Staff picks: Final score, bold predictions for Saints vs. Falcons

How do you see this one playing out? The New Orleans Saints (2-8) are coming out of their bye week rested and ready for a divisional rivalry game with the Atlanta Falcons (3-7), and it's a big opportunity. For the first time this season the Saints could claw their way out of the NFC South's basement, and effectively end their oldest adversary's year in one go.

Still, nothing is ever certain in the NFL. Any team can win on any given Sunday (or on Thursday, as the Buffalo Bills were taught by the Houston Texans the other night). Here are our staff picks for Week 12's matchup at the Caesars Superdome:

Saints 23, Falcons 10

The New Orleans Saints, coming off a bye week and facing a banged-up Falcons team, have a favorable setup for a win this week. Atlanta turning to Kirk Cousins at quarterback also plays into the Saints’ hands, as they’ve historically had success against him. Without the threat of him escaping the pocket, the defensive front should be able to tee off and generate consistent pressure. I expect the Saints to win convincingly, with the defense setting the tone and leading the way. Bold prediction: Kirk Cousins throws three interceptions to the Saints defense. -- Luke Loffredo

Saints 24, Falcons 16

Tyler Shough wins his second straight start and first at home with another strong outing, peppering the Atlanta secondary with more than 250 yards. The Saints must contain Atlanta rushing back Bijan Robinson to win, but do so just well enough and force 3 turnovers from Kirk Cousins. New Orleans has their highest offensive output of the year as they take the all-time series lead over their bitter rivals and climb out of last place in the NFC South for the first time this season. Bold prediction: Alvin Kamara outgains Bijan Robinson, and totals over 140 yards of offense. -- Bob Rose

Saints 21, Falcons 12

Atlanta is in a bad way; Kirk Cousins has a QB rating of just 31.2 on limited action this season and he led the league in interceptions last year. Drake London isn't expected to play this week, which means Darnell Mooney (16 catches for 224 yards) will be his best available wide receiver. The Saints went into their bye week with some real momentum, having soundly beaten a Carolina Panthers team that Atlanta took to overtime in a too-close loss. If New Orleans can't win this game, they have some very real problems to address. Bold prediction: Cousins hasn't thrown a touchdown pass against the Saints since signing with the Falcons, and they'll keep him from doing so again on Sunday. -- John Sigler

This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Staff picks: Final score, bold predictions for Saints vs. Falcons