NFL picks and predictions, Saints vs. Falcons 2016: Atlanta favored in Week 17 after upsetting Carolina

The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons are both out of the playoff race, but that doesn't mean they don't want to cap the 2015 season with wins. Just two weeks after being demolished by the Panthers for their sixth loss in a row, the Falcons were able to hand Carolina its first loss of the season last week. The effort demoralized a rival, and gave Atlanta some momentum to exact revenge on another conference foe.

The first time the Falcons faced the Saints this season, quarterback Matt Ryan threw for 295 yards and two touchdowns. The Falcons' offense had a good game on the ground, with running back Devonta Freeman rushing for 100 yards and another score. Despite their best efforts, the Falcons also lost three fumbles, and took their first loss of the season.

Ryan is coming off one of his best games of the year Sunday against the Panthers, going 23 of 30 for 306 yards and one touchdown. If he can continue his rhythm with Julio Jones, who had nine catches for 178 yards and a touchdown in Week 16, the team could pose problems for the Saints.

New Orleans quarterback Drew Brees passed for 312 yards earlier this season against Atlanta, connecting with tight end Benjamin Watson for a career-high 127 receiving yards and a touchdown. The Saints scored on all sides of the ball, adding touchdowns on a blocked punt and fumble recovery.

Just last Sunday, Brees had his second-best passing game of the season. He completed 25 of 36 passes for 412 yards and three touchdowns against the Jaguars. Both teams have already been eliminated from the postseason, but the Saints are looking to replicate their 31-21 win over the Falcons in October.