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New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons NFL Betting Odds & Picks

Written by Jimmy Boyd on December 10, 2009

The 12-0 New Orleans Saints look to remain unbeaten by pulling off the season sweep over the 6-6 Atlanta Falcons. Last week, New Orleans got its biggest scare of the season. It came through with a downright lucky overtime win over Washington to stay undefeated. Meanwhile, Atlanta was completely embarrassed at home 34-7 by Philadelphia. New Orleans won the season’s first meeting 35-27 in Week 8 for its sixth win in the last seven games against Atlanta, but the Falcons still hold a 46-35 lead in the all-time series. NFL odds makers don’t expect New Orleans’ undefeated season to be in danger this week, listing the Saints as a 10.5-point favorite with the total set at 50.

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It’s no secret, the Falcons are banged up, and they didn’t stand a chance without QB Matt Ryan and running back Michael Turner last week. Without the two offensive stars, the Saints managed only Seven points, just 295 yards of offense, and they turned the ball over three times. Matt Ryan is currently listed as doubtful for Sunday’s game and Turner is listed as questionable so the Falcons could be without both stars again. This means that the offense can’t afford to turn the ball over this week, and the defense is going to have to come up big. Easier said than done. Mike Smith is known as a sound defensive mind, but he has not been able to get his players to perform consistently on the defensive side of the football this season. The good news is the Falcons have been much better defensively at home where they are only allowing 18.2 points per game. The defense will certainly be tested Sunday by the best offense in the NFL. While it did not treat Atlanta well last week, home field has been very good to the Falcons the last two seasons. They are 5-1 at home this year so at least they are playing on a field that will give them the best chance to win. It is worth noting that the Falcons are 6-0 ATS in their last 6 games after scoring less than 15 points in their previous game. If you like Atlanta to bounce back strong this week to give the Saints a game, bet the Falcons at +10.5 at Bodog.

The big question this week is how the Saints will respond after enduring their biggest test of the season. Will they be too physically and emotionally drained after such an improbable comeback or will they be up for the challenge against a division rival?

With a win, New Orleans will set a new franchise record for regular season victories in one season. In order to get that win, they’ll need Robert Meachem to continue his tear. The Saints’ 2007 first round draft pick has seven touchdowns in the last five games, and more importantly, he has given defenses someone else to worry about besides Marques Colston and Devery Henderson, which has made the Saints nearly impossible to scheme against.

We know the turnover problems the Falcons have had. We continued to see those problems when backup QB Chris Redman through two interceptions last week. Now Atlanta faces one of the best interceptors in the business in Darren Sharper, who is tied for tops in the NFL with eight picks. And when Sharper gets one, it is not unusual for him to take it back to the house. Don’t be surprised to see Sharper coming up big in this one. It is worth noting that the Saints are 7-2-1 ATS in their last 10 road games. If you like New Orleans to cover the spread Sunday, bet the Saints at -10.5 at Bodog.

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