Another division matchup where we see a longtime starter at QB replaced by a free agent “veteran” getting his second chance as Mariota is now the guy in Atlanta. In New Orleans Winston is 4-5 now for this career vs Atlanta has a passer rating of 109.1 with 2,499 yards, 25 touchdowns and 9 interceptions in 9 games. Due to injury he didn’t see them last year so all those were Tampa Bay games.
Mariota saw the Saints once in his career while in Tennessee, he threw for 371 yards and 4 TD. That being said how this Atlanta offense does post Matt Ryan is all to be determined as this is game 1. The Falcons did split last year but have now lost 4 in row in Atlanta to the Saints.
The Saints have finished in the top quartile (eighth or better) in defensive efficiency for five straight seasons and they bring in Mathieu so I expect Dennis Allen to have that defense playing well.
For some reason I don’t think this one will be as easy to determine at a lot think. My prediction 27-24 Saints.