Deposit Instantly Using Your Credit Card at Sportsbook.com!

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons NFL Week 10 Predictions & Picks

Written by Jimmy Boyd

Most experts did not expect the Atlanta Falcons to be leading the New Orleans Saints in the NFC South this season, let alone tally the five wins they have already reached. The Falcons have done it with a strong ground game led by running back Michael Turner and by defending their home field. Atlanta’s perfect home record could be in jeopardy this week however as odds makers are basically calling this one a toss up. The Falcons are listed as just the 1-point favorite with the total at 50.

The Saints took home a much-needed win against the San Diego Chargers in England prior to their bye week and now they will look to win consecutive games for the first time this season. The Saints were expected to compete for a division title this season with their explosive offense and with all the offseason moves made to bolster the defense. But a series of injuries at the skill positions have contributed to the Saints’ slow start and their fall to last place in the South. All things considering, the Saints aren’t in bad shape at 4-4. Top receiver Marques Colston has missed five games with a thumb injury, tight end Jeremy Shockey has missed three games with sports hernia surgery and running back Deuce McAllister was slowed early in the season while recovering from knee surgery. Luckily for the Saints, they are expected to have all three of those guys on the field Sunday. However, they will still be without star all-purpose back Reggie Bush.

The Saints have has Atlanta’s number the past two seasons winning all four contests by an average of 16 ppg. QB Drew Brees has been a major thorn in the side of the Falcons in those games, completing 91 of 133 passes for 1,087 yards and seven scores against only one pick. Brees is the NFL passing leader with 2,563 yards coming into this game.

The Saints’ defense has not been as good as the team hoped coming into this season. The defense really struggled against the Chargers in their last game but the offense was able to bail them out. Drew Brees and the offense racked up 409 yards in that game. The Saints come in as the league’s top offense, averaging 403.1 yards per game. Brees was particularly sharp against the Bolts, going 30 of 41 for 339 yards and three scores.

The Saints will have to get through some adversity to come out on top this week as running back Deuce McAllister faces a possible four-game suspension because the weight-loss supplement he used yielded a positive test for a diuretic that is banned by the NFL and starting defensive ends, Will Smith and Charles Grant, face potential punishment for the same violation. They are all expected to be on the field this week and can hopefully play even with a possible suspension hanging over their heads. Bet the Saints at +1 if you like them to come out on top this week.

The Falcons have been one of the biggest NFL betting surprises this season. Picked to finish last in the division by most experts, the Falcons are off to a 5-3 start already surpassing last season’s win total. Three of Atlanta’s wins have come against Detroit, Kansas City, and Oakland, teams that are a combined 3-21 at the halfway point, so we’ll really see what this Falcons team is made of from here on out.

Atlanta is hoping to snap its losing streak to the Saints behind rookie QB Matt Ryan this week. Ryan was 17 of 22 for 220 yards and two touchdowns in last week’s 24-0 road win over the Raiders. He led Atlanta on scoring drives on its first four possessions. With New Orleans’ defense being susceptible to the pass, a big day for Ryan could mean a Falcons win. Bet the Falcons at -1 at Bookmaker if you like them to stay perfect at home.

Editor’s Note: Jimmy Boyd has a premium play on this matchup in his Week 10 Sunday NFL picks package. Pick it up to ensure yourself the right side of this game. Jimmy will also beat the NFL odds with his Packers/Vikings 5* NFC North Game of the Year featured in Sunday’s NFL 5-pack.

If you liked this article, you may also be interested in:

Written by Jimmy Boyd on November 7, 2008 · Filed Under NFL Betting Articles, News & Previews

Comments

Got something to say?