Falcons vs. Saints odds: Atlanta favored by a field goal heading into Thursday Night Football

The Atlanta Falcons are favored against the New Orleans Saints this evening, as you might expect, but there are many factors conspiring to make the team less of a favorite than you might anticipate.

Per SB Nation's NFL odds, the Falcons are 3 to 3.5 point favorites, depending on your source. Considering Atlanta's on the road, they're coming off a shaky win over Washington, and the Saints still have Drew Brees. That's good for a couple of points in Vegas every time out.

It's worth remembering, as well, that the Falcons and Saints usually have bitter, hard-fought battles that wind up being quite close. The Falcons should win this game, because this year's Saints team is a mess and likely the last gasp of the best run in the franchise's history, but the Saints will fight like hell and would love to spoil Atlanta's undefeated start. I can't imagine the Falcons will take them lightly, but it's not likely to be an easy game.

Let's hope the Falcons are 6-0 in a blowout.