Falcons vs Saints Rivalry at a Glance
- The Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints have faced each other more than 100 times since 1967.
- The series is one of the NFL’s most played and heated divisional rivalries.
- Both teams have traded control across decades, with extended win streaks by each side.
- Legendary quarterbacks such as Drew Brees and Matt Ryan defined the rivalry in the 2000s and 2010s.
- Divisional titles and playoff positioning have frequently been impacted by head-to-head matchups.
Origins of the Falcons vs Saints Rivalry
The Falcons vs Saints rivalry began in 1967, when New Orleans entered the NFL as an expansion team just one year after Atlanta. Geographic proximity and shared Southern identity quickly made the matchup personal. When the NFC South was formed in 2002, the rivalry intensified, as the teams began meeting twice annually with direct playoff implications.
Unlike many rivalries built on postseason clashes, this one has largely been shaped by regular season battles with division supremacy on the line. The twice-a-year format has ensured constant familiarity and zero surprises.
All-Time Head-to-Head Record
The rivalry has remained remarkably competitive over the decades. While the exact edge has shifted year to year, the Saints hold a narrow all-time advantage in overall wins entering the 2025 season.
CategoryFalconsSaintsTotal Wins50+50+Longest Win Streak9 Games (1995–1999)9 Games (2017–2021)First MeetingNovember 20, 1967Most Recent MeetingsPlayed Twice Annually in NFC South
Few NFL rivalries maintain this level of equilibrium across six decades. Momentum often swings with quarterback play, coaching stability, and divisional dominance cycles.
Era-by-Era Breakdown
1967–1980s: Foundation Years
During the early decades, both franchises struggled for sustained success. Games were often scrappy, defensive affairs. The Saints posted a shutout in their first meeting, setting the tone for a physical series.
The rivalry lacked national attention during this era but gained local intensity as fan bases grew in Atlanta and New Orleans.
1990s: Falcons Control the Series
Atlanta dominated much of the late 1990s, highlighted by a nine-game winning streak between 1995 and 1999. The Falcons’ 1998 Super Bowl season included a season sweep of New Orleans, reinforcing divisional superiority.
New Orleans, however, found renewed competitiveness with its first playoff win in 2000, signaling a shift in franchise trajectory.
2006–2019: Brees vs Ryan Era
The most iconic chapter of the rivalry began when Drew Brees joined the Saints in 2006 and Matt Ryan was drafted by Atlanta in 2008. For more than a decade, two elite quarterbacks met twice a year in high-stakes games.
Key highlights from this era include:
- The Saints’ Super Bowl-winning 2009 season featured a narrow overtime win against Atlanta.
- Multiple 30-plus point shootouts between Brees and Ryan.
- Atlanta’s 2016 NFC Championship season, when they split the series with New Orleans before reaching Super Bowl LI.
This period elevated the rivalry to national prominence, often appearing in primetime slots.
2020s: Transition and Defensive Intensity
With Brees retired and Ryan traded, the rivalry entered a new quarterback era. Rather than offensive fireworks, recent games have leaned on defensive play and close finishes. Both teams have used divisional matchups to remain relevant in tightly contested NFC South races.
Most Memorable Games in Rivalry History
2006 Rebirth Game
Shortly after Hurricane Katrina, the Saints' emotional return to the Superdome featured a blocked punt touchdown against Atlanta on Monday Night Football. The game symbolized New Orleans’ resurgence and redefined the franchise.
2010 MNF Shootout
In a Monday night battle, Brees threw four touchdown passes in a dramatic 17-14 comeback victory, preserving the Saints' playoff position.
2019 Thanksgiving Shock
Atlanta stunned the heavily favored Saints in New Orleans, sacking Brees six times and delivering one of the biggest upsets of the season. The win disrupted the Saints’ momentum toward playoff seeding.
Statistical Trends That Define the Rivalry
Scoring Patterns
The rivalry has seen dramatic stylistic shifts:
- 1970s and 1980s games averaged lower scoring margins.
- Between 2008 and 2018, average combined points frequently exceeded 50.
- Recent seasons have leaned back toward defensive contests with tighter totals.
Home-Field Dynamics
Both teams defend home turf aggressively. The Superdome provides one of the NFL’s loudest environments, while Atlanta’s home venues have historically delivered important divisional wins. However, road victories are common enough to prevent predictable outcomes.
Playoff Impact
Though the teams have rarely met in the postseason, regular season results often determine division crowns. Several NFC South titles have hinged on season sweeps or critical late-season meetings.
Legendary Players and Coaches
New Orleans Saints Icons
- Drew Brees: Franchise leader in passing yards and touchdowns during rivalry peak years.
- Sean Payton: Offensive architect who transformed the competitive balance.
- Cameron Jordan: Defensive anchor known for clutch performances against Atlanta.
Atlanta Falcons Greats
- Matt Ryan: Multiple 300-yard performances versus New Orleans.
- Julio Jones: Consistent big-play threat in divisional clashes.
- Deion Sanders: Defensive playmaker during earlier rivalry decades.
Cultural and Fan Significance
This rivalry extends beyond standings and statistics. Atlanta and New Orleans share regional pride, contrasting city identities, and passionate fan cultures. Saints fans often circle Falcons games as must-win events, while Atlanta supporters measure seasons by performance against New Orleans.
The rivalry also plays heavily into social media engagement, primetime scheduling, and merchandising. Even when one team underperforms league-wide, their divisional matchups retain emotional intensity.
How the Rivalry Shapes the NFC South
Since the NFC South’s inception in 2002, divisional volatility has been a hallmark. Falcons vs Saints games frequently alter playoff seeding scenarios. A season sweep can mean the difference between a home playoff game and missing the postseason entirely.
The rivalry has also helped elevate both franchises nationally. Competitive balance keeps the division unpredictable and prevents long-term dominance by a single team.
What Makes Falcons vs Saints Different
Several factors distinguish this rivalry:
- Longevity spanning nearly six decades.
- Consistent competitiveness without prolonged irrelevance from both sides simultaneously.
- Quarterback-driven eras that defined league-wide narratives.
- Cultural intensity fueled by regional proximity.
Few rivalries combine statistical parity, historical longevity, and emotional intensity so consistently. The Falcons vs Saints rivalry remains one of the NFL’s most compelling divisional battles, and every season adds another chapter to its evolving history.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Falcons vs Saints Rivalry
When did the Falcons vs Saints rivalry start?
The rivalry began on November 20, 1967, when the New Orleans Saints, an expansion team at the time, first played the Atlanta Falcons in the regular season.
How often do the Falcons and Saints play each other?
You see the Falcons and Saints play twice every regular season as NFC South rivals, once in Atlanta and once in New Orleans.
Who leads the all-time Falcons vs Saints series?
Entering the 2025 season, the New Orleans Saints hold a narrow edge in total wins, but the all-time series between the two teams remains very close.
Why is the Falcons vs Saints rivalry considered so intense?
You get a rare mix of nearby cities, shared Southern identity, long history, and frequent division stakes, which makes every matchup feel personal for players and fans.
Which quarterbacks defined the modern Falcons vs Saints era?
Drew Brees for the Saints and Matt Ryan for the Falcons defined the rivalry from the late 2000s through the 2010s with high-scoring games and key division battles.
How does this rivalry affect the NFC South playoff race?
Season sweeps and late-season games between the Falcons and Saints often decide NFC South titles and playoff seeding, so each meeting can carry major postseason impact.
.avif)
.svg)
