Dec 3, 2017; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) makes a throw in the fourth quarter against the Carolina Panthers at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints won, 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports

Thursday Night Preview: Falcons And Saints Meet For NFC South Rivalry

This week in the NFL brings the New Orleans Saints to Mercedes Benz Stadium for a NFC South match-up.

The Matchup:

The 9-3 Saints will travel to Atlanta on Thursday for the first of two games against the 7-5 Falcons in three weeks. The Saints are yielding just 17.9 points in winning nine of their last 10 games. Although New Orleans has a two game lead against the Falcons, Thursday night will be a critical divisional test in Atlanta. Saints Quarterback Drew Brees says the Falcons defense is a challenge with their dynamic playmakers.

Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons will have to bounce back from a home loss to the Minnesota Vikings last weekend. A 14-9 loss to the Vikings snapped the Falcons’ three-game winning streak. In the three wins, The Falcons averaged 27 points but were held to three field goals by the Vikings’ stout defense. Atlanta will have to make sure they keep an eye out for defensive stars Ma Ingram and Alvin Kamara. The two became the first backfield tandem since 1985 to both have 100 scrimmage yards in the same game four times in a season.

Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan says this is going to be a tough but exciting game.

Injury Updates:

  • Atlanta cornerback Desmond Trufant, is cleared from his concussion symptoms and should play against the Saints.
  • Falcons starting left guard Andy Levitre has a partially torn triceps and may not play.
  • Saints Mark Ingram is expected to play against the Falcons but did not practice Tuesday because of a toe injury
  • Saints rookie cornerback Marshon Lattimore may be back from a sprained ankle.

Game Day Notes:

Kick off in Atlanta is set for 8:25 p.m. with coverage on NBC.

You can tune into ESPN 98.1 FM 850 AM WRUF at 7:30 for live pregame coverage of this weeks Thursday night Match-up.

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