Matt Urben, Crissy Froyd and Deen Worley, Falcons WireSun, November 23, 2025 at 5:06 PM UTC·1 min readThe Atlanta Falcons haven't won a game since their Week 6 upset over the Buffalo Bills. While the playoffs are out of reach, the 3-7 Falcons can always take pride in beating the New Orleans Saints. The two NFC South rivals have combined for just five wins in 20 games, and the winner will take over third place in the division.
Atlanta just lost starting quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for the season, while the Saints are seeing what they have in rookie Tyler Shough. Kirk Cousins will get the start for the Falcons in Week 12 as they look to end their five-game losing streak.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementWho will win Sunday's NFC South showdown in New Orleans? Check out our Falcons Wire staff picks and predictions for Week 12 below.
Deen Worley (5-5)
For as much talk as there has been about the Saints being bad, the Falcons have looked much worse over the last few weeks. Not only is Atlanta trending in the wrong direction, but the team will be forced to start a quarterback who doesn't even want to be here for the rest of the season. The Falcons' losing streak will continue. | Falcons 9, Saints 27.
Crissy Froyd (2-6)
There is no question about it – the Falcons are a reeling team badly reeling from the injury bug. From Michael Penix Jr. to Drake London, Atlanta is missing a number of key players as they aim to snap a five-game losing streak. And, while New Orleans is in a similar pit in terms of struggle, it has both the homefield advantage and a bye week behind it. This will ultimately be the showdown between Bijan Robinson and Alvin Kamara. The Saints are the stronger team, and I think they will win Sunday. | Falcons 21, Saints 31.
Matt Urben (4-6)
This game initially looked like an easy win on paper, but the Falcons are not the team we thought they were. Atlanta is dealing with some major injuries and won't have wide receiver Drake London or quarterback Michael Penix Jr. Nonetheless, I think Bijan Robinson will have a monster game and propel Atlanta's offense. Plus, the return of linebacker Divine Deablo will help the Falcons pull out a much-needed road victory in New Orleans. | Falcons 20, Saints 17.
Sunday's game kicks off at 4:25 p.m. ET on FOX. Former Saints quarterback Drew Brees will be on the call along with Adam Amin.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Falcons vs. Saints: Staff picks for NFL Week 12 game
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