The Saints are going through a transition on defense and despite having one of the worst secondaries in NFL history last season, New Orleans is favored by three points against a Falcons team that features three pass catchers who have made Pro Bowl appearances. The Saints will host the Falcons in Sean Payton's regular season sideline return and the gambling world has faith in his coaching talent.
NFL odds 2013, Week 1: Falcons vs. Saints
The Saints are three-point favorites against the defending division champion Falcons, who were minutes from making the Super Bowl last season.
The teams split their season series last year, but the Saints still need to prove they can handle a pass attack that includes Tony Gonzalez, Julio Jones and Roddy White. New Orleans is known for putting up points and quarterback Drew Brees will pick on a secondary that features rookie Desmond Trufant and Asante Samuel, who tends to gamble in coverage frequently. Brees' aerial attack will be accompanied by a running game that includes Darren Sproles and former first-round pick Mark Ingram.
For the Falcons, they need to unleash newly-signed running back Steven Jackson down the throat of a New Orleans defense that is missing inside linebacker Jonathan Vilma. The run will open up the pass for Matt Ryan, who has the trusty hands of Jones, Gonzalez and White to count on. This one should be a shoot-out.
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