Time<\/strong>: 1:00 ET Just one week after nearly losing in Washington, the Saints are listed as a similar road favorite. The Falcons do have some injuries to both their starting quarterback, Matt Ryan, and starting running back, Michael Turner, but the truth is that their defense will continue to be the problem this week.<\/p>\n The Falcons have given up 49 passing plays of 20 yards or longer, which is the most in the NFL. Enter Drew Brees, Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Robert Meachem, Jeremy Shockey\u2026<\/p>\n Saints offense versus Falcons defense <\/strong><\/p>\n The Falcons have lost five of their last seven games and while the health of Ryan and Turner has hindered them in some of those losses, the defense has really let them down. The Falcons have allowed 28 or more in five of their last seven games and in the other two contests they gave up 17 points in each. This is clearly not a unit that can slow anyone down.<\/p>\n Their main weakness is the secondary and unfortunately, for a second straight week, the Falcons have to go up against a pass-happy offense. It will be a real challenge for the Falcons to hold the Saints to less than 30 points. Falcons offense versus Saints defense <\/strong><\/p>\n The Saints defense gave up plenty of yards and points to the Washington Redskins last week, so they should find some success themselves, right?<\/p>\n The Falcons have been ineffective moving the ball with backup Chris Redman and it would give them a boost if Ryan can play. He\u2019s not fully healthy, though, and you have to wonder how effective he might be in a shootout.<\/p>\n Also, the Falcons played with the Saints in their first meeting this year and that was mostly because they pounded the ball with Turner. If he plays, he\u2019ll be on a very sore ankle and he won\u2019t be able to do much damage.<\/p>\n Outlook & Pick<\/strong><\/p>\n Both Ryan and Turner will likely give it a go this week because the Falcons season is on the line. Also of note, wideout Michael Jenkins is banged up and the Falcons don\u2019t have much depth behind him. While they might give the offense a boost, there is no solution for the defense.<\/p>\n The Saints will be able to score at will in this contest and while the Falcons will be valiant, they are simply a team that has seen their season slip away. If Ryan and Turner make it through the game, the Falcons have a chance to cover but the better likelihood is that the Saints runaway and hide in this one.<\/p>\n
\n Venue<\/strong>: Georgia Dome
\n Saints vs. Falcons Sunday Football Lines<\/strong>
\n MoneyLine:<\/strong> Saints -550 \/ Falcons +425
\n Spread<\/strong>: Saints -10
\n Over\/Under<\/strong>: 50.5<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n