New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons – MNF Picks
by Joel Schmidt
New Orleans: 6-0, 6-0 ATS
Atlanta Falcons: 4-2, 4-2 ATS

The Atlanta Falcons have a chance to start turning the tables in the NFC South tonight as they take on the unbeaten New Orleans Saints.  New Orleans most recently rallied for a 46-34 win against Miami, and Atlanta comes off of a 37-21 loss to Dallas.  Atlanta will have a hard time stopping a seemingly unstoppable offense that has no problem marching down the field through the air and on the ground.  Remember, though, that the Falcons are ranked 8th in defense nationally by allowing only 19 points per game.  The Dolphins, who managed to put 34 on the board against the Saints last week, were allowed to score only 7 by the Falcons in their first game.

After a disappointing loss, The Falcons will do whatever they can to keep this one close and to entertain a Monday night national audience.  The only way they’ll have a shot at winning this one is if they can run the ball effectively.  Expect the Saints to leave the field with another victory.  After all, they’ll be playing at home and they’re a better team.  Do expect them, however, to take their first loss against the spread.  12.5 points is too much for a division game with this kind of significance.

Game Stats:
Falcons lead the series 44-35
Both teams won when at home last year
New Orleans has won 5 of the last six against the Falcons
Atlanta 0-3 in road games against New Orleans in last 3 years
6 of the last 8 have gone under the total

Picks: Atlanta +12.5 , Under 56 (accurate at Bodog as of 4:00 pm EST)

5 Dimes has Atl +13 (accurate as of 4:13 pm EST)