This Sunday the Falcons travel to Dallas for their final NFC East match up of the year. Looking to come out with a .500 record against the NFC East, this version of the Falcons is drastically different than the team that suited up Week One against the Eagles. Not as much in terms of personnel, but in terms of their on the field product.
As we all know the Falcons started the season 0-2 and have fought and climbed their way back to .500 twice now, which is where they currently stand. A win in Dallas would put the Falcons at 5-4, a record above .500 for the first time since the end of the 2017 season.
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During the Matt Ryan era, the Falcons and Cowboys have faced off six times, splitting those games right down the middle with three wins apiece. The Cowboys have walked away with the win the last two match ups including last season's heartbreaker with Greg Zuerlein connecting on a game winning 46-yard field goal.
There seems to be a growing sense of optimism heading into this game, however. The narrative around these Falcons has shifted from a team that drops close games, like they did much of last season, to a team that has shown the ability to close out. Three of their four wins on the year have come in the form of game winning field goals where the offense has had limited time to drive the field and put themselves in a position to win.
Get an inside look at the matchup between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints during Week 9 of 2021.
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 throws a pass during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau #22 reacts after breaking up a pass during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 returns a kick during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau #22 reacts after breaking up a pass during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 rushes during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 runs after catching a pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 runs after catching a pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 reacts after catching a pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 takes the field prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks to pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons celebrate after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 scores a touchdown during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons celebrate after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons celebrate after scoring a touchdown during the second quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons long snapper Josh Harris #47 is seen on the field prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 reacts after breaking up a pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks to pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Mike Davis #28 catches a pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 prepares to take a snap during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks to pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks to pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 prepares to take a snap during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks to pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs after catching a pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 prepares to take a snap during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons place kicker Younghoe Koo #7 kicks off during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 prepares to take a snap during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 breaks up a pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Erik Harris #23 makes a tackle during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 prepares to take a snap during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 runs after catching a pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs after catching a pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 runs after catching a pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Josh Rosen #16 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Daren Bates #53 takes the field prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 runs after catching a pass during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons punter Dustin Colquitt #12 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Avery Williams #35 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 runs after catching a pass during the first quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Qadree Ollison #30 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 takes the field prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
The Atlanta Falcons take the field prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Duron Harmon #21 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks to pass during the first half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Adetokunbo Ogundeji #92 is seen on the field prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 and New Orleans Saints linebacker Demario Davis #56 meet at midfield prior to their game at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fans are seen in attendance during a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons place kicker Younghoe Koo #7 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons place kicker Younghoe Koo #7 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons place kicker Younghoe Koo #7 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons place kicker Younghoe Koo #7 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons place kicker Younghoe Koo #7 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage #14 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fullback Keith Smith #40 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Christian Blake #13 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons fans are seen in attendance prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Frank Darby #88 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Jacob Tuioti-Mariner #91 warms up prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dan Anderson/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau #22 reacts after breaking up a pass during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett #97 is seen on the field prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 runs after catching a pass during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts #8 is seen on the field prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Feleipe Franks #15 rushes during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Marlon Davidson #90 is seen on the field prior to a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 catches a touchdown pass during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons head coach Arthur Smith is seen on the sideline during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 looks to pass during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 reacts after an incomplete pass during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons tight end Hayden Hurst #81 runs after catching a pass during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Tajae Sharpe #4 reacts after catching a pass during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 is seen on the sideline during the second half of a game against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Steven Means #55 is injured after recovering a fumble during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons safety Jaylinn Hawkins #32 reacts after braking up a pass during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 prepares to take a snap during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Dakota Williams/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons linebacker Foyesade Oluokun #54 hits New Orleans Saints quarterback Trevor Siemian #15 during the second half of a game at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan #2 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback Fabian Moreau #22 makes a tackle during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons running back Cordarrelle Patterson #84 runs after catching a pass during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Olamide Zaccheaus #17 celebrates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
Atlanta Falcons cornerback A.J. Terrell #24 lines up during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana on Sunday, November 7, 2021. (Photo by Brandon Gallego/Atlanta Falcons)
There is no getting around the fact that Dallas is a strong team. Up until last week they were only one win back of the Packers and Cardinals for top of the NFC. However, after looking flat against the Broncos last week the Cowboys showed their mortality on the field. You can perhaps chalk that up to Dak Prescott shaking off the rust after being out with a calf injury, or some miscommunication with his receivers.
While the Cowboys looked like a team that can be beaten, the Falcons are coming off of their biggest win of the season against their rival Saints in New Orleans. At one point in the fourth quarter the Falcons were up 24-6, and though that lead slipped through their hands leading to a game winning Younghoe Koo field goal, they still showed the ability to put up points in bunches against a top-10 defense. Cordarrelle Patterson exploded for 126-yards, the most he's had in a game since his rookie season. While Matt Ryan had a borderline herculean effort throwing for 343-yards and pair of touchdowns, while running in an additional touchdown of his own. A performance good for NFC offensive player of the week.
On the other side of the ball Falcons corner back A.J. Terrell is putting the league on notice this season. He leads the league in fewest yards allowed and fewest yards per catch, while only allowing opposing quarterbacks to convert 46.4% of their passes thrown his way, the second lowest completion percentage in the league. A fun narrative to keep an eye out for will be when Terrell is tasked with guarding fellow draft classmate CeeDee Lamb on the outside.
With all those narratives to digest let's take a look at who the experts have picked to win on Sunday.
*Picks made as of Nov. 11
| Author | Outlet | Pick | 2021 Record |
|---|---|---|
| Jarrett Bell | USA Today | Cowboys | 5-3 |
| Matt Bowen | ESPN | Cowboys | 3-5 |
| Gregg Rosenthal | NFL.com | Cowboys | 4-4 |
| Gary Davenport | Bleacher Report | Cowboys | 3-5 |
| Brad Gagnon | Bleacher Report | Cowboys | 6-2 |
| Vinnie Iyer | Sporting News | Cowboys | 4-4 |
| Rob Ninkovich | ESPN | Cowboys | 3-5 |
| Jason La Confora | CBS Sports | Cowboys | 4-4 |
| Pete Prisco | CBS Sports | Cowboys | 4-4 |
| Lorenzo Reyes | USA Today | Cowboys | 5-3 |
For more complete picks, visit: ESPN, CBS Sports, USA Today, Bleacher Report, and NFL.com
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