2013 NFL Falcons vs. Saints Week 1 Picks & Predictions
By Anthony Rome
NEW ORLEANS, LA (The Spread) – In what should be a shootout at the Superdome, the Saints will host the Falcons at 1:00PM ET. Will the combined score go over the total?
NFL ODDS: According to oddsmakers from online sports book Bovada.lv, the Saints are 3-point favorites over the Falcons, while the over/under total is currently sitting at 54.5 points.
NFL LINEMOVEMENT: The Saints opened as 2-point favorites but the spread has jumped to 3 points at most online and Vegas sports books. As for the total, it opened at 54 and has jumped to 54.5 at some books, while other places already have the over/under as high as 56.
NFL PUBLIC BETTING: Of the bets that have been placed on this game, 57% currently favor Atlanta. This information is subject to change, however, so make sure to click on the link for the latest public betting figures.
NFL FREE PICK: Take the over. According to latest NFL trends, the over is 14-3 in the Saints’ last 17 games versus the NFC, 4-1 in their last five games in September, and 4-1 in their last five games in Week 1. The over is also 6-2 in the Saints’ last eight games versus the NFC South, 8-3 in their last 11 home games, and 15-6 in their last 21 games overall. The over is also 5-0 in the last five meetings between the Saints and Falcons in New Orleans.
The Saints defense was horrific last season and they didn’t get much better over the offseason. They hired Rob Ryan to be their new defensive coordinator and he’s implementing a 3-4 front despite not having the personnel to run the scheme. He doesn’t have enough pass rushers to slow down Matt Ryan and that explosive passing attack, which now features Steven Jackson to go along with Roddy White, Julio Jones and Tony Gonzalez. And as everyone is aware of, Drew Brees and the Saints’ offense is nearly unstoppable at home. This is going to be a shootout and it wouldn’t be shocking to see the score get into the 60s.
2013 NFL FREE PICK: FALCONS/SAINTS OVER 54.5