Can the Saints' late-season surge overcome the Falcons' dynamic offense and Bijan Robinson's dual-threat dominance in a crucial matchup?
The New Orleans Saints (6-10) have an exciting opportunity ahead against the Atlanta Falcons. The Saints have a shot at finishing the year with five consecutive wins.
In their way are the surging Falcons who have one of the more dynamic running backs in the NFL in Bijan Robinson. He presents the toughest challenge out of the backfield that the Saints have faced this season.
In 2025, Robinson is fourth in rushing yards with 1,445 for the season. Yet it's what Robinson brings in the passing game that makes him near impossible to shut down completely.
Robinson ranks No. 29 in the NFL in receiving yards and second among running backs behind San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffery (890) in receiving yards with 810 yards through the air. He is just 60 yards behind Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (870) for the team lead in receiving yards.
The challenge of limiting Robinson along with absence of star New Orleans wide receiver Chris Olave make the game perhaps more difficult than any of the Saints' prior four games.
Atlanta Falcons running back Bijan Robinson (7) carries the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during the first half at State Farm Stadium. Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesIain MacMillan likes the Saints' chances of making it close. He has New Orleans losing a close one, 21-20. MacMillan discussed his confidence in the Saints.
"The Saints have become a legitimately good football team in the second half of the season, unfortunately, it's been too little too late for their playoff hopes. Since Week 10, their defense ranks second in opponent EPA and first in opponent success rate. Their offense has also been solid behind rookie quarterback Tyler Shough, ranking 19th in EPA per play and success rate since Week 10.
The Falcons are limping into the offseason behind several injuries, and despite beating the Saints a few weeks ago, New Orleans has hit its stride in recent games and will be a tougher challenge for Atlanta in the rematch. I'll take the points in what I expect to be a close game."
As impressive as Robinson has been, it can be argued that Shough has been equally as impressive at quarterback for New Orleans. The rookie quarterback's 5-3 record as starter and recent run of games with at least 270 passing yards make him the talk of the NFL Rookie of the Year race.
Sunday's game won't be easy for the Saints given all their injuries the odds may be against them. Still, look for New Orleans to make it a game and maybe even pull off a win.