The Falcons lost the first meeting between these teams 35-27 but that was with a healthy Michael Turner and Matt Ryan.  That won’t be the case this weekend as Chris Redman and Jerious Norwood will likely be starting at QB and RB.  The Saints’ D is starting to show some cracks so the Falcons must be aggressive on offense this Sunday.  Redman should come out throwing the ball to Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez against a Saints’ D that is allowing 230.0 yards passing per game this year.  Jerious Norwood and Jason Snelling will have to step up in this game as the Saints are allowing 112.9 yards rushing per game and 4.5 yards per carry.  If the Falcons can get a ground game going then they can keep the ball away from Drew Brees and the Saints’ offense.

The Saints are almost impossible to defend as they rush for 142.6 yards per game and they pass for 286.4 yards per game.  So it’s pick your poison on defense.  If you cheat up to deal with Pierre Thomas, Mike Bell and Reggie Bush then Drew Brees goes up top.  If you play extra DBs to slow the passing game then they just run the ball.  The best way to give the Falcons a chance to win this game is to keep the ball away from the Saints’ offense and that is not easy.

PREDICTION:  SAINTS 33, FALCONS 17