Saints Vs. Falcons: 2010 Monday Night Football Predictions & TV Time

The 2010 NFL Monday Night Football game between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons (host) is set for December 27 (8:30 PM EST) at the Georgia Dome. ESPN will broadcast this pivotal intra-division contest. New Orleans is currently second in the NFC South, with a 10-4 record; Atlanta ranks first in the division, enjoying an impressive 12-2 record. This article provides TV time and predictions for the 2010 Saints-Falcons game.

1) Saints-Falcons Matchup

This week's Monday Night Football game features two intra-division foes in the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. This is one of the longest standing rivalries in the NFL. Since 2000, the two teams have met 21 times with the Saints enjoying a strong 13-8 advantage. At one point in this decade, New Orleans was 7-1 against its rival Atlanta. The last meeting between the teams was in November of this year; the Falcons narrowly won that contest 27-24.

2) Drew Brees vs. Matt Ryan

Monday's contest pits Super Bowl MVP Drew Brees against third-year quarterback Matt Ryan. Both QBs have enjoyed a fine season statistically. For the year, New Orleans' Brees has accumulated 4122 passing yards, 31 TDs, and a solid QB rating of 94. Additionally, he has achieved a single-game QB rating of 100 or higher seven times this year. Atlanta's Matt Ryan has also been impressive. The Falcons' starter has to date amassed 3321 passing yards, 25 TDs, and a QB rating of 91. Statistically speaking, Drew Brees only has a slight advantage over Matt Ryan this season.

3) Sean Payton vs. Mike Smith

Defending champion New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons come into this contest as two of the NFL's best teams. The winner of this game will go a long way to winning the NFC South. The pressure is clearly on New Orleans, as the team has two more losses than division-leading Atlanta. Moreover, the Saints have yet to clinch a playoff spot while the Falcons have already secured theirs. All in all, this is a must-win game for the defending champion.

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If New Orleans is to win this game, Drew Brees will need to deliver another clutch performance. Although the Saints rank 12th in the NFL in points scored, the team has virtually no running game. Sean Payton's team is third in passing yards, but is 26th in rushing. Surprisingly, New Orleans' biggest strength this year has been its defense. Payton's crew ranks 5th overall in points allowed and 4th in passing defense. If Brees manages another strong performance and the defense continues to be solid, New Orleans has a decent chance of delivering another big win.

With a playoff berth already booked, winning the NFC South is naturally Atlanta's next big goal. The Falcons' successes this season can be attributed to the team being perhaps the most rounded team in the NFL. Atlanta is solid on both offense and defense. Mike Smith's team ranks 6th overall in points scored and 3rd in points allowed. Additionally, the team also has one of the best young quarterbacks in Matt Ryan. One should anticipate a very tight game between the division rivals. The outcome of this contest is hinged on how much each team really wants to win this game.

My prediction for the 2010 NFL Monday Night Football game between the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons; the Saints win a nail-biter 21-17. Kickoff time for the game is 8:30 PM EST. ESPN will broadcast this contest.

Reference:
ESPN.COM