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Game-By-Game Prediction For the Falcons 2018 Season

By Justin Winters

ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 14: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at the Georgia Dome on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - JANUARY 14: Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Seattle Seahawks at the Georgia Dome on January 14, 2017 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 14: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints carries the ball in the second quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Minnesota Viking on January 14, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – JANUARY 14: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints carries the ball in the second quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Minnesota Viking on January 14, 2018 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /

The Falcons and Saints have one of the most back-and-forth rivalries in the NFL. Does Atlanta get the win here?

Over their last six games, the Falcons and Saints have split the series evenly.

Atlanta pulled off an upset last year after Alvin Kamara got injured, and won both games in the previous season.

The Saints return most of their roster, and they’ll be expected to make the playoffs again.

Their biggest issue could be Mark Ingram’s suspension, as he’s expected to miss the first four games of the season.

I feel like this could be the difference maker in the game, and could help the Falcons pull off the victory.

How the Falcons Win: Stop Cameron Jordan.

Jordan is one of the best pass rushers in the league and is New Orleans best defender.

He had 13 sacks last year and was disruptive in almost every game he played.

If the Falcons are able to stop him though, it should allow Matt Ryan to have a big game.

The Saints have a solid secondary, but I think Ryan will have another solid outing.

X-Factor of the Game: Jake Matthews.

As mentioned above, the key to the game is stopping Cameron Jordan.

If Matthews can keep pressure off Ryan, the Falcons should win this game.

After another strong season last year, I think the offensive line can handle the responsibility.

Predicted Score: Falcons pull off a 30-20 victory.

This brings their record to 2-1.

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