3. One of the league's under-the-radar great rivalries: I rank the Falcons-Saints rivalry as the third-best in football behind the Steelers-Ravens and Bears-Packers. When these teams meet, games are close and tensions are high. It's Drew Brees going against Matt Ryan. The last four times these teams have met, each game has been decided by three points. The last six games have been decided by eight points or fewer. The Saints have the edge. First, they are home -- although the Falcons pulled the upset last year in the Superdome early in the season. Sean Payton has won five of the past six games against the Falcons, who probably won't catch the Saints for the NFC South crown but could set up a possible meeting later in the playoffs.

What's going to trouble the Falcons is how well the Saints' offense matches up against the Falcons' style of defense. The Falcons love playing Cover 2. Thanks to the development of tight end Jimmy Graham and the addition of halfback Darren Sproles, Brees destroys Cover 2 defenses. That is reflected in ESPN Stats and Information numbers. Over the past six games, Brees is completing 79.6 percent of his passes inside the numbers with 12 touchdowns and no interceptions.

Yep, Danno. I'm feeling that 13 you speak of. We've got to break this hold that Atlanta has over us with respect to close games! We are the better team here, although I appreciate their concerted effort when they come to town. LOL

However...

I DO NOT want to play them then play them again in the playoffs. Law of averages will not make that a favorable matchup no matter how you look at it.

Alaska

True, statistically speaking beating a good team three times in a season is almost impossible. And yes, the birds are good, not great, but even Saints homers must admit they're pretty good.

I don't like John Clayton....... but I like what he said about the Saints leading into this game.