The first time these two teams played the Saints had to fight tooth and nail before finally prevailing 35-27 at home.  But, the Falcons had a healthy Matt Ryan and Michael Turner in that game.  If either of them play this week they will be gimpy.  With that in mind the Saints should come out throwing the ball to force the Falcons into a firefight.  Drew Brees should have a field day throwing against a Falcons’ D that is allowing 254.7 yards passing per game.  If the Saints succeed in getting the lead in the passing game then they can grind out the game on the ground with Pierre Thomas leading the way against a Falcons’ D that is allowing 119.8 yards rushing per game and 4.3 yards per carry.

The Falcons will no doubt come out running the football with Jason Snelling and Jerious Norwood against a Saints’ D that is allowing 113.9 yards rushing and 4.5 yards per carry.  The Saints must stop the running game of the Falcons to force Chris Redman into making some mistakes like he did last weekend against the Eagles.  The Saints should double cover Roddy White and make the Falcons use other receivers to try to beat their defense.

PREDICTION:  SAINTS 33, FALCONS 17