How do you see this one playing out? Our staff writers made their picks for the New Orleans Saints‘ regular season finale against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 18, with final scores and bold predictions. Here’s what we’re predicting.

Saints 23, Falcons 17

It’s hard to imagine New Orleans pulling this one off with Chris Olave, Alvin Kamara, Devaughn Vele, Bryan Bresee, and Nathan Shepherd all sidelined with injuries. However, this is a Saints team on a roll and playing with a ton of confidence. Plus, the Falcons will always Falcon. New Orleans gets this done on the defensive side, battering Kirk Cousins for at least 5 sacks and 3 turnovers. On offense, Tyler Shough strengthens his case for Offensive Rookie of the Year with another strong performance that will include a comeback in the final minutes to seal the victory.

Bold predictions: Shough leads the Saints on a touchdown drive in the waning minutes to take the win with a scoring strike to Taysom Hill, while Cameron Jordan has at least one of five sacks on Cousins, bringing his season total to double-digit sacks for the first time since 2021. — Bob Rose

Falcons 28, Saints 24

As much as I would like to assume a New Orleans Saints win here, the Atlanta Falcons have been able to play pretty well down the stretch, and have shown to be productive when healthy. It should be a pretty close back and forth matchup most of the night, with little to no implications for the squads involved. With most of the Falcons offensive weapons likely to play, it will be a tough one that likely goes their way.

Bold prediction: One, any, of the Saints receivers goes over 80 yards receiving on the day. — Jeremy Trottier

Saints 23, Falcons 20

The Atlanta Falcons meet the New Orleans Saints at an interesting crossroads. With Chris Olave sidelined and several other offensive starters banged up, this matchup will hinge on the mind of Kellen Moore and whatever magic Tyler Shough can muster. Schematically, Moore will need to be at his absolute best to compensate for a clear talent deficit. Can he do it? Only time will tell.

Atlanta, meanwhile, will be close to full strength. Drake London and Darnell Mooney are back in the lineup, Bijan Robinson is on an absolute heater, and Kyle Pitts is in the midst of an outstanding season. For New Orleans to survive, the Saints’ defense must consistently pressure Kirk Cousins and meet Bijan Robinson at the line of scrimmage on early downs. If they can disrupt the Falcons’ rhythm, this game stays within reach.

Even with the odds stacked against them, I’m still riding with the Saints.

Bold prediction: Charlie Smyth drills a 60-yard field goal to end the year in dramatic fashion. — Luke Loffredo