Henry Roldán
Week 1 of the NFL brings us one of the strongest rivalries in the NFC South as the New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons officially begin a new era in each of their organizations.
New Orleans, which last season fell just short of the postseason with a 9-8 record, has a new head coach in Dennis Allen, who will replace Sean Payton in the position after 15 seasons.
On Atlanta’s side, Marcus Mariota will be in charge of replacing Matt Ryan in the quarterback role and try to lead the team to the playoffs after a four-year absence. Below, JefeBet brings you the Saints vs Falcons preview.
Predictions and Betting Preview for the New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons NFL Week 1 Game on September 11 2022
- Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia.
- When: Sunday, September 11, 2022, 1:00 PM ET
Betting on the New Orleans Saints
- Regular Season Record: 0-0
- Spread: -5.5
- Moneyline: (-230)
- Over/Under: 42.5
In a division where the Buccaneers are the favorites to finish first, the Saints look like the only team that can pose a threat to Tom Brady and company. But to do so, they must get off to a good start this season against a Falcons team that has more doubts than certainties.
The good news for the Saints is that Jameis Winston is back to lead the offensive threads after suffering a hamstring tear last season. Also, back is their top receiver, Michael Thomas, as well as star running back Alvin Kamara.
But, if we talk about the most outstanding area of the Saints, we must talk about their defense. Last season was the fourth fewest points allowed in the circuit. This year, not only is their defensive line holding strong with Marcus Davenport and Cameron Jordan, but for the secondary they signed Tyrann Mathieu, who will now be partnered with one of the best cornerbacks in the league: Marshon Lattimore..
Betting on the Atlanta Falcons
- Regular Season Record: 0-0
- Spread: +5.5
- Moneyline: (+190)
- Over/Under: 42.5
If the Falcons are to have any chance of pulling off an upset and sneaking into even a wild card spot, getting a win at home against a direct, divisional rival like the Saints must be a priority.
But this will not be so easy. Atlanta begins a new era without Ryan, and his successor, Marcus Mariota, has been full of ups and downs in his first seven seasons on the circuit.
The quarterback has always been considered very talented, especially for his ability to run with the ball. But with the Falcons, he will have to show what he is made of by leading an offensive line that is undergoing a complete restructuring. What’s more, the team will be lacking its star receiver, Calvin Ridley, who was suspended for the entire season.
On the defensive side, things do not change much. While Mariota has allies like tight end Kyle Pitt, young corner A.J. Terrell is the star of a defense that finished last season among the worst in yards allowed, points allowed, and tackles made. What’s the worst of all? There have been no major arrivals during the preseason, and they lost their leading catcher, Dante Fowler.
JefeBet Prediction
Despite the fact that the Saints are the visitors, both in talent and experience, the New Orleans team is superior to the Falcons on both sides of the grid.
The Saints defense is in the top five in the NFL and should look good against an Atlanta offense that has a lot of young pieces that should suit up for Mariota. In addition, the visitor’s offense is reinforced with the return of its three pillars, who will be able to take advantage of the opportunity to warm up against a local defense with many weaknesses.
New Orleans has everything it needs to start the campaign off on the right foot. I’m going with the Saints spread.
