NFL Opening Week: Predicting All 16 Games As Pro Football Returns

New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons Sunday 1 PM Fox

Aug 28, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) warms up before a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Ravens defeated the Saints 22-13. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The match-up: This features a match-up between quarterbacks Matt Ryan and Drew Brees. The Falcons as a whole feel as though they have something to prove after last season’s disappointing 4-12 record. Both quarterbacks are very established and are able to spread the football around in their respective offenses.

Why New Orleans will win: I really feel that rookie Brandon Cooks will replace and exceed the production Lance Moore had at wide receiver. Cooks was the team’s first round selection this year and won the Biletnikoff Award after posting 1,730 receiving yards and 16 touchdowns with Oregon State. In addition I feel that with all of the new rules the NFL has implemented that Jimmy Graham [1,215 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2014] will be even harder to stop. With Tony Gonzalez retired, the Falcons do not have an answer for Graham at the tight end position either.

Why Atlanta will win: Julio Jones’ return after missing 11 games last season is almost like signing a free agent. What he contributes to the Falcons is very important and when he went down it seemed as though the team did as well. Jones has 2,737 yards in his three seasons with the Falcons which is even more respectable when you consider his third season essentially was washed out. With Jones’ return, less pressure will be put on Roddy White.

Final score: Saints 38 Falcons 14