First Look: Falcons at Saints
It's the final week of the regular season across the NFL, and there's 20 teams still vying for a playoff spot. The Saints happen to be one of them, as the NFC South is still up for grabs and can see anyone but the Panthers win it after Week 18. There's also one more Wild Card spot to claim in the NFC. Here's a look at some things to watch and follow for New Orleans leading up to their must-win game against the Falcons.
Saints Storylines to Follow In Week 18
Dec 31, 2023; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) is brought down by Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum (27) in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports
WILL ALVIN KAMARA PLAY?
After suffering a sprained ankle, we'll see where Alvin Kamara is at as the week progresses. Dennis Allen declined to give any context on the degree of the injury, but at the same time revealed that he was in on Monday for some rehab. If Kamara can't go, then the Saints are really going to need Kendre Miller in the mix, but it won't stop there. With such an important game on the line, New Orleans needs one of their best weapons. Regardless, look for an increased role for Jamaal Williams and maybe we'll finally see more Taysom Hill running.
SCOREBOARD WATCHING, BUT WIN FIRST
If you haven't familiarized yourself with the NFC Playoff Picture, then you can go here. However, what the Saints need to get into the playoffs is to first win and get a Panthers upset over the Bucs at the same time they're playing to capture the NFC South. That'd mean they'd host a Wild Card matchup between Saturday afternoon and Monday night. Of course, that's what needs to happen first.
If Tampa does win, they'll get the division and that means New Orleans will need to rely on the Cardinals to beat the Seahawks and Bears to beat the Packers. It's easier said than done, but this is the only way the Saints get into the postseason.
WINNING THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE
The last time these two teams faced off, the Falcons had their way on the ground with four different runners averaging over 4.3 yards or better, and their worst one was Desmond Ridder. After a strong showing against Tampa, the last thing this defense needs is to regress. Taylor Heinicke is dealing with an ankle injury, so it might be Ridder again. However, we'll see. New Orleans simply must control the line of scrimmage on both sides again, but the emphasis is more on stopping the Falcons rushing attack.
WILL WE SEE REINFORCEMENTS?
Michael Thomas (knee) and Marshon Lattimore (ankle) have been on injured reserve, and we'll have to see if either are close to returning for the finale. New Orleans has done a nice job in the secondary with Isaac Yiadom filling the void at corner, and some of the other successes on offense have been a pleasant surprise.
Aside Kamara, the Saints also lost Landon Young (knee) and Nephi Sewell (ACL) in the Bucs game. Young avoided a serious injury, but we'd expect Cameron Erving to get the start on Sunday. New Orleans will have some open roster spots to address this week. Isaiah Foskey (quad), Payton Turner (toe) and Lonnie Johnson (knee) would be the others we'll pay attention to this week.
