Falcons vs. Saints Pregame Report - Week 18

The Saints close out their regular season having to knock off their biggest rivals in the Falcons to have a shot at the postseason.

John Hendrix | Jan 7, 2024

In this story:

New Orleans Saints

It's crazy to think that this is the last week of the regular season already, but that's where we are across the NFL. Week 18 sees the Saints hosting the Falcons for the finale with a lot of things on the line. New Orleans has to win to be in a position to crack the postseason, but they're going to need help. One note of interest from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport this morning, if Atlanta loses today, they would be fairly interested in Bill Belichick. Here's Sunday's Pregame Report.

Week 18 Saints Pregame Report

All-Time Series: The regular season series is tied at 54-54. Atlanta also has a postseason win over New Orleans from the 1991 season. The Saints have won 3 out of the past 4 matchups.

Where to Watch: CBS (12:00 p.m. CT), Andrew Catalon, Tiki Barber, Matt Ryan and A.J. Ross (field reporter)

Where to Stream: FuboTV (Start Your Free Trial Here), Saints App, NFL+

Where to Listen: WWL Radio locally (105.3FM) with Mike Hoss, Deuce McAllister, and Jeff Nowak (sideline reporter); SIRIUSXM: 208/385 (ATL), 158/230 (NO)

Referee: John Hussey

Current Lines: Saints -3.5 (O/U at 41.5)

Jersey Combo: Black jerseys, black pants

Last 5 Matchups

11/26/23 - Falcons 24, Saints 15
12/18/22 - Saints 21, Falcons 18
9/11/22 - Saints 27, Falcons 26
1/9/22 - Saints 30, Falcons 20
11/7/21 - Falcons 27, Saints 25

Broadcast Map (via 506sports): The blue area is projected to carry the game on CBS. FOX has the doubleheader for Sunday. A lot of eyes will be on what happens with New Orleans with major implications for the late games.

Falcons-Saints projected in Blue / 506sports.com

Saints Notes and Storylines for Week 18

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) dives for a touchdown, under defensive pressure from Indianapolis Colts linebacker Shaquille Leonard (53), on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2023, at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis

WILL ALVIN KAMARA PLAY?

There's not much new information out there regarding the status of Alvin Kamara, but what we do know is that pregame warmups are going to be the litmus test for the Saints running back. Dennis Allen said on Friday that the team was going to take things as long as they can to see if Kamara can go, as he's made good progress all week but has never hit the field.

New Orleans called up Jordan Mims from the practice squad on Saturday, which could be insurance after the team was down to just Jamaal Williams last week. We'll be watching everything quickly and get a report out to you as soon as we can regarding Kamara's status.

THE BIG PICTURE

Here's a reminder of what's needed today for the Saints to be able to get into the playoffs. They have to win, first and foremost, and then have the Panthers upset the Bucs to capture the NFC South. If that doesn't work out, then they're going to need both the Seahawks and Packers lose in the afternoon slate. So, your rooting guide is officially the Panthers, Cardinals and Bears. All of those are home teams today.

Saints And The Playoff Picture Entering Week 18

CONTROLLING THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE

Taylor Heinicke is likely to go for the Falcons on Sunday, but he'll be playing with an ankle sprain. He was limited all week, and this will be something to watch as the game unfolds. Last time these two teams met in Week 12, New Orleans was gashed at the line by Atlanta's rushing attack. It didn't matter who ran the ball. From Desmond Ridder to Bijan Robinson, the Falcons totaled 228 yards on the ground. The Saints defense will be put to the test again, and they can't regress after such a good showing against Tampa.

PULLING OUT ALL THE STOPS

This is presumably the last time we'll see some Saints players and coaches, and in a game where there's so much on the line, you have to play to win. While that sounds obvious, New Orleans has to take some changes and be the most aggressive we've seen all season. If Derek Carr and the offense plays like they did against the Bucs, then they'll have little trouble. However, this game is expected to be close, and you have to pull out all the stops.

Week 18 Falcons-Saints Coverage

Published Jan 7, 2024

JOHN HENDRIX

I officially started covering the New Orleans Saints & other NFL topics in 2011. My work has been featured on various outlets over the years. I worked closely with Skyhorse Publishing in Fall 2018 to update the book, Tales From the New Orleans Saints Sidelines, which filled in all Saints material from the 2013-2017 seasons. Prior to joining Saints News Network, I served as the Managing Editor of SB Nation's Canal Street Chronicles for 3.5 years, and before that with FanSided's Who Dat Dish as the Managing Editor for several years. I have also had experiences of being a freelance Saints reporter for The Sun Herald in Biloxi, MS and a contributing writer for WDSU, a local NBC TV station in New Orleans. I have appeared on a vast amount of TV and Radio shows, both nationally and locally. For tips, comments, or suggestions, please contact me at johnhendrix@saintsnews.net