Times-Picayune staff predictions for Saints at Falcons | Saints

The New Orleans Saints (2-1) are coming off their first loss of the season and will try to get back on track on Sunday against their NFC South rival Atlanta Falcons (1-2). Here are our staff's predictions for how Sunday's game will play out.

Jeff Duncan (season record: 1-2)

Saints 21, Hawks 20: Both teams should be motivated after the heavy defeats last week. A win would give the Saints a big lead in the NFC South race. Look for the Saints' aggressive, opportunistic defense to make life difficult for Kirk Cousins. I expect a four-quarter slugfest with the Saints scoring late and winning.

Zach Ewing (season record: 1-2)

Saints 21, Hawks 16: Don't let a poor game and a few injuries fool you into thinking that the Saints' first two wins were a mirage. This offense has had a week to figure out its offensive line issues, and the defense is still elite — especially against an offense that has an immobile quarterback and has struggled in the red zone.

Luke Johnson (season record: 1-2)

Saints 23, Hawks 21: I don't have a good feeling about this pick, but I'm going to assume the Saints are closer to the team they were in Weeks 1 and 2 than the team they were last week. Getting Taysom Hill back will help (check out his career stats against the Falcons), even if the offensive line is a big question mark.

Matthew Paras (season record: 1-2)

Falcons 24, Saint 21: Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson was part of the Los Angeles Rams team last season that devised a game plan to completely destroy New Orleans' defense. I could see Atlanta moving the ball, and the presence of quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​helped unlock Drake London and Kyle Pitts. Considering a makeshift offensive line for the Saints, I think this is a narrow loss.

Rod Walker (season record: 2-1)

Falcons 27, Saints 24: Before the season started, I had this as a Saints loss. After the first two weeks I switched to a Saints win. Now I'm thinking about the Saints' defeat again. Both teams have suffered disappointing losses, but the Falcons have running back Bijan Robinson, and he will play enough at home to hand the Saints a second straight loss.