Saints vs. Falcons 2016 Season Finale Match-Ups to Watch

Jan 3, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) is tackled by New Orleans Saints defensive back Brian Dixon (20) and free safety Jairus Byrd (31) after a catch in the third quarter of their game at the Georgia Dome. The Saints won 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

On Sunday, the New Orleans Saints begin the new 2017 calendar year by finishing off the 2016 season against the hated Atlanta Falcons.

The 50th season of Saints football will not end with a playoff berth however; since those hopes ending amid a season full of untimely mistakes and inconsistent play on both sides of the football.

A victory over there bitter rivals will send New Orleans into the off-season with an 8-8 record, and also prevent the 10-5 Falcons from earning a first round bye in the playoffs.

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These teams last met on a Monday Night back in Week #3, resulting in a 45-32 Atlanta victory within the confines of the Mercedes Benz Superdome.

The Falcons offense ran “roughshod” over a poorly prepared Saints defense that night, and a critical Brees interception return by former LSU linebacker Deion Jones for a “Pick 6” sent the Saints to their 3rd loss in a row to begin the year.

Tonight, we have highlighted a few match ups that will be key in tomorrow’s season-ending re-match at the Georgia Dome; for the Saints to end the season on a winning note and hopefully send the “Dirty Birds” careening into the postseason.

And since we’re speaking about “birds”, let’s start with a “Byrd” of our own….