The New Orleans Saints are coming off a hard-fought battle with the Philadelphia Eagles, which ended in a narrow defeat. Unfortunately, the road ahead doesn’t get any easier. Up next, the Saints head to Atlanta to face their division rivals, the Falcons, in a crucial NFC South showdown. However, the injury bug has arrived early, potentially reshaping the Saints’ lineup in key areas.
One of the most notable absences will be linebacker Demario Davis, who will miss his first professional game due to a hamstring injury. Davis, often called the “quarterback of the defense,” exited late in the fourth quarter against the Eagles. His absence was immediately felt as Philadelphia took advantage to close out the game. Head coach Dennis Allen addressed Davis’ injury, saying, “We’re not gonna put anybody out there that we feel like we’re putting at risk of injuring themselves… you’re always just looking at the proper thing to do and the right thing for the player and the team.”
In addition to Davis, other notable players who will miss Sunday’s game include Cesar Ruiz, Erik McCoy, and A.T. Perry. Alvin Kamara and Chris Olave are both listed as questionable, with Olave suffering a hamstring injury during Friday’s practice.
The Saints will face a Falcons team eager to bounce back after a tough loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Here’s our preview, scouting report, and score prediction for Week 4.
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Falcons Scouting Report
Record: 1-2
Head Coach: Raheem Morris
Quarterback: Kirk Cousins
The Falcons haven’t quite met expectations after signing free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins was expected to be the final piece to a roster brimming with offensive talent, but the results have been mixed so far. Coming off an Achilles injury in 2023, Cousins has shown flashes of his former self but has also struggled with consistency.
The Falcons’ offense doesn’t revolve solely around Cousins, however. Their true strength lies in their rushing attack, ranked 18th in the NFL and averaging 107.7 yards per game. Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier form a dangerous duo in the backfield, each with unique skill sets. Robinson’s explosiveness and Allgeier’s physical running style can present major challenges to a Saints rush defense that has regressed recently. In their 2021 matchup, Allgeier rushed for 139 yards and a touchdown, averaging 8.1 yards per carry.
On the injury front, the Falcons will be without center Drew Dalman and offensive tackle Kaleb McGary, which are key losses that could affect their ability to control the line of scrimmage. Both teams are missing important players, and the game could hinge on which side can better adapt.
Falcons Defense
The Falcons’ defense is a middle-of-the-pack unit, but it has playmakers capable of changing the game. Safeties Jessie Bates and Justin Simmons are known for their ability to force turnovers, and Bates has already picked off Saints quarterback Derek Carr in a previous matchup. His knack for reading quarterbacks and turning interceptions into points could be a threat again.
The Falcons struggle to stop the run; they rank 27th in the league in run defense, allowing opposing teams to rack yards on the ground. If Alvin Kamara can play, he could exploit these weaknesses and help control the game’s pace for New Orleans.
Key Matchups to Watch
1. Alvin Kamara vs. Falcons Run Defense
If Alvin Kamara suits up, his ability to exploit Atlanta’s struggling run defense (ranked 27th in the league) will be a game-changer. Kamara’s versatility as a runner and a receiver will test the Falcons’ linebackers and safeties, forcing them to choose between defending the run or trying to contain Kamara in the passing game. If Kamara can make big plays, it could take pressure off Derek Carr and open up the Saints’ passing attack.
2. Chris Olave vs. A.J. Terrell
If Chris Olave plays, he’ll face a challenging one-on-one battle with Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell, one of the best young corners in the NFL. Olave’s speed and route-running ability have been key to the Saints’ offensive success, but Terrell’s physicality and coverage skills will make this a crucial matchup. If Terrell can neutralize Olave, the Saints’ offense could struggle to find explosive plays in the passing game.
3. Saints’ Pass Rush vs. Kirk Cousins
The Saints’ ability to pressure Falcons QB Kirk Cousins will be pivotal. Cousins has been shaky under pressure this season, and the Saints’ defensive front, led by Cameron Jordan and Carl Granderson, will aim to disrupt his rhythm. With Atlanta missing key offensive linemen like center Drew Dalman and tackle Kaleb McGary, New Orleans will have an opportunity to collapse the pocket and force Cousins into quick decisions, which could lead to turnovers.
4. Bijan Robinson vs. Saints’ Run Defense
Bijan Robinson has quickly become the centerpiece of the Falcons’ offense, and the Saints’ front seven will be tasked with containing the explosive rookie running back. New Orleans’ run defense has shown some vulnerability in recent years, and Robinson’s ability to break tackles and make defenders miss could lead to big plays for Atlanta. The Saints must stay disciplined and limit Robinson’s impact to keep the Falcons’ offense in check.
5. Derek Carr vs. Falcons Secondary
Derek Carr must avoid the big-play potential of safeties Jessie Bates and Justin Simmons, who have a knack for reading quarterbacks and creating turnovers. Bates already picked off Carr in a crucial moment in 2023, and the Saints quarterback must be cautious when attacking the middle of the field. Carr’s ability to make smart decisions and protect the football will be a factor in this game.
Score Prediction
This NFC South rivalry promises to be a tough, physical battle, but don’t expect a high-scoring affair. With key injuries affecting both teams, this game will likely come down to who can control the line of scrimmage and avoid costly turnovers. While the Saints won’t have a near-40-point performance, they should have just enough to grind out a win over their hated rivals.
Saints 21, Falcons 17
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