Matt Ryan is 19-1 in the Georgia Dome.
(Drew)Brees has led the Saints to victories in their last four Monday games, completing 75.8 percent of his passes for 1,256 yards with 13 touchdowns and one interception for a quarterback rating of 141.5 nfl.com
So there you are!
This should be a great game, and I'm set up like Elvis in the Jungle Room here, with TVs all over the place for the cricket and the football - right down to the fried banana and peanut butter sandwiches.
I like Atlanta here.
Brees is a beast and the Saints' offense is rolling, so opposing him as the MNF dog doesn't inspire, but Michael Turner should be the difference here against the undersized New Orleans front who have seen Anthony Hargrove and Remi Ayodele limited during the week. If the Falcons can get Turner moving the chains, Ryan is more than capable of finding Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez downfield.
Slowing down New Orleans is a huge challenge, but Atlanta have made progress on defense (they're quick up front and their secondary is on an upward curve)and if they can bring some pressure against an O line that has occasionally creaked in front of Brees, they should cover.
This is a big game for New Orleans if they want to stay in the hunt, but it's huge for Atlanta who can stay home until the big one in Dallas if they win tonight. They'll be keen to show they're for real and challenge teams to try and storm the dome.
I'll give the points.
Pick: Atlanta -2.5 (3*)
Pick: Over 49 (1*)
Pick: 1st TD Tony Gonzalez 12/1 (0.5pt)
Pick: Anytime TD Marques Colston 11/10 (2pts)