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Few rivalries in sports carry the history of the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons. The matchup was first introduced in the 1967 season and has seen decades of division-shifting matchups. Entering the 2026 season, the history is nearly even, with Atlanta holding a slight advantage following a 2025 season sweep.
Recent history has stoked the flames for both of these franchises. In the 2025 season’s finale, a short-handed Saints team fell short to Atlanta, 19-17, a game that ultimately handed the NFC South crown to the Carolina Panthers.
The most memorable moment of all from this matchup? Steve Gleason’s legendary blocked punt in 2006 became a symbol of New Orleans' rebirth after Hurricane Katrina.
Game 1
Game 2
Record: Falcons lead 58-56.
The Saints, entering the game riding a four-game winning streak, hoped to ride their momentum into the offseason before re-grouping ahead of 2026, but Kirk Cousins and the Falcons shattered those hopes. Kyle Pitts and Drake London combined for over 130 total receiving yards in a low-scoring affair that saw five field goals made.
Saints linebacker Kaden Ellis signed a deal to return to New Orleans this offseason after spending three seasons with the Falcons. He signed with Atlanta in 2023 after his first stint with New Orleans.
Thomas Dimitroff, who served as the general manager for the Falcons from 2008 to 2020, joined the Saints’ front office as a consultant in 2025. It’s an interesting rivalry flip that you don’t often see.
The Saints have lost four of their last six games against the Falcons in recent years, and if they want the momentum to shift to their side, they’re going to have to rely on their revamped offense. Adding weapons like Travis Etienne Jr., Jordyn Tyson, and Bryce Lance to support Tyler Shough is crucial to the team’s success. Watch out for how Brandon Staley and the Saints’ defense look to contain Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and the rest of the Falcons' offense. If they can keep Atlanta’s offense quiet, it’s likely that Shough and New Orleans will be able to outscore them.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 Saints Schedule: Previewing this year's Falcons rivalry games
Continue reading...
Recent history has stoked the flames for both of these franchises. In the 2025 season’s finale, a short-handed Saints team fell short to Atlanta, 19-17, a game that ultimately handed the NFC South crown to the Carolina Panthers.
The most memorable moment of all from this matchup? Steve Gleason’s legendary blocked punt in 2006 became a symbol of New Orleans' rebirth after Hurricane Katrina.
Upcoming games in the Saints vs. Falcons matchup
Game 1
- Date: Monday, Oct. 5
- Location: Caesars Superdome (New Orleans, La.)
Game 2
- Date: Sunday, Jan. 3
- Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium (Atlanta, Ga.)
Record: Falcons lead 58-56.
Last meeting in Saints vs. Falcons
- Falcons won 19-17 on Jan. 4, 2026.
The Saints, entering the game riding a four-game winning streak, hoped to ride their momentum into the offseason before re-grouping ahead of 2026, but Kirk Cousins and the Falcons shattered those hopes. Kyle Pitts and Drake London combined for over 130 total receiving yards in a low-scoring affair that saw five field goals made.
Common connections in Saints vs. Falcons
Saints linebacker Kaden Ellis signed a deal to return to New Orleans this offseason after spending three seasons with the Falcons. He signed with Atlanta in 2023 after his first stint with New Orleans.
Thomas Dimitroff, who served as the general manager for the Falcons from 2008 to 2020, joined the Saints’ front office as a consultant in 2025. It’s an interesting rivalry flip that you don’t often see.
Notable changes since the last meeting in Saints vs. Falcons
- The Falcons now enter the 2026 season under new leadership. Atlanta fired head coach Raheem Morris in favor of longtime Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski.
- The quarterback situation in Atlanta is still unclear. The Falcons signed former Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa to a one-year, league minimum contract this offseason, and he’s expected to compete with young quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for the starting role.
The Saints have lost four of their last six games against the Falcons in recent years, and if they want the momentum to shift to their side, they’re going to have to rely on their revamped offense. Adding weapons like Travis Etienne Jr., Jordyn Tyson, and Bryce Lance to support Tyler Shough is crucial to the team’s success. Watch out for how Brandon Staley and the Saints’ defense look to contain Drake London, Kyle Pitts, and the rest of the Falcons' offense. If they can keep Atlanta’s offense quiet, it’s likely that Shough and New Orleans will be able to outscore them.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: 2026 Saints Schedule: Previewing this year's Falcons rivalry games
Continue reading...
