Falcons vs Saints: Why New Orleans Will Roll, Should Be NFC Favorites

I am counting down the minutes to the kickoff of the Atlanta Falcons-New Orleans Saints Monday Night Football showdown for many reasons. 

First off, after enduring a relatively boring primetime NFL schedule this fall, we're treated to a fantastic game with loads of story lines.

Secondly, as much as a grueling, defensive battle between, say, the Baltimore Ravens and Pittsburgh Steelers is entertaining, I love offense. 

Who doesn't? 

There'll be a tremendous amount of offensive talent on the field tonight on both teams that are led by poised quarterbacks who are having great seasons. 

You know that Drew Brees character? 

He needs 304 yards to break Dan Marino's single-season passing yards record of 5,084 yards. 

Lastly, there isn't a club more exciting to watch at home than the New Orleans Saints. 

Period. 

They're extremely energized in the Superdome and really feed off their boisterous crowd. 

Brees has 20 touchdown passes to only three interceptions inside that dome in 2011.  

Matt Ryan has 12 touchdowns and two interceptions over his last five games and he orchestrates quite the balanced offense that features Michael Turner, but has explosive tendencies thanks to Roddy White and Julio Jones. 

Don't forget about Tony Gonzalez, either. 

Nothing against the Atlanta Falcons, but it won't be easy to upend New Orleans tonight.

I like the Saints to expand a small halftime lead into a 10-to-14 point victory tonight. Brees is on a ridiculous tear, and his pass catchers are too talented for Atlanta to contain. 

After the win, New Orleans will be the team to beat in the NFC. 

Here's why. 

As much as I like the Green Bay Packers, the Saints can match up and have a viable running and screen game.

Brees can certainly stay with Rodgers, as we saw in the season opener 

But Mark Ingram, Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas formulate a dynamic running back committee that often is overlooked but will be the key to their postseason success.

Also, they haven't lost since October 30th. 

Nothing's more important than playing your best entering the postseason. 

After their strong showing tonight, you'll start to believe that the Saints could be the favorite in the NFC playoffs.