305 Yards

Max Miceli

   That is the number New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees needs to get through the air to beat Dan Marino's record for passing yards in a season, and based on how much the Saints pass, He should get that at least. While that's the story many are talking about, it's not the one I want to talk about.

   I'd rather talk about a match up between two teams that seem to play close. I want to talk about two teams who's last four games have been decided by a field goal. I want to talk about a great rivalry that will inevitably end tonight with either Matt Ryan or Drew Brees winning the game on a final drive (just like it always is). 

   When all is said and done tonight, either the Saints will have a division title or the Falcons will be a win and a Saints loss away from winning the NFC South. 

   So what's the breakdown you ask?

Saints Offense

   The Saints have been on fire all season long, and all Drew Brees and the passing game. The weapons are endless with Darren Sproles, Jimmy Graham, and Marques Colston, just to name a few. There is no doubt that Brees will get his yards and score some points, but it's going to be up to the Falcons to try to limit the Saints scoring. 

   The key is going to be quieting tight end Jimmy Graham who is having the season of his life right now and slowing down the speedster out of the back field Darren Sproles. 

   If the Falcons can do that, they will be one step closer to a possible division title. 

Falcons Offense

   "Run baby run!" is all I can say about this match up. Michael Turner has been on fire the last two times he has played the Saints in the Superdome with 265 yards on 50 carries with 2 touchdowns. This Saints team on average gives up roughly 110 yards rushing, and with a thousand yard rusher like Turner, the Falcons are going to pound the rock. 

   The Saints won't be able to simply load the box to stop Turner though because Falcons wide out Roddy White isn't all the bad himself. In the past 5 games White is averaging around 112 yards receiving, and in the last four games against the Saints, he has scored three times. 

   The Saints defense needs to play well if they want to keep guys like White and Turner from sucking the energy out of the Superdome. If they can get a turnover early and make the Falcons play form behind on the road, I see the Falcons having a tough time coming back. 

   let's get real though. This game is going to be tight, and it's pretty much a toss up. You could take the Saints with home field advantage, or you could take the Falcons who are motivated to keep Brees form breaking a record on their watch. 

   In the end I see this coming close as always, but I like the Falcons with their running game and quick receivers.

Falcons       31

Saints         28