Falcons vs. Saints Week 13 final score predictions

The Falcons have not fared well against the Saints in the Sean Payton era, and the first game with Raheem Morris as interim head coach was no different. Can the Falcons recover from that particular humiliation and put together an effective gameplan to triumph over New Orleans at home?

Our staff weighed in on the possibility, and we’re mixed on the outcome.

Falcons 20 - Saints 27

The Falcons have made a habit of following up big performances with duds this year. After thumping the Vikings, they lost a squeaker to the Lions. After handily beating the Broncos and getting a bye, they got smoked by the Saints. Now they’re fresh off a huge win over the Raiders and I really am bracing myself for the worst all over again.

I think the Falcons will be more competitive in this one—they must have learned something from last time!—but I think a win will require an alteration of their offensive game plan and containing Taysom Hill effectively. I need to see that happen to believe it can happen. - Dave Choate

Falcons 19 - Saints 17

Do I have any understanding or indication what team shows up on Sunday? Absolutely not. Is this a game the Falcons should win? Absolutely. Do the Falcons lose a lot of games they should win? Absolutely. Can I actually predict the Saints will win? Absolutely not. The only thing I know for sure is the Falcons will kick a lot of field goals. - Matt Chambers

Falcons 21 - Saints 30

Last week’s win over Raiders was quite impressive and can very well be noted as their best game of the season. I am one who believes that the Raiders are better than some want to give credit and that the victory last week was definitely one to be proud of.

But the Saints are a different case. A second round with Taysom Hill should work in the Falcons favor a bit. Hopefully, head coach Raheem Morris and the defense makes the proper adjustment. Speaking of proper adjustment, the Falcons team as a whole needs to bring some fight to this one. If they don’t, it may be a long day. - Eric Robinson

Falcons 30 - Saints 17

Because they are pissed about what Taysom Hill did to them 3 weeks ago, the Falcons defense will come out swinging in this game. They’ll get a couple of turnovers and set up the Falcons offense for success. The offensive line will find its stride and Dirk Koetter will do his best to resemble a replacement level offensive coordinator, cementing his job security for the next decade. - James Rael

Falcons 17 - Saints 21

As dominant as Atlanta may have looked against the Raiders, there are still major issues with this team. The offense still struggled against a sub-par Las Vegas defense. The defense was great and there’s reason to think that could carry over, but the last time we faced Taylor Hill, Atlanta made him look like a real QB. Until Dirk Koetter can figure out how to attack a good defense, the Falcons won’t deserve to be favored in any game with a defense ranked better than the low 20s. I don’t want to be swept by New Orleans, but my faith in our offensive coordinator is at an all time low. - David Walker