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Saints Face Falcons in Season Finale, Experts Split on Outcome
New Orleans, LA – As the 2025 NFL season winds down, the New Orleans Saints (6-10) are set to clash with their NFC South rivals, the Atlanta Falcons (7-9), at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on Sunday. Despite a disappointing season overall, the Saints have been playing with renewed vigor in recent weeks, largely attributed to the emergence of quarterback Tyler Shough.
The Times-Picayune | NOLA.com staff are divided on their predictions for the game. Jeff Duncan and Zach Ewing foresee a Saints victory, 20-19 and 23-21, respectively. Duncan cites the Saints’ current confidence and “the Tyler Shough show” as reasons to believe in an upset, while Ewing believes the Falcons may have already peaked after their recent win over the Rams. Matthew Paras agrees, predicting a 20-17 Saints win, arguing that Shough can elevate the players around him.
However, Luke Johnson and Rod Walker predict a Falcons win, 20-18 and 27-20, respectively. Johnson acknowledges Shough’s impact but believes the absence of top receiver Chris Olave will be a significant hurdle. Walker, having previously picked the Saints to lose to the Falcons, is hesitant to make the same mistake again, particularly impressed by Falcons running back Bijan Robinson’s recent performance.
Regardless of the outcome, the game represents an opportunity for both teams to end the season on a positive note and build momentum heading into the offseason.
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