The New Orleans Saints (2-1) are coming off their first loss of the season and will look to get back on track on Sunday against their NFC South rival Atlanta Falcons (1-2). Here are our staff’s predictions for how Sunday’s game will go.

Jeff Duncan (season record: 1-2)

Saints 21, Falcons 20: Both teams need to be motivated after last week’s heavy losses. A win would give the Saints a huge lead in the NFC South race. Look for the Saints’ aggressive, opportunistic defense to make life difficult for Kirk Cousins. I expect a four-quarter slugfest with the Saints scoring late to win.

Zach Ewing (Season record: 1-2)

Saints 21, Falcons 16: Don’t let a bad game and a few injuries fool you into thinking the Saints’ first two wins were a mirage. This offense has had a week to figure out its offensive line issues, and the defense is still elite – especially against an offense that has an immobile quarterback and has struggled in the red zone.

Luke Johnson (season record: 1-2)

Saints 23, Falcons 21: I don’t have a good feeling about this pick, but I’m going to assume the Saints are closer to the team they were in weeks 1 and 2 than the team they were last week. Getting Taysom Hill back will help (check out his career stats against the Falcons), even if the offensive line is a big question mark.

Matthew Paras (Season record: 1-2)

Falcons 24, Saints 21: Falcons offensive coordinator Zac Robinson was part of the Los Angeles Rams staff last season that devised a plan to absolutely destroy New Orleans’ defense. I could see Atlanta moving the ball, and the presence of quarterback Kirk Cousins ​​helped unlock Drake London and Kyle Pitts. Add in a makeshift offensive line for the Saints, and I consider this a close loss.

Rod Walker (season record: 2-1)

Falcons 27, Saints 24: Before the season started, I had this as a Saints loss. After the first two weeks I switched it to a Saints win. Now I return to a Saints loss. Both teams have suffered disappointing losses, but the Falcons have Bijan Robinson back, and he will play enough at home to hand Saints a second straight loss.