The Atlanta Falcons play host to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday afternoon in the season opener for both teams from Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The divisional rivals both have different expectations for the season but there's no doubt that this could be an interesting matchup. Last season, the two teams split the season series, with the road team winning each matchup. Overall though, the Saints have won seven of the last ten meetings between the two sides and even though they'll hit the road in this one, they won't be daunted against a familiar opponent.
The Saints just missed out on the playoffs last season and will be looking to get the 2022 season off to a strong start, especially against one of the teams in the division that is expected to struggle the most. It doesn't hurt that the Saints closed out last season with a win on the road against Atlanta and the hope is that they can carry that confidence and momentum over into Sunday afternoon's opener. Speaking of last season, New Orleans finished the season winning four of their last five overall, showing plenty of lines of life for the future. With plenty returning on both sides of the ball, anything but a win in this one would be a disappointment for this group.
Even though the regular season is yet to begin, the growing length of the injury report continues to be a concern. On the offensive side, they are likely to welcome back Michael Thomas (ankle) and Jameis Winston (knee), which should inject some li fe into that side of the ball. Defensively, three players are questionable, with another three already ruled out, which potentially impacts their depth as they hit the road.
#Saints QB Jameis Winston ready to start new season after abbreviated 2021
'I'm just grateful that I get another opportunity to start the season and get ready to compete.'
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— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) September 8, 2022
The Saints have the potential to have one of football's most exciting offenses this season, though quite a bit hinges on how some of their talents return to action. Winston remains the key figure, as his dynamic game-changing ability will be welcomed, though questions remain as to how he could be hampered by his season-ending injury. Hopes are also high for Thomas, who comes back from a few years of struggles to get onto the field, though even without him, the Saints have bolstered their wide receiver room. Adding to questions lingering is the status of Alvin Kamara, who is dealing with off-the-field issues himself.
Defensively, the Saints found themselves as the season came to a close, especially against the run. Over their last five games, they held opponents under 100 rushing yards in four of those. Stopping the run and forcing the Falcons into relying on throwing the ball, could be the key to victory given the depletion on that side of the ball for their opponent. In the end, generating havoc in the backfield could be exactly what the doctor orders in this one, and even with some of their injuries, they have the big names to dominate on the defensive side of the ball.