Pros
- The Falcons are a 5.5-point underdog this week, likely leading to a passing game script.
- This game will be played in a dome—which means zero wind, increased pass volume, increased TD potential, and increased passing effectiveness.
- The New Orleans Saints defense has yielded the 9th-most receiving yards per game in the NFL (154.0) to WRs since the start of last season.
- The New Orleans Saints pass defense has been vulnerable when opposing wide receivers have gotten into space, conceding an average of 5.29 yards-after-the-catch since the start of last season: the 3rd-most in football.
- The New Orleans Saints defense has gotten pressure on opposing QBs 2.55 seconds after the snap (on average), grading out as the 4th-slowest in football since the start of last season.
Cons
- THE BLITZ projects the Atlanta Falcons to be the 6th-least pass-heavy team in the league (adjusted for context) at the present time with a 59.2% pass rate.
- The Atlanta Falcons O-line profiles as the 3rd-worst in football since the start of last season in protecting the quarterback, which has a harmful impact on all passing offense stats across the board.
- The New Orleans Saints cornerbacks project as the 4th-best collection of CBs in the NFL since the start of last season in covering receivers.
- The Atlanta Falcons offensive line has given their quarterback just 2.41 seconds before getting pressured (8th-worst in the league since the start of last season), which has a harmful impact on all passing offense stats across the board.
- The New Orleans Saints have stacked the box vs. opponents on just 13.5% of their plays since the start of last season, 8th-least in football. Choosing not to position an extra defender close to the line of scrimmage improves pass defense at the expense of run-stopping.
Projection
THE BLITZ
31
Receiving Yards