Week 4 at Atlanta Falcons

Our New Orleans Saints game previews continue with a trip to Georgia for the first matchup against the Kirk Cousins-led Atlanta Falcons. Does adding Cousins ​​make the Falcons as good as some believe? This will be the first opportunity for the saints to dispel this narrative.

Not only will the Falcons add a new quarterback, but Raheem Morris also succeeds Arthur Smith as head coach. Smith’s last experience was being destroyed by the Saints and getting mad at Dennis Allen over it. Morris arrives from the Los Angeles Rams with a defensive pedigree. He has made the Rams an effective red zone defense over the last 3 seasons.

Outside of the Cousins ​​signing, Atlanta has been very quiet this offseason. The Falcons’ second most interesting move was signing Cousins’ replacement, Michael Penix. Signing wide receiver Darnell Moody could be a solid, under-the-radar addition on Drake London’s other side. This lends itself to the biggest question of the matchups: Will the Saints secondary neutralize the Falcons receiving threats?

The Falcons averaged the 11th fewest passing yards per game in the NFL (207) in 2024. Drake London hasn’t reached the century mark and Kyle Pitts still hasn’t reached the ceiling that many were planning for him. All that should change with the quarterback change. Bijan Robinson lived up to expectations. Pairing him with an improved passing attack has many believing in Atlanta.

The rivalry’s all-time record remains tied at 55-55 after splitting last year’s matchups. Fun fact: Atlanta hasn’t beaten New Orleans in consecutive games since a 3-game winning streak between 2016 and 2017. The last time a Saints win didn’t lead to at least a 2-game winning streak consecutive series wins, that was 2004. The Saints won the last matchup of 2023. Make of that what you will.

• Game information: New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons
• Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, Georgia.
• Date: September 29
• Time: Noon CT / 1 p.m. ET
• TV channel: FOX