Final Prediction for Saints-Falcons Week 4 Matchup

The New Orleans Saints are entering Week 4 of the NFL season 1-2, but that still has them in a great spot in NFC South. Not a bad situation to have 4 weeks into the season, but it does make this next game a must-win, especially due ot the opponent. On Monday Night Football, the Saints will face off against their hated division rival, the Atlanta Falcons. 

This is always one of the most exciting games of the Saints season just based on hate. The fan bases do not like each other, and the players want to prove to each other that they can beat their rival. With both teams being 1-2, it also makes the game just a bit more impactful, because starting the season 1-3 could be tough to come back from. 

To preview the Falcons a bit, this is kind of a wild-card team for the Saints to face early in the season. Michael Penix, their former first-round pick, returned from injury and helped his team get their first win of the season. The opponent was the Green Bay Packers, who are barely winning games. This defense also doesn’t have household names, but they are getting pressure, and players are outperforming expectations. Atlanta’s x-factor is Bijan Robinson, who can win games by himself. 

This team's unknown factor could cause issues for New Orleans, but the Saints' injuries are the main concern. The Saints will be without LB Kaden Elliss, RB Travis Etienne, EDGEs Carl Granderson and Anfernee Jennings, and, of course, OT Kelvin Banks Jr. Besides Jennings, who is more of a depth piece, the Saints are missing 4 main starters. Not ideal against a team that is getting pressure and wants to run the ball first. But that by no means takes the Saints out of this game. 

Injuries are a storyline on both sides of this matchup. With A.J. Terrell injured, the Falcons' CB room is much weaker, and although this defense has done decent so far, this game is set up for New Orleans to win through the air. Tyler Shough has carried this offense before, and with Etienne out and the Falcons defending the run well, the Saints will likely find success through the air. If the Saints can at least keep Robinson from controlling the game, they will have a good chance of winning. 

For my final score prediction, I have the Saints winning 31-21. A decent win for New Orleans, but the defense can't stop Atlanta from getting into the end zone. I also think this game could easily end with neither team scoring more than 20 points. It’s going to be very interesting to see what happens.