The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons are set to clash once again in what has historically been one of the NFL’s most heated and longstanding rivalries. This Week 4 matchup, scheduled for Sunday, September 29, 2024, with a kickoff time of 11:00 PM ET, promises to be an exciting showdown as both NFC South teams fight for an early-season advantage.
As these two teams square off, the game will be broadcast nationwide on television and through several streaming services, including FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, and others, allowing fans to watch from anywhere. For both diehard football enthusiasts and casual viewers, this game is shaping up to be a must-watch event.
In this detailed preview, we will cover everything you need to know about the Saints vs. Falcons matchup, including how to watch, game predictions, key players, odds, and more.
How to Watch Saints vs. Falcons Game
Whether you’re watching on TV or streaming the game online, there are multiple ways to catch this highly anticipated matchup. Below is a breakdown of how and where to watch the game live.
1. Television Broadcast
The game will be broadcast live on NBC, the home of “Sunday Night Football.” NBC’s coverage will include expert analysis, live commentary, and post-game interviews. Be sure to check your local listings for NBC to ensure you don’t miss a minute of the action. NBC’s production values, led by their flagship NFL broadcasting team, are sure to provide a premium viewing experience for fans.
2. Streaming Options
For those who prefer to watch the game online or don’t have access to traditional cable, there are several reliable streaming options that will carry the game live. Here are some of the best choices:
- FuboTV: FuboTV is an excellent option for fans looking to stream the game live. As one of the top streaming services for live sports, FuboTV offers access to all major networks that broadcast NFL games, including NBC. New users can take advantage of a free 7-day trial to watch the game at no cost. FuboTV also offers DVR capabilities, so you can record the game and rewatch it later.
- Hulu + Live TV: Hulu’s Live TV service provides live streaming of NBC and other local channels, making it a great way to watch the Saints vs. Falcons game. Hulu + Live TV also gives users access to Hulu’s massive library of on-demand content, so you can enjoy other shows and movies after the game.
- Peacock: NBC’s streaming service, Peacock, will also offer a live stream of the game. With Peacock, fans can stream the game live and watch additional NFL content, such as highlights and analysis, both before and after the game. Peacock offers both free and premium plans, though the live game will be available through their premium tier.
- YouTube TV: Another excellent streaming service is YouTube TV, which offers live streaming of NBC and other networks. YouTube TV includes unlimited DVR storage, so you can record the game and watch it at your convenience.
- NFL Game Pass: For fans outside of the U.S., NFL Game Pass International is an option to stream the game live. This service also provides access to full replays of every NFL game, including condensed versions and coaches’ film for in-depth analysis.
Game Preview: New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons
The New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons rivalry, often referred to as the “Southern Showdown,” dates back to 1967, and the intensity between these two teams has never waned. Both franchises have undergone significant changes over the years, but their matchups always carry a playoff-like atmosphere, regardless of the standings.
Heading into Week 4 of the 2024 NFL season, both the Saints and Falcons will be looking to gain momentum in the highly competitive NFC South division. With high stakes on the line, this game promises to be an exciting and hard-fought battle between two evenly matched teams.
New Orleans Saints Overview
The Saints enter the 2024 season with high expectations. After years of being a perennial playoff team, New Orleans has retooled and reloaded its roster, keeping their championship aspirations alive. Under the leadership of head coach Dennis Allen, who took over after Sean Payton’s departure, the Saints are looking to make a deep playoff run this season.
The Saints’ offense is led by veteran quarterback Derek Carr, who was acquired in 2023. Carr has stabilized the Saints’ offense, providing a reliable presence under center. With an elite supporting cast of playmakers, the Saints’ offense can score points in a variety of ways.
Key Players for the Saints:
- Derek Carr (QB): Carr is the Saints’ seasoned quarterback who has revitalized his career since joining New Orleans. Known for his strong arm and leadership, Carr can dissect defenses with precision. His experience will be crucial in handling the Falcons’ defense.
- Chris Olave (WR): Olave is one of the NFL’s most talented young receivers. He has quickly established himself as the go-to target in the Saints’ passing game. Olave’s combination of speed, route-running, and ability to make contested catches makes him a matchup nightmare for opposing secondaries.
- Alvin Kamara (RB): Kamara remains one of the most dynamic running backs in the league. His ability to impact the game as both a runner and a receiver out of the backfield provides the Saints with a versatile offensive weapon. Kamara’s elusiveness and playmaking ability will be a critical factor in the Saints’ game plan.
- Cameron Jordan (DE): Jordan is the heart and soul of the Saints’ defense. As one of the best defensive ends in the NFL, Jordan can generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks and dominate against the run. His leadership and ability to disrupt the Falcons’ offensive line will be crucial.
Saints’ Strategy: The Saints’ offense will focus on a balanced attack, mixing the run and pass to keep the Falcons’ defense off-balance. Carr’s ability to manage the game and make accurate throws downfield will be pivotal, as will Kamara’s ability to break tackles and make big plays in the open field. Defensively, the Saints will aim to pressure Falcons quarterback Desmond Ridder and force him into mistakes, while shutting down Atlanta’s rushing attack.
Atlanta Falcons Overview
The Atlanta Falcons are a team on the rise. After a few seasons of rebuilding, they have assembled a young and talented roster with the potential to make noise in the NFC South. Under head coach Arthur Smith, the Falcons have embraced a physical style of football, focusing on a run-heavy offense and a stout defense.
Quarterback Desmond Ridder, now in his third season, has become the focal point of Atlanta’s offense. The Falcons have invested heavily in surrounding Ridder with playmakers, and they are banking on his development to take them to the next level. Atlanta’s offense is bolstered by a powerful running game led by the dynamic duo of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier.
Key Players for the Falcons:
- Desmond Ridder (QB): Ridder is an athletic and mobile quarterback with a strong arm. He has shown flashes of brilliance since taking over as the Falcons’ starter and is poised to take the next step in his development this season. His ability to make plays with his legs and extend drives will be critical against the Saints’ defense.
- Bijan Robinson (RB): The Falcons’ first-round pick in 2023, Robinson has quickly become one of the most electrifying running backs in the league. His blend of speed, power, and vision makes him a threat to score every time he touches the ball. Robinson’s ability to dominate both as a rusher and a receiver out of the backfield will be a focal point of Atlanta’s offense.
- Drake London (WR): London is a physically gifted wide receiver with a knack for making contested catches. His size and strength allow him to outmuscle defenders, making him a dangerous target in the red zone. London’s connection with Ridder will be key in the Falcons’ passing attack.
- Grady Jarrett (DT): Jarrett anchors the Falcons’ defense from the interior. His ability to disrupt opposing offenses by collapsing the pocket and stuffing the run is invaluable. Jarrett’s performance in the trenches will be a determining factor in how well the Falcons can slow down the Saints’ offense.
Falcons’ Strategy: The Falcons will rely heavily on their running game, using Robinson and Allgeier to wear down the Saints’ defense and control the clock. Ridder will be tasked with making timely throws and taking advantage of play-action opportunities. On defense, Atlanta will focus on pressuring Carr and containing Kamara, while also forcing turnovers to give their offense short fields to work with.
Key Matchups to Watch
With both teams featuring several star players and exciting young talents, there are a number of intriguing matchups to keep an eye on in this game.
1. Derek Carr vs. Falcons’ Secondary
Carr’s ability to read defenses and make accurate throws will be tested by a young but talented Falcons’ secondary. Led by cornerbacks A.J. Terrell and Jeff Okudah, the Falcons’ defensive backs have the ability to shut down opposing receivers. Carr will need to be sharp in his decision-making to avoid costly turnovers.
2. Alvin Kamara vs. Falcons’ Linebackers
Kamara’s versatility as a runner and pass-catcher makes him one of the most difficult players to defend in the NFL. The Falcons’ linebackers, particularly Troy Andersen and Kaden Elliss, will have their hands full trying to contain Kamara in both the ground game and the passing game. Atlanta will likely need to dedicate extra attention to Kamara, using a combination of linebackers and safeties to limit his effectiveness in open space.
3. Cameron Jordan vs. Falcons’ Offensive Line
Cameron Jordan has long been one of the NFL’s most feared defensive ends, known for his ability to dominate in both pass-rushing and run-stopping situations. The Falcons’ offensive line, anchored by Jake Matthews and Chris Lindstrom, will have the tall task of keeping Jordan out of the backfield. If Jordan can consistently apply pressure on Ridder, it could disrupt the timing of Atlanta’s offense and force hurried throws or mistakes.
4. Bijan Robinson vs. Saints’ Defensive Front
One of the most exciting rookies in the NFL, Bijan Robinson has the ability to take over a game with his blend of power, speed, and vision. The Saints’ defensive front, led by Demario Davis and David Onyemata, will need to play disciplined football to prevent Robinson from breaking big runs. The key for New Orleans will be to stop Robinson early and force Ridder into obvious passing situations, where the Saints’ pass rush can take advantage.
5. Chris Olave vs. Falcons’ Secondary
Chris Olave has emerged as a star in the Saints’ offense, and his matchup against the Falcons’ top corner, A.J. Terrell, could be one of the game’s defining moments. Terrell has proven to be a lockdown corner, but Olave’s speed and route-running precision make him a tough cover for any defender. Expect the Saints to target Olave early and often, especially on deep routes and in third-down situations.
Odds and Predictions
With the game being a key divisional matchup, the oddsmakers have set the line close, reflecting the tight competition between the Saints and Falcons. Both teams have strengths and weaknesses, making this game difficult to predict. However, home-field advantage, player matchups, and the performance of each team’s quarterback will be critical in determining the final outcome.
Current Odds:
- New Orleans Saints: -2.5 (favorites)
- Atlanta Falcons: +2.5 (underdogs)
- Over/Under: 44.5 points
The Saints come into this matchup as slight favorites, largely due to their more experienced roster and a balanced approach on offense and defense. Derek Carr’s steady leadership and the presence of playmakers like Kamara and Olave give New Orleans a slight edge over the younger Falcons team.
The over/under is set at 44.5 points, reflecting the expectation that both offenses will have opportunities to score, but the game may not turn into a full-fledged shootout. The Saints’ defense is known for keeping games relatively low-scoring, while the Falcons’ reliance on the run game could also limit the number of possessions for both teams.
Prediction:
- Final Score Prediction: Saints 24, Falcons 20
This game is expected to be close throughout, with both teams trading blows and neither side running away with the game. The Saints’ experience, particularly on defense, will likely prove to be the deciding factor, as they are better equipped to handle the pressure in a tight contest. Look for Derek Carr to lead a late-game drive to secure the win, while the Saints’ defense holds off the Falcons’ final push.
Key Storylines
Several storylines will be worth following in the lead-up to this game and as the action unfolds on the field.
1. Desmond Ridder’s Development
The 2024 season is a critical year for Desmond Ridder as he looks to solidify his place as the Falcons’ franchise quarterback. Ridder has shown flashes of brilliance in his early career, but he will need to be more consistent if Atlanta is to compete in the NFC South. This game against a tough Saints defense will be a major test for the young QB. How Ridder handles the pressure of this rivalry game could set the tone for the rest of his season.
2. Derek Carr’s Leadership
After several years with the Raiders, Derek Carr has found a new home in New Orleans, and the 2024 season is an opportunity for him to prove he can lead a team deep into the playoffs. Carr has already brought stability to the Saints’ offense, but games like this—against a division rival in a hostile environment—are where he needs to show his ability to win under pressure. His leadership and decision-making will be closely scrutinized.
3. Bijan Robinson’s Impact
The Falcons’ investment in Bijan Robinson as a first-round pick shows how much faith they have in the young running back. Robinson has already shown flashes of his potential, but his performance against the Saints will be a true indicator of whether he can dominate at the NFL level. If Robinson can get going early, it could open up the rest of the Falcons’ offense and put pressure on the Saints’ defense.
4. The Saints’ Defensive Front
New Orleans boasts one of the better defensive fronts in the NFL, led by Cameron Jordan and Demario Davis. Their ability to stop the run and pressure the quarterback will be key in this game. If the Saints can disrupt Ridder’s timing and force Atlanta to become one-dimensional, it could be a long night for the Falcons’ offense.
5. NFC South Implications
The NFC South is always one of the most unpredictable divisions in the NFL, and this game could have significant implications for the playoff race. Both the Saints and Falcons are looking to establish themselves as contenders, and a win here could give one team an early advantage in the division standings.
Final Thoughts
The Saints vs. Falcons rivalry is one of the most intense and passionate in the NFL, and the 2024 edition is shaping up to be no different. With two teams that are hungry to prove themselves, this matchup will provide plenty of excitement, drama, and hard-hitting action. Whether you’re a fan of high-flying offenses or tough defensive battles, this game has something for everyone.
For the Saints, the key to victory will be controlling the pace of the game and relying on their experienced defense to make life difficult for Desmond Ridder. On the other hand, the Falcons will look to unleash their young playmakers like Bijan Robinson and Drake London while hoping Ridder can rise to the occasion.
As the 2024 season continues to unfold, this game will be a defining moment for both teams as they fight for supremacy in the NFC South. Whether you’re watching on TV or streaming online, make sure to tune in to what promises to be an unforgettable Sunday Night Football showdown.
