The Falcons are a 5.5-point underdog in this week’s game, indicating a passing game script.
This game will be played in a dome—meaning zero wind, increased pass volume, increased touchdown potential, and increased passing efficiency.
The Atlanta Falcons offensive line ranks as the 10th-best in the NFL this year in pass protection, which has a strong effect on all air attack stats across the board.
The New Orleans Saints cornerbacks grade out as the worst group of CBs in the NFL this year in covering pass-catchers.
The New Orleans Saints defense has gotten pressure on opposing QBs 2.55 seconds after the snap (on average), ranking as the 4th-slowest in the league since the start of last season.
Cons
THE BLITZ projects the Atlanta Falcons to be the 6th-least pass-oriented offense among all teams this week with a 50.9% pass rate, given their underlying tendencies and matchup dynamics.
THE BLITZ projects this game to have the 3rd-smallest volume of plays run among all games this week at 126.0 plays, accounting for the tendencies of each team and game dynamics.
The Atlanta Falcons have called the least plays in the NFL this year, totaling a mere 52.7 plays per game.
Opposing teams have thrown for the 4th-least yards in the NFL (just 211.0 per game) versus the New Orleans Saints defense this year.
Opposing teams have completed passes at the 3rd-lowest rate in the league versus the New Orleans Saints defense this year (65.8%).