Normally it’s never a good idea in the NFL to take favorites this high when facing decent teams. However the Saints are an exception to that rule. They are on pace to be the highest scoring team ever, averaging around what the 2007 New England Patriots were putting up on offense. While I don’t feel that New Orleans is anywhere near as good as that team, they still have one of the most potent offenses that anyone has ever seen. The difference for them this year though is on defense. Gregg Williams has done an outstanding job transforming this unit into one of the better defenses in the league. They have also managed to avoid injuries, and new addition Darren Sharper has improved the secondary. Many people think that Atlanta is a serious contender in the NFC this season, but they over-rated in my opinion. The Falcons were significantly outgained in their blowout losses to Dallas and New England, two of the better teams in the league. In addition, they were outgained by Chicago at home, yet found a way to win because of several Bears mistakes. Chicago was in position to tie that game though late in the 4th quarter, but they couldn’t score a touchdown deep inside Atlanta territory. The Falcons don’t have any wins against the better teams in the league, as their victories have come against Miami, San Francisco, Carolina, and Chicago. However, one of the biggest reasons for this selection is New Orleans home field advantage. They have arguably the strongest home field in all of football. The crowd noise will be deafening tonight, and the fast turf surface really aids the Saints pass happy offense. New Orleans had a scare last week against Miami, but they showed their true talent in the second half of that game. I look for the Saints to bring their maximum effort in this game and win by around three touchdowns.
Evan Altemus 11/2/09
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