Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints

Injuries noted

Atlanta Falcons: Storm Norton (PUP-R) — out; DeAngelo Malone (PUP-R) — Undisclosed; Anterio Thompson (NFI-R) — The Falcons moved Thompson (undisclosed) to the reserve/non-football injury list Sunday, Will McFadden of the team's official site reports.; Jalon Walker (IR) — Knee - ACL; James Pearce Jr. (Reserve-Sus) — reserve-sus; JD Bertrand (IR) — The Falcons placed Bertrand (undisclosed) on injured reserve Monday, Will McFadden of the team's official site reports.; Beaux Collins (IR-R) — The Falcons placed Collins (undisclosed) on injured reserve Sunday with a designation to return during the season, Will McFadden of the team's official site reports.; Trey Sermon (IR) — ir; Cameron Williams (IR) — The Falcons placed Williams (ankle) on injured reserve Saturday, Will McFadden of the team's official site reports.; Malcolm DeWalt IV (Inactive) — Coach's Decision; Ethan Onianwa (Inactive) — Coach's Decision; Da'Shawn Hand (IR) — The Falcons placed Hand (quadriceps) on injured reserve Wednesday, William McFadden of the team's official site reports.; A.J. Terrell Jr. (IR) — The Falcons placed Terrell (groin) on injured reserve Tuesday, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports.; Kendal Daniels (Questionable) — questionable; Divine Deablo (Questionable) — Deablo (hamstring) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Saints, Tori McElhaney of the Falcons' official site reports.; Samson Ebukam (Questionable) — questionable; Robert Longerbeam (Inactive) — Coach's Decision; Cooper Rush (Inactive) — Coach's Decision; Jack Strand (Inactive) — Coach's Decision; Yasir Abdullah (Questionable) — Abdullah is questionable for Monday's matchup against New Orleans due to an illness, Daniel Flick of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.

New Orleans Saints: Mason Tipton (PUP-R) — Tipton (leg) was moved to the reserve/PUP list by the Saints on Sunday.; Nick Saldiveri (PUP-R) — Knee; Bryan Bresee (IR) — Knee - ACL; Dillon Radunz (IR) — ir; Jordyn Tyson (IR-R) — Tyson (hamstring) is said to be making progress and feeling good but isn't expected to be activated from injured reserve until Week 7 at the soonest, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.; Ty Chandler (IR) — The Saints placed Chandler (knee) on injured reserve Tuesday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.; Jaylan Ford (IR-R) — Ford (undisclosed) was placed on New Orleans' injured reserve Sunday with a designation to return.; David Long Jr. (IR) — The Saints placed Long (undisclosed) on injured reserve Sunday.; Moliki Matavao (IR) — The Saints placed Matavao (knee) on injured reserve Tuesday, Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football reports.; Lorenzo Styles Jr. (IR) — ir; Rejzohn Wright (IR) — Wright (hip) was put on injured reserve by the Saints on Monday.; Zach Wilson (Inactive) — inactive; Zach Wood (IR) — The Saints placed Wood (calf) on injured reserve Friday.; Christen Miller (Inactive) — inactive; Decamerion Richardson (Inactive) — inactive; Martin Emerson Jr. (Questionable) — questionable; Kelvin Banks Jr. (IR) — Banks (ankle) underwent surgery this week, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.; Travis Etienne Jr. (IR) — The Saints are placing Etienne (hamstring) on injured reserve, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports.; Barion Brown (Questionable) — questionable; Pete Werner (Questionable) — Werner (neck) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Falcons, Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports.; Anfernee Jennings (Inactive) — inactive; Noah Fant (Inactive) — inactive; Julian Blackmon (Questionable) — Blackmon (calf) was a limited participant at the Saints' practice Thursday.; Kaden Elliss (Inactive) — inactive; Carl Granderson (Inactive) — inactive

QUARTERBACK

• Michael Penix Jr. is the projected starting quarterback for ATL

  10.24 Y/A

  In his first 2026 game, Michael Penix Jr. threw for 256 passing yards, completed 72% of his passes and averaged 10.24 yards per attempt. Last season over 9 games he threw for 1982 yards, completed 60.1% and averaged 7.18 yards per attempt, 9-3 touchdowns to interceptions. This season's 1-1 touchdown-to-interception line is 1 game in.

• Tyler Shough is the projected starting quarterback for NO

  6.95 Y/A

  Through 3 games in 2026, Tyler Shough threw for 917 passing yards, completed 68.9% of his passes and averaged 6.95 yards per attempt. Last season over 11 games he threw for 2384 yards, completed 67.6% and averaged 7.29 yards per attempt, 10-6 touchdowns to interceptions. This season's 8-3 touchdown-to-interception line is 3 games in.

TRENCHES

• ATL: 47.7 rushing yards allowed per game to NO's 128.7

  81 YPG

  Atlanta has allowed only 47.7 rushing yards a game over 3 games, while New Orleans gives up 128.7. Three games is a thin sample, and run defense numbers bend with game script: teams that fall behind stop running. Expect Atlanta's figure to climb. In this spot, Atlanta's backs face a defense that has given up yards on the ground, while New Orleans may have to lean on the pass.

PASS RUSH

• ATL: 13.7 sack yards lost per game to NO's 24.3

  10.7 YDS

  ATL is at 13.7 sack yards lost per game over 3 games; NO is at 24.3 over 3 games. Those are this season's games through Oct 4. Last season ATL was at 12.9 over 17 games and NO at 18.7 over 17 games.

• ATL: 2.33 sacks taken per game to NO's 3.33

  1 SACKS

  ATL is at 2.33 sacks taken per game over 3 games; NO is at 3.33 over 3 games. Those are this season's games through Oct 4. Last season ATL was at 1.86 over 17 games and NO at 3.06 over 17 games.

• NO: 2.33 sacks recorded per game to ATL's 1.67

  0.67 SACKS

  ATL is at 1.67 sacks recorded per game over 3 games; NO is at 2.33 over 3 games. Those are what each defense has allowed in this season's games through Oct 4.

PACE & SCRIPT

• NO: 27 points per game to ATL's 17

  10 PPG

  ATL is at 17 points per game over 3 games; NO is at 27 over 3 games. Those are this season's games through Oct 4. Last season ATL was at 20.8 over 17 games and NO at 18 over 17 games.

• NO: 74 offensive plays per game to ATL's 63.3

  10.7 PLAYS

  ATL is at 63.3 offensive plays per game over 3 games; NO is at 74 over 3 games. Those are this season's games through Oct 4. Last season ATL was at 61.6 over 17 games and NO at 63.2 over 17 games.

• ATL: 22.7 points allowed per game to NO's 27.7

  5 PPG

  ATL is at 22.7 points allowed per game over 3 games; NO is at 27.7 over 3 games. Those are this season's games through Oct 4. Last season ATL was at 23.6 over 17 games and NO at 22.5 over 17 games.

TURNOVERS

• NO: 1 interception thrown per game to ATL's 2

  1 INT

  ATL is at 2 interceptions thrown per game over 3 games; NO is at 1 over 3 games. Those are this season's games through Oct 4. Last season ATL was at 0.47 over 17 games and NO at 0.71 over 17 games.

• ATL: 0.67 fumbles lost per game to NO's 1.33

  0.67 FUM

  ATL is at 0.67 fumbles lost per game over 3 games; NO is at 1.33 over 3 games. Those are this season's games through Oct 4. Last season ATL was at 0.59 over 17 games and NO at 0.71 over 17 games.

RED ZONE

• NO: 3.67 red-zone trips per game to ATL's 1.67

  2 TRIPS

  ATL is at 1.67 red-zone trips per game over 3 games; NO is at 3.67 over 3 games. Those are this season's games through Oct 4. Last season ATL was at 2.94 over 17 games and NO at 2.65 over 17 games.

• ATL: 50% red-zone scoring allowed to NO's 61.5%

  11.5 PP

  ATL is at 50% red-zone scoring allowed over 3 games; NO is at 61.5% over 3 games. Those are what each defense has allowed in this season's games through Oct 4.

MISMATCH

• NO: 281.3 pass yards a game to ATL's 167.7

  281.3 VS 167.7

  New Orleans is throwing for 281.3 yards a game through only 3 games, and Atlanta is at 167.7. Last season the Saints were at 219.3 and the Falcons at 207.2, so both numbers have moved far from their normal in a short stretch. Expect them to drift back toward each other. Atlanta's job at New Orleans is to run the ball and keep the Saints passing game on the bench.

COVERAGE

• ATL: 35.7% third downs allowed to NO's 47.1%

  11.3 PP

  Atlanta allows 35.7% on third down, New Orleans 47.1%, both over just three games. That puts the Saints near the bottom on getting off the field, and the Falcons in a decent spot. Three games is a very small sample, so both numbers could move a lot. For this game, the Saints defense looks more likely to give Atlanta extended drives.

• NO: 211.7 passing yards allowed per game to ATL's 263

  51.3 YPG

  New Orleans has allowed 211.7 passing yards a game, Atlanta 263, and both figures come from only 3 games. That sample is short enough that one opponent's game plan, a pass-heavy comeback or a run-first script, can shape the whole average. The fact sheet doesn't say who either team faced, so the gap could narrow quickly. When Atlanta's offense takes the field, the Saints' secondary looks like the tougher matchup on paper, but a three-game read is a starting point.

HEAD-TO-HEAD

• ATL lead the series with NO since 2025

  2-0 SERIES

  Atlanta has won both meetings, but they looked very different: a 24-10 road win in New Orleans in November, then a 19-17 squeaker at home in January. Two games is a small sample, and the second one shows the gap was much narrower by season's end. Heading back to New Orleans, the closer January game is the more useful picture of this matchup.

REPLACEMENT

• Zach Wilson (QB) is inactive for NO

  INACTIVE

  Wilson is inactive by coach's decision and will be the Saints' emergency third quarterback for the game against the Falcons. That is a routine roster spot with no injury involved. It has no bearing on the Saints' starter or game plan unless two quarterbacks go down.

• Cooper Rush (QB) is inactive for ATL

  INACTIVE

  Rush is inactive by coach's decision for Thursday's game against the Saints, but he will serve as the emergency quarterback. This is a depth-chart move, not an injury, so it changes nothing about who starts for Atlanta. It only matters if the starter gets hurt during the game.

• Za'Darius Smith (DE) is questionable for ATL

  QUESTIONABLE

  Smith left Monday night's game against the Saints with a concussion and was ruled out for the rest of it. Concussions go through a set protocol, so his status for the next game depends on how he clears it, and the questionable tag reflects that uncertainty. A pass rusher missing time means less pressure on opposing quarterbacks, and the other edge players take on his snaps.

• Jake Matthews (OT) is questionable for ATL

  QUESTIONABLE

  Matthews, the Falcons' left tackle, was downgraded to out for the rest of Monday's game against the Saints with a groin injury. Questionable leaves his next game open, and groin injuries can take time to settle. If he sits, a backup has to protect the quarterback's blind side, which is a spot where bettors can expect more pressure on Atlanta's passer.

• Divine Deablo (LB) is questionable for ATL

  QUESTIONABLE

  Deablo's hamstring makes him a true game-time question for Monday in New Orleans, and hamstrings can linger or tighten up mid-game. The sheet doesn't say who fills in at linebacker if he sits. If he's out, the Saints short passing game and Fant, if active, get an easier matchup.

• Jack Strand (QB) is inactive for ATL

  INACTIVE

  Atlanta lists Strand as inactive. The sheet gives no injury or reason, and as a depth quarterback his absence has no effect on who starts. There is nothing here for a bettor to act on.

• Yasir Abdullah (LB) is questionable for ATL

  QUESTIONABLE

  Abdullah is questionable for Monday's matchup against New Orleans due to an illness, Daniel Flick of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports. Reported Oct 3.

• Julian Blackmon (S) is questionable for NO

  QUESTIONABLE

  Blackmon (calf) was a limited participant at the Saints' practice Thursday. Reported Oct 2.

• Pete Werner (LB) is questionable for NO

  QUESTIONABLE

  Werner (neck) is listed as questionable for Monday's game against the Falcons, Matthew Paras of The New Orleans Times-Picayune reports. Reported Oct 3.

• Barion Brown (WR) is questionable for NO

  QUESTIONABLE

  NO lists Barion Brown as questionable on the injury report. Reported Sep 29.

• Jordyn Tyson (WR) is ir-r for NO

  IR-R

  Tyson (hamstring) is said to be making progress and feeling good but isn't expected to be activated from injured reserve until Week 7 at the soonest, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Reported Oct 5.

• Martin Emerson Jr. (CB) is questionable for NO

  QUESTIONABLE

  NO lists Martin Emerson Jr. as questionable on the injury report. Reported Sep 29.

• Samson Ebukam (DE) is questionable for ATL

  QUESTIONABLE

  ATL lists Samson Ebukam as questionable on the injury report. Reported Sep 29.

• Noah Fant (TE) is inactive for NO

  INACTIVE

  Fant (abdomen) is listed as inactive for Monday's game against the Falcons. Reported Oct 5.

• Travis Etienne Jr. (RB) is on injured reserve for NO

  IR

  The Saints are placing Etienne (hamstring) on injured reserve, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports. Reported Oct 1.

• Kendal Daniels (LB) is questionable for ATL

  QUESTIONABLE

  ATL lists Kendal Daniels as questionable on the injury report. Reported Oct 2.

• Christen Miller (DT) is inactive for NO

  INACTIVE

  Miller (coach's decision) is inactive for Monday night's contest against the Falcons. Reported Oct 5.

• Carl Granderson (DE) is inactive for NO

  INACTIVE

  NO lists Carl Granderson as inactive on the injury report. Reported Oct 5.

• Robert Longerbeam (CB) is inactive for ATL

  INACTIVE

  ATL lists Robert Longerbeam as inactive on the injury report. Reported Oct 5.

• Malcolm DeWalt IV (CB) is inactive for ATL

  INACTIVE

  ATL lists Malcolm DeWalt IV as inactive on the injury report. Reported Oct 5.

• Decamerion Richardson (CB) is inactive for NO

  INACTIVE

  NO lists Decamerion Richardson as inactive on the injury report. Reported Oct 5.

• Ethan Onianwa (OT) is inactive for ATL

  INACTIVE

  ATL lists Ethan Onianwa as inactive on the injury report. Reported Oct 5.

• Kaden Elliss (LB) is inactive for NO

  INACTIVE

  NO lists Kaden Elliss as inactive on the injury report. Reported Oct 5.

• Anfernee Jennings (LB) is inactive for NO

  INACTIVE

  NO lists Anfernee Jennings as inactive on the injury report. Reported Oct 5.

• Jared Ivey (LB) is inactive for ATL

  INACTIVE

  ATL lists Jared Ivey as inactive on the injury report. Reported Oct 6.

• A.J. Terrell Jr. (CB) is on injured reserve for ATL

  IR

  The Falcons placed Terrell (groin) on injured reserve Tuesday, Tori McElhaney of the team's official site reports. Reported Sep 22.

• Kelvin Banks Jr. (OT) is on injured reserve for NO

  IR

  Banks (ankle) underwent surgery this week, Katherine Terrell of ESPN.com reports. Reported Sep 26.

PRACTICE REPORT

• Anfernee Jennings

  Out

  Knee · Did not practice · Out

• Kaden Elliss

  Out

  Calf · Did not practice · Out

• Carl Granderson

  Out

  Ankle · Did not practice · Out

• Noah Fant

  Questionable

  Abdomen · Limited practice · Questionable

• Samson Ebukam

  Questionable

  Hamstring · Full practice · Questionable

• Yasir Abdullah

  Questionable

  Illness · Full practice · Questionable

• Divine Deablo

  Questionable

  Hamstring · Limited practice · Questionable

• Pete Werner

  Questionable

  Shoulder · Did not practice · Questionable

• Treyton Welch

  DNP

  Did not practice

• Nathan Shepherd

  DNP

  Did not practice

• Jake Matthews

  DNP

  Did not practice

• Jayden Price

  LP

  Limited practice

• Kendal Daniels

  FP

  Full practice

• Julian Blackmon

  FP

  Full practice

• Martin Emerson Jr.

  FP

  Full practice

• Davon Godchaux

  FP

  Full practice

• Christen Miller

  FP

  Coach's Decision · Full practice

• LaCale London

  FP

  Full practice

• Za'Darius Smith

  FP

  Full practice

• Jawaan Taylor

  FP

  Full practice

• Barion Brown

  FP

  Full practice

• Travis Etienne Jr.

  LISTED

  Hamstring

SITUATIONAL

• ATL (1-2) at NO (1-2), a division game

  +15 PT GAP

  Both teams are 1-2 after three games, but New Orleans at -2 has played much closer than Atlanta at -17. The Saints are 0-1 at home, a one-game sample that says little. Atlanta is 1-1 on the road and just won its last game. In a division game between two even records, a bettor should trust the Saints' tighter margin more than Atlanta's one-game streak.

• ATL has 3 more days of rest

  11d vs 8d

  Atlanta gets 11 days to prepare off its bye, while New Orleans has had 8, so the Falcons have three extra days to heal and game plan for a division rival. Bye weeks tend to help most with nagging injuries and installing a few new wrinkles, though teams can also start slow after the layoff. The gap is fixed, so it holds up. Use it as a tiebreaker on how the Falcons handle the first quarter, and do not let it carry the whole case.

AFTER GARY

• ATL -102 → -106

  GARY +0.96PP

  Gary's number was -102; the same book now shows -106.