New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 1 matchup
New head coach Dennis Allen and the New Orleans Saints take a trip to Atlanta to face Marcus Mariota and the Falcons in Sunday's 1 p.m. ET game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The Falcons are rebuilding with the likes of Kyle Pitts, Drake London, Desmond Ridder and others, but it may be another year of mediocrity in Atlanta. Meanwhile, the Saints and quarterback Jameis Winston hope to find a playoff berth in the NFC South.
Former coach Sean Payton even predicted the Saints to secure the NFC South crown, despite sharing a division with Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Here's a look at the betting details and USA TODAY's NFL staff picks for the Saints vs. Falcons game:
Saints at Falcons odds, moneyline and over/under
Spread: Saints (-4.5)
Moneyline: Saints (-230); Falcons (+190)
Over/under: 42.5
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Lorenzo Reyes: Saints 30, Falcons 13
Even though Dennis Allen was promoted as New Orleans’ head coach to replace Sean Payton, the move brings continuity after he’s entering his eighth season with the team. The Falcons, meanwhile, are rebuilding after losing Matt Ryan and several key pieces, so I like the Saints to win quite comfortably.
Safid Deen: Saints 24, Falcons 17
Jameis Winston has a ton of weapons offensively, and the New Orleans defense has been stout. I like the Saints to beat the Falcons, who will field a competitive team but be in the mix for the top pick in the 2023 NFL draft.
Lance Pugmire: Saints 24, Falcons 13
Dennis Allen had New Orleans’ defense humming as the season closed, and now that he’s head coach there’s little reason to believe Atlanta and Marcus Mariota will find vulnerabilities. This has all the appearances of a confident start for Jameis Winston.
Jarrett Bell: Saints 24, Falcons 17
Nate Davis: Saints 30, Falcons 13
Tyler Dragon: Saints 20, Falcons 13
Parker Gabriel: Saints 24, Falcons 17
Mike Jones: Saints 24, Falcons 20
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons predictions, picks for NFL Week 1
