NFL Football
2008-11-09 - New Orleans Saints at ATLANTA Falcons
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
Atlanta Falcons
The Falcons sit 3rd in the NFC South but find themselves in a surprising position and only 1 game behind the divisional leaders Carolina. At the half way point they have compiled a 5-3 record although a few of those wins have come against some really weak teams in the NFL.
Atlanta have won all 3 games they have played at home this season, including a tight win over the Chicago Bears.
They come into this game with 3 wins from their last 4 games, and their defence will have been given some confidence after blanking Oakland last week. Atlanta have won all their games when they reach at least 20 points but their 3 defeats have been when they have failed to score more than 14 points. The Falcons have lost both of their NFC South Divisional matches.
The Falcons have won 3 of their last 4 games against the spread. They have won all 3 games ATS at home this season.
New Orleans Saints
New Orleans are 4th in the NFC South but will come into this game knowing they are only 2 games behind the leaders at the half way point with their 4-4 record.
New Orleans are 0-3 on the road this season, and this is something they really need to change if they have a chance of making the playoffs.
They have won 2 of their last 3 games before their bye week, but they will be looking for better things from their defence which has allowed 30 points or more in 3 of their last 4 games. Their offense has managed to keep themselves in with a chance of winning games and have scored at least 24 points in 7 of their 8 games this season.
The Saints have won 1 and lost 1 of their divisional games so far this season.
Jeremy Shockey is back this weekend and the likes of Deuce McAllister and Will Smith will be in the starting line up even with a possible suspension coming up for drug abuse.
New Orleans are 1-2 against the spread away from home so far this season. They have won 4 of their last 6 against the spread.
Head to Head
New Orleans have beaten Atlanta in 4 straight matches since Michael Vick left the Falcon franchise. They won their last 2 games here by a combined 38 points.
New Orleans have also won 3 of the last 4 against the spread against Atalanta
Prediction
Atlanta have far exceeded expectations so far this season. However, they will find it a lot tougher in their 2nd half of the season and I think they will struggle against this New Orleans side that should be fully focused after the bye week.
New Orleans offense should put up enough points to win this game against their divisional rivals.
The Pick :
Atlanta Falcons 21-34 New Orleans Saints
BEST BETTING TIP :
New Orleans Saints WIN
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
New Orleans Saints + 1
