A hard-fought win in Week 17 has the New Orleans Saints still in the thick of a wild card spot in the crowded NFC. The same could not be said about the Atlanta Falcons, though, as their loss this past weekend officially puts them out of postseason contention. Will Atlanta be able to spoil New Orleans’ playoff bid in the final week of the season?

NitroBetting is ready to equip its bettors with all the latest previews and odds for Week 18 of the 2021 NFL season. This time, we look at the pivotal NFC South clash between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons. Find out more about the teams and the key players, event information, the latest NFL odds, and of course, helpful betting trends and expert betting predictions.

Saints vs. Falcons Information

The Saints-Falcons game next Sunday has been pushed to 3:25 pm CT (originally scheduled for Noon CT) #NOvsATL pic.twitter.com/P83Gb94LfC

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) January 3, 2022

• When: Sunday, January 9, 2022, 4:25 PM ET
• Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA
• TV: FOX
• Radio: SiriusXM
• Live Stream: NFL Network, NFL League Pass
• NFL Odds: Saints (-4.5) / Falcons (+4.5)

READ MORE: Jets vs. Bills 2021 NFL Week 18 Odds, Preview, & Pick

Why Bet on the New Orleans Saints?

Despite all the adversity that they’ve faced all season long, the New Orleans Saints are now 8-8 following their 18-10 win over the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. They remain in the hunt for a playoff spot but will need to win their final game of the season and losses from both the 49ers and Vikings to make it in.

The Saints have won three of their last four games on the strength of their defense. They held Carolina to just 178 total yards of offense along with a couple of forced turnovers. In each of the last three wins, New Orleans has held each of its opponents to 10 points or less apiece. The team’s revitalized stop unit will be key once more to its success moving forward, hopefully into the postseason with a little help.

Another positive sign is that Taysom Hill was back in good form after missing last week’s game due to testing positive for COVID-19. Hill completed 17 of 28 passes for 222 yards and one touchdown. He also led his team in rushing with his 45 rushing yards, but that’s quite a double-edged sword, though, as star running back Alvin Kamara (13 carries, 32 rushing yards) has just 70 rushing yards in his last two starts without a trip to the end zone.

Why Bet on the Atlanta Falcons?

Elsewhere, the Atlanta Falcons are finally left out in the cold of the NFL playoff picture after their 29-15 road loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 17. That defeat also guarantees that the Falcons will finish the regular season with a losing record for the fourth straight year.

The snowy confines of Orchard Park proved to be a rough challenge for Matt Ryan, who finished with just 197 passing yards without a TD on 13-of-23 passing whilst also losing a fumble and getting sacked five times. In turn, Atlanta converted just one of their seven third-down attempts in the contest and 18 first downs to Buffalo’s 28.

If there’s a silver lining to this loss, it’s that the Falcons managed to pick off Josh Allen three times that afternoon. They join 16 other teams in the league with 20 takeaways this season, but their minus-three point differential still leaves a lot to be desired.

Saints vs. Falcons Betting Trends

• The Saints are 5-3 on the road this season (SU/ATS).
• The Saints are 6-2 in their last eight regular-season meetings against Atlanta (SU/ATS).
• The totals have gone under in five of New Orleans’ eight home games this season.
• The Falcons are just 2-5 at home this season (1-6 ATS).
• The Falcons are winless in their last five games as home dogs (1-4 ATS).
• The totals have gone under in each of Atlanta’s last four homestands.

Saints vs. Falcons Expert Betting Predictions

With so much more at stake for New Orleans, we wouldn’t be surprised if the boys from the Big Easy run away with an easy victory here. Then again, the Falcons already have a win over the Saints from Week 9 earlier this season and could very well deliver another stunning upset to end their season on a high note.

Check out our latest sports betting guides for the 2021 NFL Regular Season. Stay tuned for more Football previews and articles and don’t forget to check out the latest football betting odds at our online Bitcoin sportsbook.

*All odds stated are subject to change without prior notice.