The only win in 2015 for the New Orleans Saints came via an overtime touchdown strike against the Dallas Cowboys, but experts don't believe they'll be able to bottle that magic again in a Thursday night game against the undefeated Atlanta Falcons.
Falcons vs. Saints 2015 picks and predictions: Atlanta pegged by experts to get to 6-0
The Falcons will look to stay undefeated on Thursday against the 1-4 Saints.
The Falcons are 5-0 after earning an overtime victory of their own in Week 5 and need just one more win to match their win total from 2014. While the defense is much improved from its last-place finish in 2014, it’s the Atlanta offense leading the way with the third-most points in the NFL through the first five weeks.
The Saints have taken over Atlanta's spot as the worst defense in the NFL after allowing 519 yards to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 5. They could be especially vulnerable against the Falcons' rushing attack, which leads the league with 10 touchdowns.
It will be largely on the back of Drew Brees and the Saints' offense to avoid turnovers and produce a strong showing against the Falcons' defense. The Saints have managed to tally at least 380 yards of offense in four of five games and are No. 3 in passing offense, while the Falcons are No. 29 at stopping the pass.
At CBS Sports, seven of eight panelists are taking the Falcons to win. The sole voice on the side of the Saints is Dave Richard, who thinks they’ll be able to pull off the upset at home.
SB Nation’s team is siding with Atlanta, as well. The entire seven-man panel is taking the Falcons to stay undefeated, although the OddsShark computer is actually projecting the Saints to earn a victory despite being listed as the 3.5-point underdogs.
| Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | Matt Ufford | PFT Commenter | OddsShark | |
| ATL @ NO | ATL | ATL | ATL | ATL | ATL | ATL | ATL | NO |
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