The first two NFL franchises from the Deep South will clash on Sunday, with the New Orleans Saints visiting the Atlanta Falcons at the Georgia Dome to renew their rivalry.
NFL picks and predictions, Week 1: Saints vs. Falcons
One of the most underrated rivalries in sports kicks off the season for a second consecutive year.
Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
New Orleans made the playoffs last season with an 11-5 mark before beating the Philadelphia Eagles and subsequently losing to the Seattle Seahawks in the playoffs. Drew Brees was his usual eye-popping self, amassing 5,162 yards and 39 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. Brees' main target was tight end Jimmy Graham, who caught 86 passes for 1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns. The defense was much improved under first-year coordinator Rob Ryan, ranking fourth. It stands to improve further with the addition of free safety Jairus Byrd.
Atlanta is aiming for a rebound after staggering through a miserable 3-13 campaign. The Falcons added in the offseason, acquiring guard Jon Asamoah, defensive end Tyson Jackson and returner Devin Hester along with first-round pick Jake Matthews. Atlanta has suffered a couple of serious injuries, however, losing left tackle Sam Baker (ACL) and linebacker Sean Weatherspoon (Achilles) for the season. The running game must improve behind Steven Jackson, after ranking dead last with 77.9 yards per game in 2013.
The Saints are favorites on the road, giving 2.5 points, according to Oddsshark.com. Pete Prisco is the only CBS Sports expert picking the Falcons to cover the spread and to win outright. The guys over at ESPN are sticking with the Saints as well, with 12 of the 13 experts picking them. At SB Nation, all of Ryan Van Bibber, Stephen White, Joel Thorman, Matt Ufford, David Fucillo and Danny Kelly are picking the Saints, with PFT Commenter being the lone “dissenter.”
See More:
