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- New Orleans (8-8) is a 3-point home favorite over Atlanta (7-9) in the regular season finale
- Both the Saints and Falcons could win the NFC South if the Buccaneers lose to Carolina in week 18
- Sunday’s contest kicks off from Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, LA at 1:00pm ET
The NFL’s worst division is still up for grabs heading into week 18. Well, kind of. Tampa Bay can clinch the NFC South and a home playoff game with a victory over the 2-14 Carolina Panthers on Sunday. However, a loss to the league’s losingest team would mean the winner of Saints vs. Falcons would be crowned the division champions.
Before we check the odds on this matchup and make our picks, here’s where you can find the best Super Bowl betting tips and the top betting sites for NFL football in 2023.
Saints vs Falcons
 | Spread | Money Line | Total Points |
| Atlanta Falcons | +3.0 (-110) | +153 | Ov 42.5 (-110) |
| New Orleans Saints | -3.0 (-110) | -173 | Un 42.5 (-110) |
New Orleans battle back
New Orleans picked off Baker Mayfield twice and forced two fumbles in a 28-13 victory over the Buccaneers last Sunday. The victory momentarily kept hope alive in the Big Easy. If Tampa Bay somehow loses to the Panthers on Sunday, the Saints would win the NFC South with a win over the Falcons. Dennis Allen’s club fell to Atlanta 24-15 just over a month ago, but they had won their previous three games against their hated division rivals.
Derek Carr has tossed two-plus passing touchdowns in four straight games, however, it has been an uneven first season in black and gold. The 32-year-old has 3,614 passing yards with 21 TDs and eight interceptions.
“You gotta speak to your storm.”
Demario Davis and Derek Carr share some wise words after the @Saints big win 💪 @ErinAndrews pic.twitter.com/FZkzPrHs7d
— NFL on FOX Podcast (@NFLonFOXPod) December 31, 2023
Arthur Smith on the outs
Arthur Smith is likely coaching for his job on Sunday. Following consecutive 7-win seasons, Atlanta was expected to ride Bijan Robinson to a playoff spot in 2023. But, the Falcons run game has regressed from last year and Desmond Ridder failed to make the leap in his sophomore season.
Taylor Heinicke completed only 10 of 29 passes for 163 yards with a TD and three interceptions in a 37-17 loss to the Bears in week 17. The veteran QB is dealing with an ankle injury so Ridder could be forced to suit up again on Sunday.
New Orleans vs Atlanta
New Orleans is a 3-point home favorite at the Caesars Superdome and the over/under is set as 42.5 points. The Saints have been the better team of late, winning three of their past four games.
Meanwhile, the Falcons have dropped three of four to fall to the brink of elimination. This season, Atlanta has lost to the Panthers (2-14), Commanders (4-12), Cardinals (4-12) and Titans (5-11).
Falcons QB Taylor Heinicke on his ankle and what it might take to play Sunday or not. pic.twitter.com/DnOUMNacIm
— Michael Rothstein (@mikerothstein) January 3, 2024
Best Bet
Anyone who owned Kyle Pitts, Drake London and Bijan Robinson in fantasy football over the past few seasons will be cheering for a Falcons loss this Sunday.
While we like the Saints to cover the points (-3), with the UNDER 42.5, we think Tampa Bay takes the NFC South with a blowout win over Carolina.
See below the top sportsbooks where you can wager online and choose the best one for you:
