Against the Odds - Week 13 (Thursday Edition) Nov 29, 2012 | More
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This week’s lines are from usatoday.com (as of Wednesday night).

ATS - Against the Spread; SU - Straight Up; O/U - Over/Under

New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons (O/U 55.5)

The Saints are coming off a 31-21 loss to the San Francisco 49ers last week. Quarterback Drew Brees was a bit off against the top-ranked defense, throwing two interceptions that were returned for touchdowns. Things should be easier this week for Brees. He’s facing a defense that is giving up 345 yards per game, 14th in the league. The teams last met in Week 10 this season with the Saints defeating the Falcons, 31-27, in New Orleans. In that game, Brees threw for 298 yards and three touchdowns.

Atlanta’s only loss of the season is to New Orleans, and you know the Falcons will be looking to get some revenge at home. Matt Ryan will lead the second-ranked passing offense in the league against the Saints defense, which ranks 30th against the pass and last in total yards and rush yards allowed. I’m expecting this game to be very similar to their last one, lots of scoring and very little defense. Although the total of 56 is a very high number, I still like the over in this one.

In their last 10 meetings, the over is 7-3 ATS.