The Atlanta Falcons can wrap up the NFC South title and secure the top seed in the NFC with a win tonight against division rival New Orleans. The defending champion Saints, at 10-4, are looking to lock up a playoff berth and keep their slim division hopes alive. This evening's game is scheduled to kickoff at 8:30pm ET at the Georgia Dome; it will be broadcast live on ESPN's Monday Night Football. NFL Week 16 Picks have Atlanta listed as a -2.5 against the spread favorite and the Over/Under set at 49.
New Orleans saw a six game win streak fall 
last weekend as the Saints lost 30-24 to the Ravens in Baltimore. Sean Payton's squad trailed 21-7 in the second quarter but rallied to tie the game 24-24 in the fourth. Two Baltimore field goals over the final 10 minutes proved too much for New Orleans to overcome, though, and dropped its record to 10-4 on the season.
The Saints, which presently own the fifth seed in the NFC, produced just 269 total yards in the loss; however, they converted three of their four red zone opportunities to stay in the game.
New Orleans had a three game win streak against the Falcons snapped with a week three 27-24 overtime loss at the Superdome. Drew Brees threw for 365 yards and three touchdowns in the setback, but he also tossed two critical interceptions. Atlanta controlled the ball for 45:50 while rushing for 202 yards on 50 carries.
The Falcons won their eighth straight game last Sunday, spanking the Seahawks 34-18 in Seattle. The lopsided victory improved Atlanta's record to an NFC best 12-2 and put the franchise in prime position to secure home field advantage throughout the playoffs.
The Falcons win this evening and its a done deal; however, even if they lose to the Saints, the Dirty Birds need only beat Carolina next weekend at the Georgia Dome to take the NFC's top seed. In short, Atlanta will not have to leave the Peach State next month, which is a dangerous development for the rest of the conference.
The Falcons are 6-0 at home this season and they are 12-2 in their last 14 games at the Georgia Dome.
NFL Week 16 Picks Betting Trend: The Saints are 5-1 against the spread and 4-2 straight up over the last five years playing as a road team coming off a road loss.
NFL Week 16 Picks New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons Odds:
New Orleans Saints +2.5 (-110), Over 49 (-110)
Atlanta Falcons -2.5 (-110), Under 49 (-110)
