New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons Recap
The New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons rivalry is one of the oldest and most intense rivalries in the NFL. Both teams have competed against each other since 1967 and are longtime members of the NFC South. Their twice-yearly meetings are known for passionate fans, regional pride, and games that often affect the division standings and playoff race.
New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons Rivalry FAQs
When did the Saints vs Falcons rivalry begin?
- The rivalry began on November 20, 1967, when the New Orleans Saints defeated the Atlanta Falcons 27-24 in their first meeting.
How many times have the Saints and Falcons played each other?
- The Saints and Falcons have met 114 times in the regular season and playoffs.
Who leads the all-time series?
- The Atlanta Falcons lead the all-time series 58-56.
What is the regular-season record between the teams?
- The Falcons hold a 57-56 advantage in regular-season games.
What is the postseason record?
- The Falcons lead the playoff series 1-0.
When was the latest Saints vs Falcons game?
- The latest meeting was on January 4, 2026, when the Atlanta Falcons defeated the New Orleans Saints 19-17.
When is the next Saints vs Falcons game?
- The next meeting is scheduled for Monday, October 5, 2026, at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Kickoff is 8:15 p.m. ET, and the game will be televised on ESPN.
Where do the Saints and Falcons play their home games?
- The New Orleans Saints play their home games at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. The Atlanta Falcons play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia.
What is the largest victory in the rivalry?
The Falcons’ biggest win was 62-7 in 1973, while the Saints’ largest victory was 38-0 in 1987.
What is the most points scored by each team in the rivalry?
- The Falcons scored a rivalry-high 62 points in 1973. The Saints scored their rivalry-high 48 points in 2023.
What is the longest winning streak in the rivalry?
- The Falcons won 10 consecutive games from 1995 to 1999. The Saints’ longest winning streak is six games from 1986 to 1989.
Who has the current winning streak?
- The Atlanta Falcons currently have a two-game winning streak, which began in 2025.
Who is favored to win the Saints vs Falcons rivalry?
- Historically, the Atlanta Falcons have a slight advantage in the rivalry, leading the all-time series 58-56. However, each game is highly competitive, and the favorite usually depends on the teams’ current form, injuries, and home-field advantage.
Who are the biggest rivals of the Atlanta Falcons?
- The New Orleans Saints are widely considered the Atlanta Falcons’ biggest rival. The rivalry began in 1967 and has become one of the NFL’s fiercest regional matchups. Because both teams have spent decades competing in the same division, every meeting carries extra importance for the players and fans.
Saints vs Falcons Rivalry History
- The Saints and Falcons first met in 1967, the Saints’ inaugural NFL season. Since then, they have built one of the league’s most competitive rivalries, playing more than 100 games across the regular season and postseason. Their contests have frequently influenced the NFC South championship and playoff standings.
- The rivalry is fueled by the close proximity of New Orleans and Atlanta and the passionate fan bases in both cities. Decades of memorable games, dramatic finishes, and division title races have made Saints vs Falcons one of the NFL’s premier rivalries.
The New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons rivalry remains one of the NFL’s most celebrated matchups. With more than five decades of history, over 100 meetings, and a closely contested all-time series, every game adds another chapter to this classic NFC South rivalry. Whether competing for division titles or regional bragging rights, Saints vs. Falcons continues to be one of the league’s must-watch games.