yourself:

The Saints even huddled before that play, burning up just a little more time.

After dominating the first drive of the game, Michael Turner is looking like he’ll finish with a solid day on the ground in Week 13. With two quarters down Turner has rushed for 71 yards and a touchdown on seven carries.

His 10.1 yards per carry is due in large part to his 35-yard scamper on his first run of the game.

Dig the reverse layup from Tony Gonzalez.

The real question is whether or not he can pull one of those in his Hall of Fame induction ceremony in a few years.

The Falcons exploded out of the gates against the Saints on Thursday night, and Michael Turner was leading the way to an early 7-0 lead. After punching it in from the three yards out, he became the sole leader for the all-time touchdown record in Atlanta franchise history.

Terance Mathis previously held the mark of 57 touchdowns in his lengthy career with the Falcons. Since coming to Atlanta, Turner has put up double-digit touchdowns in all four seasons with the team. His score early on in Week 13 marked No. 58 of his tenure.

Who needs eggs when you’ve got mad sewing skills. Look at what this Falcons fan whipped together for Thursday’s showdown with the Saints.

Via @imsosly.

Here’s the full list of inactives for the Falcons:

Safety Isa Abdul-Quddus (concussion)

New Orleans Saints

Atlanta Falcons

Wednesday afternoon the NFL sent out a press release about player safety and Thursday Night Football. This is the beginning of that press release, presented here because it nearly drove me insane:

Let’s just highlight the most outrageous lines from this.

Back on Nov. 11, New Orleans ended Atlanta’s bid for a perfect season with a 31-27 home victory. The win was the Saints’ fourth straight win over the Falcons.

Atlanta has rebounded since that loss, winning two straight tight games against Arizona and Tampa Bay. New Orleans has split their last two outings, blowing out Oakland before falling to San Francisco.

Atlanta (10-1) would love nothing more than to all but end the Saints’ shot at the postseason, while at the same time avenging its one loss of the season, a 31-27 defeat in New Orleans in Week 10. The Falcons have their eyes set on the top seed and home-field advantage in the NFC playoffs, and a win over the hated Saints could be a big confidence boost to a team that many still feel isn’t as good as its record.

Thursday night’s game from the Georgia Dome in Atlanta will be nationally televised by the NFL Network.

Welcome to Atlanta where the eggshells fly

And we throw them things like every day

Boy check the resume, it’s eggy business in the A.

If you like betting NFL home teams, Week 13 could be a good time to keep your money in your wallet.

That is, if the OddsShark.com NFL scores prediction computer is accurate.