Atlanta at New Orleans
Time: 1:00 PM (ET) | Sunday
Network: FOX
UPDATE: Saints Win 23-17
Now that the Bounty Gate scandal and suspensions have cleared, Sean Payton finally makes his return back to head coaching duties for the New Orleans Saints. 4 years ago, the Saints won the Super Bowl; but two years ago in 2011 Payton suffered a heart-breaker loss to the defending NFC championship San Francisco 49ers, where then QB Alex Smith had nearly 300 yards passing.
The Falcons are the defending NFC South champions; but with Payton back on the sidelines, they may fall to a wildcard this year. Atlanta’s fresh off their impressive playoff run last year, where Mike Smith and Matt Ryan finally won their first postseason game together to become runner ups to the 49ers.
They’ve also upgraded at running back bringing in Stephen Jackson from St. Louis, who’s ran for over 1,000 yards the last 8 years straight. Saints veterans Jonathan Vilma and Will Smith (out the season) will be missing in action for today’s game; but we’re still going to have to side with New Orleans starting their season off with a victory for a fresh start, pun intended.