Falcons–Saints rivalry

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Falcons–Saints rivalry
Coin toss at Saints Military Appreciation Game 2009-11-02 1.JPG
Falcons and Saints face off during the 2009 season.
Atlanta Falcons wordmark.svg
Atlanta Falcons
New Orleans Saints wordmark.svg
New Orleans Saints
Location Atlanta, New Orleans
First meeting November 20, 1967
Falcons 24, Saints 27 [1]
Latest meetingNovember 10, 2024
Saints 20, Falcons 17 [1]
Next meetingNovember 23, 2025
StadiumsFalcons: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
Saints: Caesars Superdome
Statistics
Meetings total112 [1]
All-time seriesTie: 56–56 [1]
Regular season seriesSaints: 56–55 [1]
Postseason resultsFalcons: 1–0 [1]
Largest victoryFalcons: 62–7 (1973)
Saints: 38–0 (1987) [1]
Most points scoredFalcons: 62 (1973)
Saints: 48 (2023) [1]
Longest win streakFalcons: 10 (1995–1999)
Saints: 6 (1986–1989) [1]
Current win streakSaints: 1 (2024–present) [1]
Post–season history [1]
Falcons-Saints rivalry
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Transparent.svg
240km
149miles
Gold pog.svg
Saints
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Falcons
Locations of the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints

The Falcons–Saints rivalry is a National Football League (NFL) rivalry between the Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints.

Contents

The rivalry began in 1967 when the Saints entered the NFL as an expansion team; the Falcons had joined the league a year earlier. The two teams were the NFL's first in the traditional Deep South, which along with the Dallas Cowboys helped break the Washington Commanders decades-long monopoly as the NFL's only team located in the Southern United States. [2] [3] The teams were both placed in the NFC West in 1970, resulting in the teams playing two games against each other every year since (except for the strike-shortened 1987 season). The teams were both placed in the newly-formed NFC South in the 2002 realignment. [4]

The national media rarely noted the series during the teams' first decades of existence, probably due to both teams' long stretches of futility. However, during the late 2000s and 2010s, both teams sustained success and routinely battled for the top spot in the NFC South. [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] [10] Despite both teams' lack of success for much of their histories, games between the two teams have riveted their respective regions for more than 50 years; fans of both teams consider the other their most important and hated opponent. ESPN.com writer Len Pasquarelli has cited the rivalry as one of the best in sports: "Every year, bus caravans loaded with rowdy (and usually very inebriated) fans make the seven-hour trip between the two cities. Unless you've attended a Falcons-Saints debauchery-filled afternoon, you'll just have to take my word for how much fun it really can be." [11]

The September 25, 2006 match-up, which served as the Louisiana Superdome's official reopening after Hurricane Katrina, was considered a major milestone in New Orleans' and the Gulf Coast's recovery from the effects of the storm as well as the Saints' return to the city after their own year-long exile after the storm; the Saints later erected a statue outside the Superdome of Steve Gleason blocking Michael Koenen's punt to commemorate their win in that game.

The series is currently tied 56–56. The two teams have met once in the playoffs, with the Falcons holding a 1–0 record. [1]

History

Notable games in the series

Season-by-season results

Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints Season-by-Season Results [1]
1960s (Tie, 1–1)
SeasonResultsLocationOverall seriesNotes
1967 Saints
27–24
Tulane Stadium Saints
1–0
The Saints join the NFL as an expansion team. They are placed in the Eastern Conference and the Capitol Division. They alternated annually with the New York Giants between the Capitol and Century Divisions until the 1970 season.
1969 Falcons 45–17 Atlanta Stadium Tie
1–1
1970s (Falcons, 14–6)
SeasonSeason seriesat Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints Overall seriesNotes
1970 Falcons 2–0Falcons
32–14
Falcons
14–3
Falcons
3–1
As a result of the AFL–NFL merger, the Falcons and Saints were placed in the National Football Conference (NFC) and the NFC West, resulting in two meetings annually.
1971 Falcons 2–0Falcons
28–6
Falcons
24–20
Falcons
5–1
1972 Falcons 2–0Falcons
36–20
Falcons
21–14
Falcons
7–1
1973 Falcons 2–0Falcons
14–10
Falcons
62–7
Falcons
9–1
Falcons win 9 straight meetings (1969–1973).
In New Orleans, Falcons set franchise records with their largest victory overall with a 55–point differential and their most points scored in a game.
1974 Saints 2–0Saints
13–3
Saints
14–13
Falcons
9–3
Saints record their first road win against the Falcons.
Last meeting at Tulane Stadium.
1975 Tie 1–1Falcons
14–7
Saints
23–7
Falcons
10–4
Saints open the Louisiana Superdome (now known as Caesars Superdome).
1976 Tie 1–1Falcons
23–20
Saints
30–0
Falcons
11–5
1977 Tie 1–1Falcons
35–7
Saints
21–20
Falcons
12–6
1978 Falcons 2–0Falcons
20–17
Falcons
20–17
Falcons
14–6
The Falcons win both games on last-minute touchdowns.
1979 Tie 1–1Saints
37–6
Falcons
40–34(OT)
Falcons
15–7
1980s (Saints, 10–9)
SeasonSeason seriesat Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints Overall seriesNotes
1980 Falcons 2–0Falcons
31–13
Falcons
41–14
Falcons
17–7
1981 Falcons 2–0Falcons
27–0
Falcons
41–10
Falcons
19–7
1982 Tie 1–1Falcons
35–0
Saints
35–6
Falcons
20–8
Both games are played despite the 1982 NFL players strike reducing the season to 9 games.
1983 Saints 2–0Saints
19–17
Saints
27–10
Falcons
20–10
1984 Tie 1–1Saints
17–13
Falcons
36–28
Falcons
21–11
1985 Falcons 2–0Falcons
31–24
Falcons
16–10
Falcons
23–11
1986 Tie 1–1Saints
14–9
Falcons
31–10
Falcons
24–12
1987 Saints 1–0Saints
38–0
canceledFalcons
24–13
Due to the 1987 NFL players strike, the game scheduled in New Orleans was canceled.
Saints record their largest victory against the Falcons with a 38–point differential.
1988 Saints 2–0Saints
29–21
Saints
10–9
Falcons
24–15
1989 Saints 2–0Saints
26–17
Saints
20–13
Falcons
24–17
1990s (Falcons, 14–7)
SeasonSeason seriesat Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints Overall seriesNotes
1990 Tie 1–1Falcons
28–27
Saints
10–7
Falcons
25–18
1991 Tie 1–1Saints
27–6
Falcons
23–20(OT)
Falcons
26–19
Last meeting at Atlanta–Fulton County Stadium.
1991 Playoffs Falcons 1–0Falcons
27–20
Falcons
27–19
First postseason meeting. NFC Wild Card.
1992 Saints 2–0Saints
10–7
Saints
22–14
Falcons
27–21
Falcons open Georgia Dome.
1993 Tie 1–1Saints
34–31
Falcons
26–15
Falcons
28–22
1994 Saints 2–0Saints
29–20
Saints
33–32
Falcons
28–24
1995 Falcons 2–0Falcons
19–14
Falcons
27–24 (OT)
Falcons
30–24
1996 Falcons 2–0Falcons
17–15
Falcons
31–15
Falcons
32–24
1997 Falcons 2–0Falcons
20–3
Falcons
23–17
Falcons
34–24
1998 Falcons 2–0Falcons
31–23
Falcons
27–17
Falcons
36–24
Falcons lose Super Bowl XXXIII.
1999 Falcons 2–0Falcons
35–12
Falcons
20–17
Falcons
38–24
Falcons win 10 straight meetings (1995–1999).
2000s (Saints, 13–7)
SeasonSeason seriesat Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints Overall seriesNotes
2000 Saints 2–0Saints
21–19
Saints
23–7
Falcons
38–26
2001 Tie 1–1Saints
28–10
Falcons
20–13
Falcons
39–27
2002 Falcons 2–0Falcons
24–17
Falcons
37–35
Falcons
41–27
During the NFL realignment, the Falcons and Saints are both moved to the newly formed NFC South.
2003 Saints 2–0Saints
45–17
Saints
23–20(OT)
Falcons
41–29
2004 Tie 1–1Falcons
24–21
Saints
26–13
Falcons
42–30
2005 Falcons 2–0Falcons
36–17
Falcons
34–31
Falcons
44–30
Due to Hurricane Katrina forcing the Saints to relocate for the season, Saints' home game was played at Alamodome in San Antonio, Texas.
2006 Saints 2–0Saints
31–13
Saints
23–3
Falcons
44–32
Saints hire HC Sean Payton and sign QB Drew Brees.
Game in New Orleans marked the Saints' first game back home since Hurricane Katrina, highlighted by Saints' safety Steve Gleason blocking a Falcons' punt for a touchdown on the game's fourth play.
2007 Saints 2–0Saints
34–14
Saints
22–16
Falcons
44–34
Following the game in Atlanta, Falcons' HC Bobby Petrino abruptly resigned to take the job as head coach of the Arkansas Razorbacks.
2008 Tie 1–1Falcons
34–20
Saints
29–25
Falcons
45–35
Falcons draft QB Matt Ryan.
2009 Saints 2–0Saints
26–23
Saints
35–27
Falcons
45–37
Saints win Super Bowl XLIV.
2010s (Saints, 12–8)
SeasonSeason seriesat Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints Overall seriesNotes
2010 Tie 1–1Saints
17–14
Falcons
27–24(OT)
Falcons
46–38
2011 Saints 2–0Saints
26–23(OT)
Saints
45–16
Falcons
46–40
2012 Tie 1–1Falcons
23–13
Saints
31–27
Falcons
47–41
2013 Saints 2–0Saints
17–13
Saints
23–17
Falcons
47–43
2014 Falcons 2–0Falcons
37–34(OT)
Falcons
30–14
Falcons
49–43
2015 Saints 2–0Saints
20–17
Saints
31–21
Falcons
49–45
2016 Falcons 2–0Falcons
38–32
Falcons
45–32
Falcons
51–45
Falcons lose Super Bowl LI.
2017 Tie 1–1Falcons
20–17
Saints
23–13
Falcons
52–46
Falcons open Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Saints clinch a playoff berth with their win.
2018 Saints 2–0Saints
43–37(OT)
Saints
31–17
Falcons
52–48
Game in New Orleans was played on Thanksgiving.
2019 Tie 1–1Saints
26–18
Falcons
26–9
Falcons
53–49
Game in Atlanta was played on Thanksgiving.
Saints clinched the NFC South with their win.
Last start in the series for Saints' QB Drew Brees, as he would miss both 2020 matchups with a rib injury and retire afterward.
2020s (Saints, 7–3)
SeasonSeason seriesat Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints Overall seriesNotes
2020 Saints 2–0Saints
21–16
Saints
24–9
Falcons
53–51
Saints' QB Drew Brees missed both meetings due to a rib injury and retired after the season.
2021 Tie 1–1Saints
30–20
Falcons
27–25
Falcons
54–52
The game in Atlanta was the Falcons' QB Matt Ryan final game as the Falcons quarterback and Saints' HC Sean Payton's final game as head coach for the Saints.
2022 Saints 2–0Saints
27–26
Saints
21–18
Tie
54–54
2023 Tie 1–1Falcons
24–15
Saints
48–17
Tie
55–55
In New Orleans, the Saints score their most points in a game against the Falcons.
2024 Tie 1–1Falcons
26–24
Saints
20–17
Tie
56–56
Summary of Results
SeasonSeason seriesat Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints Notes
Regular seasonSaints 56–55Falcons 29–27Saints 29–26Falcons are 1–0 in Alamodome, San Antonio (2005), accounted for as a New Orleans Saints home game.
PostseasonFalcons 1–0no gamesFalcons 1–0NFC Wild Card: 1991
Regular and postseasonTie 56–56Falcons 29–27Saints 29–27

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 "All Matchups, Atlanta Falcons vs. New Orleans Saints". Pro Football Reference.
  2. McFadden, Will (September 20, 2018). "The Falcons-Saints rivalry began with pure contempt and brutality, and not much has changed in 50 years". www.atlantafalcons.com. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
  3. Busbee, Jay (November 20, 2018). "Who Dat vs. The Brotherhood: Saints vs. Falcons, the NFL's best rivalry". sports.yahoo.com. Retrieved August 10, 2022.
  4. Times-Picayune, Nakia Hogan, NOLA com | The (December 27, 2010). "New Orleans Saints-Atlanta Falcons rivalry more important than ever". NOLA.com. Retrieved June 12, 2022.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  5. Bruce, Al. "Why Falcons-Saints Is the Best Rivalry in the NFL". Bleacher Report. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
  6. Hendrix, John (November 20, 2020). "Memorable Saints Moments Against Falcons Under Sean Payton". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved June 12, 2022.
  7. Odum, Charles (December 11, 2005). "Saints-Falcons rivalry as strong as ever". South Coast Today. Archived from the original on June 12, 2022.
  8. Doeden, Matt (2015). Outrageous pro football rivalries. Capstone. ISBN   978-1-4914-2026-3. OCLC   894149307.
  9. Glier, Ray; Bardeen, Knox (2012). 100 Things Falcons Fans Should Know and Do Before They Die. Triumph Books. ISBN   9781623680107.
  10. "Ranking the 25 biggest NFL rivalries of all time". FanSided. November 23, 2021. Retrieved June 15, 2022.
  11. Pasquarelli, Len (August 15, 2006). "Super Bowl or bowl games? Enough said". ESPN.com .
  12. "Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints – September 2nd, 1979". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  13. "New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons – November 25th, 1979". pro-football-reference.com. Retrieved October 8, 2018.
  14. "Saints-Falcon game ending [Archive] - Front Office Football Central". forums.operationsports.com. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  15. Harris, Terrance (August 2, 2015). "Memorable Superdome moments, No. 1: Saints' first game back after Hurricane Katrina". NOLA.com. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  16. "Timeline: Rebirth in New Orleans". NFL.com. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  17. Kelley, Jeanna (September 26, 2016). "10 years later, the Saints still feel the significance of the Superdome's first game after Hurricane Katrina". SBNation.com. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  18. Dabe, Christopher (September 23, 2016). "The story behind Steve Gleason's blocked punt, as told by its key players". NOLA.com. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  19. "Saints unveil statue of Gleason's blocked punt". ESPN.com. July 27, 2012. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  20. "New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons 2012 REG 13 - Game Center". NFL.com .
  21. "Falcons dominate Saints early, clinch bye". www.atlantafalcons.com. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  22. Hendrix, John. "Saints Miss Playoffs After Rams Lose in OT". Sports Illustrated. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  23. Just, Amie (January 9, 2022). "Saints beat Falcons, but win 'hollow' after New Orleans' elimination from playoff contention". NOLA.com. Retrieved February 9, 2025.
  24. Waack, Terrin (September 12, 2022). "Marching on the Falcons: How the Saints overcame a 16-point deficit for first time ever". NOLA.com. Retrieved March 14, 2024.
  25. Smith, Michael David (January 8, 2024). "Jameis Winston: Saints players have no regrets about Jamaal Williams' late TD". NBC Sports. Retrieved January 8, 2024.