For a 2-8 team, the New Orleans Saints may not have high expectations for the rest of the season, but there are still winnable games. The Saints’ remaining schedule features several potential victories, with the first coming in Week 12 against the Atlanta Falcons.
Saints vs. Falcons Preview
After winning two weeks ago against the Carolina Panthers, the outlook on the Saints’ season has changed significantly. QB Tyler Shough had an excellent game, the defense executed a nearly flawless scheme, and the offensive playmakers made big plays. The performance wasn’t perfect, but it was an improvement for the future.
Now, instead of focusing solely on the future first-round pick in 2026, the Saints can also work on putting Shough in optimal situations to succeed and let him prove why he can be the starting quarterback next season.
Atlanta will be without its starting QB, Michael Penix, and WR Drake London will also be out. The Falcons have already struggled this season, with only one more win than the Saints. Now, without several key starters, they face a tough road ahead. Backup Kirk Cousins will start for Atlanta on Sunday.
Defensive coordinator Brandon Staley’s scheme proved effective against Carolina, and a similar approach should be applied against Atlanta. The Saints must force Cousins to win the game while ensuring running back Bijan Robinson does not take control.
According to PFSN’s RB Impact Metric, Robinson has the fourth-best RB impact score on the season. He has the potential to dominate, but if the Saints can stop him, their chances of victory improve significantly.
Looking at the Falcons’ defense, they are one of the best in the NFL at pressuring the quarterback. Per PFSN’s Defensive Impact metric, the Falcons are third in sack percentage (10.7%). Clearly, the Saints need to handle this pressure to have a chance to win.
Shough performs well under pressure in the pocket, but like any quarterback, he struggles when under duress. Protecting him with correct blocking and an effective running game will go a long way in this matchup.
Saints vs. Falcons Prediction
This game could play out similarly to the Panthers matchup, which suggests a Saints win.
Final Score: Saints 20-10
