NFL Picks Week 10: Why Falcons Will Take NFC South Lead with Win over Saints

The Atlanta Falcons started off the 2011 season poorly but have since rebounded, and with a win on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints they can take over first place in the NFC South division.

The Falcons (5-3) have won three consecutive games and beat the Indianapolis Colts 31-7 last week coming off their bye.

"Coming off the bye week, we wanted to make sure that we started fast and I really liked the way our team did," coach Mike Smith said. "But for us, we've got to stay focused on what we need to get accomplished. We know we're playing an outstanding football team that has lots of weapons."

The Falcons have a lot of weapons of their own, too, and one of them made a big impact last week. Rookie wide receiver Julio Jones caught his first two career touchdown passes against the Colts and looks to finally be getting comfortable in the NFL after injuries have made his first pro season more difficult.

Jones' quarterback is very pleased to have him healthy and in the lineup.

"It gives us another good player, another good option to have the football in his hands," Matt Ryan said. "He's a good player, and we're certainly better when we have him."

Jones is helping a Falcons offense that has scored just over 28 points per game during the current winning streak.

The Saints defense has looked very beatable this season and has struggled against high-powered offenses. It's given up 26-plus points in five of the Saints' nine games this season and for the year is allowing 348.1 yards per game.

Ryan won't have a problem threading the Saints secondary with Jones and All-Pro wide receiver Roddy White and Hall of Famer-to-be tight end Tony Gonzalez.

Sure, a Saints offense led by Drew Brees will score points and rack up a ton of yards, but it won't be able to score enough points as the Falcons.

Why? The Falcons will run the ball effectively and control the clock. The Saints defense allows 119.7 rush yards per game, and Atlanta running back Michael Turner will be able to find big holes in the New Orleans defense on Sunday.

A balanced offensive attack will lead the Atlanta Falcons to a big win on Sunday against the New Orleans Saints and put them atop the NFC South Division.