Saints, Falcons fighting for NFC South lead, along with rivalry bragging rights

NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - The Saints and Atlanta Falcons are bitter division rivals, both on the field and in the stands. The players don’t like each other, and neither do the Who Dats and Dirty Bird supporters.

The teams have played some memorable matchups over the years. Atlanta beat New Orleans in the 1991 Wild Card playoff game, 27-20. Drew Brees threw four touchdown passes to four different undrafted players in a Thanksgiving Day victory, 31-17, in 2018.

But nothing will compare to the ‘Domecoming’ game in 2006. The Saints defeated Atlanta in their first home game since Hurricane Katrina, 23-3. U2 and Green Day performing pregame, Steve Gleason’s immortal punt block in the first 90 seconds, and a national TV audience made it a night in New Orleans that no one will forget.

Twenty years later, the Saints are looking for a repeat Monday night victory over Atlanta. The Falcons lead the all-time series, 58-56.

The Panthers currently lead the NFC South with a 2-1 record. The Saints and Falcons are 1-2, with the Bucs at the foot of the standings with an 0-4 record.

The Saints are 1½-point favorites over the Falcons. Kickoff is set for 7:15 p.m.

The Week 4 inactives against Atlanta are as follows:

• Zach Wilson
• Decamerion Richardson
• Anfernee Jennings
• Christen Miller
• Kaden Ellis
• Noah Fant

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