Saints - Falcons Score Predictions | Week 12

In a must-win divisional matchup the New Orleans Saints look to take control of the NFC South division.

Here comes the biggest game of the season so far for the New Orleans Saints as they square off with the Atlanta Falcons for control of the NFC South. The Saints will be going into this matchup without two star players: wide receiver Michael Thomas and cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Both of which have been moved to injured reserve and will miss at least this and the next three matchups.

But New Orleans is no stranger to finding a way to win without both players and will look to do so again on Sunday. Starting quarterback Derek Carr cleared concussion protocol this week and will be ready to go on some positive injury news. So, with their starting quarterback ready to go with a rested team coming off the bye week, here are our score predictions from the Saints News Network team.

BREAKING: Derek Carr's Status Update, Saints Injury Report, 11/22

Kyle T. Mosley

Like most rivalry games, records don't have meaning. Beating Atlanta without fielding your top receiver and cornerback will be challenging for New Orleans. Each had a bye week to set up this showdown. Still, it's going to be a war. The Saints have the advantage.

Prediction: Saints 23, Falcons 21

Bob Rose

We have seen a lot of big-play air battles between these bitter rivals, but it is hard to see this one as anything more than an old-school slugfest. As long as the Saints can establish the run, I think they will be able to move the ball on Atlanta's defense. The young wideouts Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and rookie A.T. Perry are going to need to step up their game without a steady vet like Thomas. 

Even without Lattimore, I am not at all worried about Drake London against the New Orleans cornerbacks. We should be far more worried about Falcons tight ends Kyle Pitts and Jonnu Smith after seeing what Chicago Bears tight end Cole Kmet and the Minnesota Vikings' T.J. Hockenson did to this defense. The Saints would be fools if they don't put a corner on at least one of them. 

If the defensive line can create a little havoc, they should be able to contain running backs Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier as well as a mobile passer in Desmond Ridder on the ground and hopefully force Ridder to throw a few to the wrong side. 

Prediction: Saints 23, Falcons 17

John Hendrix

Spoiler alert. I will not pick against the Saints again this season. I contemplated the Detroit Lions game, but I feel like the team can turn the corner and play the consistent football they believe they are capable of playing. That means executing in all phases and playing complementary football. It starts against the Falcons.

Prediction: Saints 24, Falcons 17

Ross Jackson

I will be looking for a big game by offensive weapon Taysom Hill in all phases of the offense. For me, if Hill gets rolling, this game goes in favor of New Orleans. But if he disappears from the gameplan suddenly, things will shift to the Falcons' favor. With a big game for Hill and tight end Juwan Johnson on the offensive side, the Saints should cruise to a meme-worthy victory.

Prediction: Saints 28 - Falcons 3