Is it possible that the Falcons are a better team than the Saints? At this point it’s quite possible. At press time, the Saints are 4-4 to the Falcons’ 4-3, and the Dirty Birds have outplayed everyone’s preseason expectations by having an explosive offense led by rookie QB Matt Ryan and high-profile offseason acquisition RB Michael Turner. They should probably be 5-2 after seven games, as they were absolutely hosed by a Week 8 call in Philadelphia (read more about that over in the St. Nick column). The ’07 Falcons were pushovers, and while it seemed safe to pencil in Ws for the Saints in the preseason, you might want to keep an eraser handy. 

Saints Players to Watch: CB Mike McKenzie will likely be charged with keeping WR Roddy White in check, and we’ll see if McKenzie’s surgically repaired knee can continue to hold up. The Saints couldn’t keep the Chargers’ average receiving corps of Chris Chambers and Vincent Jackson in check, and White is better than both of those guys put together.

Falcons Players to Watch: DE John Abraham. The Falcons will find a way to match up Abraham with Saints LT Jamaal Brown, who seems to always be good for at least one false start and one holding penalty per game. Drew Brees hasn’t been sacked all that much this season, but Abraham’s a force and could cause some problems.

Ex-Saints to Watch: Conversely, the Saints could cause some problems for Falcons LT Wayne Gandy. With starting LT Sam Baker out for an undetermined amount of time because of a back injury, Atlanta was forced to re-sign Gandy, who they cut in the offseason. Saints DEs could have a field day with that matchup.

HA’s Prediction: Following the bye week, the Saints should have something up their defensive sleeves for Ryan, so we’ll go with the Saints, 34-21.