New Orleans Saints vs Atlanta Falcons, Week 18 2025
New Orleans Saints
Away
17
Atlanta Falcons
HomeWon
19
| Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Q4 | Final |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Saints | 0 | 7 | 3 | 7 | 17 |
| Falcons | 7 | 3 | 3 | 6 | 19 |
NO 17ATL 19 Final
Passing leader
22.8PPR pts
23/35, 259 YDS, 1 TD, 1 INT, 1 RUSH TD
Top fantasy scorer
17.8PPR pts
4 REC, 78 YDS, 1 TD
Saints leader
Audric Estime
15.6PPR pts
21 ATT, 63 YDS, 5 REC, 43 REC YDS
Defensive playmaker
Carl Granderson
1 INT, 1.5 SACK, 10 TKL
Falcons 19, Saints 17: Atlanta holds off New Orleans
Atlanta led 10–7 at halftime and won 19–17, though New Orleans took the second half 10–9. New Orleans outgained the Falcons 340–208.
The Saints went 5-for-16 on third down and committed two turnovers.
The two teams meet again in Week 4 of 2026. If you roster anyone from either side, run the start/sit call in Redraft Command and it will weigh your lineup, your opponent and your league scoring, not only the player rankings.
Key advantages
- +1 turnover margin ATL 1 · NO 2 turnovers
Game Highlights
Official NFL highlights · Opens from YouTube
Got a Saint or Falcon on your fantasy team?
Check their next matchup with the Start/Sit Tool, compare their value in the Fantasy Trade Calculator, or connect your league for personalized advice in Redraft Command.
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Why the Falcons Won
Atlanta won the turnover battle.
| Saints | Stat | Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | Turnovers | 1 |
| Other team stats | ||
| 340 | Total yards | 208 |
| 5.2 | Yards per play | 3.4 |
| 65 | Plays | 61 |
| 31% | Third-down conversion | 29% |
| 31:19 | Time of possession | 28:41 |
Scoring Summary
The Falcons scored one touchdown and four field goals; the Saints scored two touchdowns and one field goal.
| Time | Team | Play | NO | ATL |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st quarter | ||||
| 3:02 | ATL | Kirk Cousins → Drake London, 15-yard TD Takes leadZane Gonzalez XP | 0 | 7 |
| 2nd quarter | ||||
| 10:19 | ATL | Zane Gonzalez 40-yard FG Extends lead | 0 | 10 |
| 4:31 | NO | Tyler Shough 1-yard TD runCharlie Smyth XP | 7 | 10 |
| 3rd quarter | ||||
| 8:50 | ATL | Zane Gonzalez 51-yard FG Extends lead | 7 | 13 |
| 2:15 | NO | Charlie Smyth 29-yard FG | 10 | 13 |
| 4th quarter | ||||
| 10:43 | ATL | Zane Gonzalez 38-yard FG Extends lead | 10 | 16 |
| 2:52 | ATL | Zane Gonzalez 38-yard FG Extends lead | 10 | 19 |
| 1:11 | NO | Tyler Shough → Ronnie Bell, 16-yard TDCharlie Smyth XP | 17 | 19 |
Fantasy Points: Saints vs Falcons, Week 18 2025
Fantasy leaders
- Tyler Shough22.8 PTSQB4
- Drake London17.8 PTSWR11
- Audric Estime15.6 PTSRB12
- Kyle Pitts11.8 PTSTE8
Player Stats
Quarterbacks
| Player | FPTS | FIN | CMP/ATT | Pass YDS | TD | INT | Rush ATT | Rush YDS | Rush TD | Rate | Start/Sit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tyler Shough | 22.8 | QB4 | 23/35 | 259 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 34 | 1 | 85.3 | Start/Sit → |
| Kirk Cousins | 10.2 | QB20 | 18/32 | 180 | 1 | 1 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 69.8 | Start/Sit → |
WRs, RBs, & TEs
| Player | FPTS | FIN | POS | Rush ATT | Rush YDS | Rush TD | TGT | REC | Rec YDS | Rec TD | Start/Sit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Drake London | 17.8 | WR11 | WR | — | — | — | 8 | 4 | 78 | 1 | Start/Sit → |
| Audric Estime | 15.6 | RB12 | RB | 21 | 63 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 43 | 0 | |
| Kyle Pitts | 11.8 | TE8 | TE | — | — | — | 9 | 6 | 58 | 0 | |
| Dante Pettis | 11.0 | WR22 | WR | — | — | — | 5 | 5 | 60 | 0 | |
| Ronnie Bell | 10.3 | WR25 | WR | — | — | — | 4 | 2 | 23 | 1 | |
| Kevin Austin | 7.7 | WR39 | WR | — | — | — | 9 | 4 | 37 | 0 | |
| Bijan Robinson | 7.3 | RB31 | RB | 15 | 33 | 0 | 3 | 3 | 10 | 0 | Start/Sit → |
| Juwan Johnson | 7.1 | TE23 | TE | — | — | — | 5 | 3 | 61 | 0 | Start/Sit → |
| Taysom Hill | 6.2 | TE25 | TE | — | — | — | 3 | 3 | 32 | 0 | |
| Darnell Mooney | 5.0 | WR55 | WR | — | — | — | 7 | 3 | 20 | 0 | Start/Sit → |
| Tyler Allgeier | 2.9 | RB63 | RB | 7 | 16 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 0 | Start/Sit → |
| David Sills | 2.1 | WR85 | WR | — | — | — | 1 | 1 | 11 | 0 | |
| Samori Toure | 1.3 | WR101 | WR | — | — | — | 3 | 1 | 3 | 0 | |
| Evan Hull | 1.1 | RB75 | RB | 2 | 11 | 0 | — | — | — | — | Start/Sit → |
Fantasy Points vs Expected
Expected points (xFP) are what a player's pass attempts, carries and targets are worth at the league's average rates; the difference is what the player made of them.
- Biggest overperformer+5.3Tyler Shough22.8 PTS vs 17.5 xFP
- Biggest underperformer−7.6Kevin Austin Jr.7.7 PTS vs 15.3 xFP
- Highest expected volume22.1 xFPAudric Estime15.6 PTS scored
| Player | PTS | xFP | vs xFP | Snap% | Usage | Rte% | Pass att | Car | Car% | Tgt | Tgt% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audric EstimeNO · RB | 15.6 | 22.1 | −6.5 | — | 81% car | — | 0 | 21 | 81% | 5 | 15% |
| Tyler ShoughNO · QB | 22.8 | 17.5 | +5.3 | — | 35 att | — | 35 | 3 | 12% | 0 | 0% |
| Kirk CousinsATL · QB | 10.2 | 16.1 | −5.9 | — | 32 att | — | 32 | 3 | 12% | 0 | 0% |
| Kevin Austin Jr.NO · WR | 7.7 | 15.3 | −7.6 | — | 26% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 9 | 26% |
| Kyle Pitts Sr.ATL · TE | 11.8 | 15.3 | −3.5 | — | 30% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 9 | 30% |
| Bijan RobinsonATL · RB | 7.3 | 14.8 | −7.5 | — | 60% car | — | 0 | 15 | 60% | 3 | 10% |
| Drake LondonATL · WR | 17.8 | 13.6 | +4.2 | — | 27% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 8 | 27% |
| Darnell MooneyATL · WR | 5.0 | 11.9 | −6.9 | — | 23% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 7 | 23% |
| Dante PettisNO · WR | 11.0 | 8.5 | +2.5 | — | 15% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 5 | 15% |
| Juwan JohnsonNO · TE | 7.1 | 8.5 | −1.4 | — | 15% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 5 | 15% |
| Tyler AllgeierATL · RB | 2.9 | 7.9 | −5.0 | — | 28% car | — | 0 | 7 | 28% | 2 | 7% |
| Ronnie BellNO · WR | 10.3 | 6.8 | +3.5 | — | 12% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 4 | 12% |
| Samori ToureNO · WR | 1.3 | 5.1 | −3.8 | — | 9% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 3 | 9% |
| Taysom HillNO · TE | 6.2 | 5.1 | +1.1 | — | 9% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 3 | 9% |
| David Sills VATL · WR | 2.1 | 1.7 | +0.4 | — | 3% tgt | — | 0 | 0 | 0% | 1 | 3% |
| Evan HullNO · RB | 1.1 | 1.3 | −0.2 | — | 8% car | — | 0 | 2 | 8% | 0 | 0% |
Team totals: Saints 34 targets and 26 carries; Falcons 30 targets and 25 carries. Shares are from the box score. Snap counts aren't available for this game. Route counts, air yards and red-zone touches appear when the tracking feed is connected. League-average rates from the 2025 season: 1.70 PPR points per target (67% catch rate), 0.65 per carry and 0.44 per pass attempt. They don't adjust for field position or target depth.
Fantasy Verdicts
Tyler Shough Ran hot
23 of 35 passing for 259 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception; 3 carries for 34 yards and 1 touchdown.
Verdict: The opportunities were worth 17.5 points; the touchdowns supplied the rest, and they are the part least likely to repeat.
Best fantasy game of the season.
Kirk Cousins Unlucky
18 of 32 passing for 180 yards, 1 touchdown, 1 interception; 3 carries for 0 yards.
Verdict: The role was there, worth 16.1 points at league-average rates; the production wasn't.
Audric Estime Volume, no payoff
5 targets (15% of the team's), 5 catches for 43 yards; 21 carries (81% of the team's) for 63 yards.
Verdict: The role was there, worth 22.1 points at league-average rates; the production wasn't.
Season high in carries (21).
Kevin Austin Jr. Unlucky
9 targets (26% of the team's), 4 catches for 37 yards.
Verdict: The role was there, worth 15.3 points at league-average rates; the production wasn't.
Season high in targets (9).
Kyle Pitts Sr. Volume, no payoff
9 targets (30% of the team's), 6 catches for 58 yards.
Verdict: The points matched the role, 15.3 expected.
Bijan Robinson Volume, no payoff
3 targets (10% of the team's), 3 catches for 10 yards; 15 carries (60% of the team's) for 33 yards.
Verdict: The role was there, worth 14.8 points at league-average rates; the production wasn't.
Fewest points since Week 8. A touchdown in 5 of the last 8 games.
Darnell Mooney Unlucky
7 targets (23% of the team's), 3 catches for 20 yards.
Verdict: The role was there, worth 11.9 points at league-average rates; the production wasn't.
Tyler Allgeier Unlucky
2 targets (7% of the team's), 1 catch for 3 yards; 7 carries (28% of the team's) for 16 yards.
Verdict: The role was there, worth 7.9 points at league-average rates; the production wasn't.
Fantasy Matchups
Fantasy points allowed per game by position, 2025 through Week 18.
| Points allowed to | Saints D | Falcons D |
|---|---|---|
| QBs | 14.5 | 16.9 |
| RBs | 19.6 | 21.3 |
| WRs | 27.4 | 32.9 |
| TEs | 12.5 | 10.1 |
Regular season, summed from each game's box score and scored with this page's rules.
How the Game Swung
Atlanta opened at 60% win probability and passed 98% in the fourth quarter on the way to the win.
Falcons win probability
Key Swings
- +20Cousins → London, 15-yd TD59% → 79%Q1 3:02
- −19Shough 1-yd TD run88% → 69%Q2 4:31
- −12Smyth 29-yd FG83% → 71%Q3 2:15
- +14Gonzalez 38-yd FG74% → 88%Q4 10:43
- −14Shough → Bell, 16-yd TD>99% → 86%Q4 1:11
Swing in Falcons win probability, in points
Play Calling and Possessions
| New Orleans Saints | Measure | Atlanta Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| 65 | Plays | 61 |
| 60% | Pass rate | 59% |
| 5.9 | Yds / dropback | 4.4 |
| 4.2 | Yds / carry | 2.0 |
| 5/16 | Third downs | 4/14 |
Efficiency edge Atlanta ran 4 fewer plays than New Orleans.
- Top targets
- NO Austin 26% · Estime 15% · Pettis 15%
- ATL Pitts 30% · London 27% · Mooney 23%
Possession Results
| Result | NO | ATL |
|---|---|---|
| Touchdowns | 2 | 1 |
| Field goals | 1 | 4 |
| Punts | 5 | 4 |
| Turnovers | 2 | 1 |
| Missed field goals | 1 | 0 |
ATL turnover edge: +1
- The Falcons opened the scoring on their fourth possession, a 2-play, 5-yard drive that ended in a touchdown.
All 23 possessions, drive by drive
| Team | Start | Plays | Yards | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| ATL | Q1 15:00 | 3 | -2 | 2:10 | Punt |
| NO | Q1 12:50 | 1 | 19 | 0:11 | Fumble |
| ATL | Q1 12:39 | 8 | 27 | 4:33 | Interception |
| NO | Q1 8:06 | 3 | 9 | 1:57 | Punt |
| ATL | Q1 6:09 | 4 | 10 | 1:49 | Punt |
| NO | Q1 4:20 | 3 | 2 | 1:02 | Punt |
| ATL | Q1 3:18 | 2 | 5 | 0:16 | Touchdown |
| NO | Q1 3:02 | 7 | 36 | 3:49 | Missed FG |
| ATL | Q2 14:13 | 8 | 31 | 3:54 | Field goal |
| NO | Q2 10:19 | 10 | 65 | 5:48 | Touchdown |
| ATL | Q2 4:31 | 3 | 4 | 1:43 | Punt |
| NO | Q2 2:48 | 6 | 17 | 2:07 | Punt |
| ATL | Q2 0:41 | 7 | 28 | 0:41 | End of half |
| NO | Q3 15:00 | 6 | -2 | 3:57 | Punt |
| ATL | Q3 11:03 | 6 | 41 | 2:13 | Field goal |
| NO | Q3 8:50 | 14 | 56 | 6:35 | Field goal |
| ATL | Q3 2:15 | 13 | 45 | 6:32 | Field goal |
| NO | Q4 10:43 | 3 | 5 | 1:03 | Punt |
| ATL | Q4 9:40 | 5 | 4 | 3:17 | Punt |
| NO | Q4 6:23 | 7 | 55 | 3:09 | Interception |
| ATL | Q4 3:14 | 4 | 7 | 0:22 | Field goal |
| NO | Q4 2:52 | 7 | 65 | 1:41 | Touchdown |
| ATL | Q4 1:11 | 2 | -2 | 1:11 | End of game |
About these numbers
Possessions that ended with the clock running out at the half or the end of the game aren't counted.
Personnel groupings, average depth of target and pass rate over expected appear when the tracking feed is connected.
Saints vs Falcons Head-to-Head
The Saints and Falcons first met in 1967 and have played 114 times since. They have been NFC South rivals since 1988.
- All-time series
- 58–56Falcons lead, 114 meetings since 1967
- Postseason
- 1–0Falcons won in 1991
- Largest Saints win
- 38–01987
- Largest Falcons win
- 62–71973
Since 2021
5–5 Series tied
10 meetings since the 2021 season, regular season and playoffs.
Oldest to newest. S = Saints win, F = Falcons win, outlined = this game.
2026 Meetings
- Week 4 Falcons at Saints Upcoming
- Week 17 Saints at Falcons Upcoming
Recent Meetings
- 2025 Wk 18 Saints at Falcons ATL 19 NO 17 ATL W
- 2025 Wk 12 Falcons at Saints, 2025 Wk 12 recap ATL 24 NO 10 ATL W
- 2024 Wk 10 Falcons at Saints, 2024 Wk 10 recap NO 20 ATL 17 NO W
- 2024 Wk 4 Saints at Falcons, 2024 Wk 4 recap ATL 26 NO 24 ATL W
- 2023 Wk 18 Falcons at Saints, 2023 Wk 18 recap NO 48 ATL 17 NO W
- 2023 Wk 12 Saints at Falcons, 2023 Wk 12 recap ATL 24 NO 15 ATL W
- 2022 Wk 15 Falcons at Saints, 2022 Wk 15 recap NO 21 ATL 18 NO W
- 2022 Wk 1 Saints at Falcons, 2022 Wk 1 recap NO 27 ATL 26 NO W
- 2021 Wk 18 Saints at Falcons, 2021 Wk 18 recap NO 30 ATL 20 NO W
- 2021 Wk 9 Falcons at Saints, 2021 Wk 9 recap ATL 27 NO 25 ATL W
Season to Date (Through Week 18)
The 2025 regular season, from each game's box score.
| Saints | Stat | Falcons |
|---|---|---|
| 6-11 | Record | 8-9 |
| 18.0 | Points per game | 20.8 |
| 313.6 | Yards per game | 333.0 |
| 5.0 | Yards per play | 5.4 |
| 22.5 | Points allowed per game | 23.6 |
| 299.8 | Yards allowed per game | 326.6 |
Saints vs Falcons Odds and Results
How this game finished against the betting lines.
- Spread
- ATL −3.5Falcons failed to cover by 1.5
- Total
- 43.5Under: 36 points scored (by 7.5)
Expected vs Actual Scoring
| Team | Implied | Actual | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falcons | 23.5 | 19 | −4.5 |
| Saints | 20.0 | 17 | −3.0 |
Both offenses finished under the market's expectation, which matches the low fantasy output in the Fantasy tab.
Betting Trends
Last 5 meetings: Falcons 3–2 ATS, overs 3–2.
Each team's 2025 season through this game. Over/under is overs first.
New Orleans Saints
- Against the spread
- 5–1
- Over/under
- 2–4
- ATS as favorite
- 2–0
- ATS as underdog
- 3–0
- ATS on the road
- 3–1
Atlanta Falcons
- Against the spread
- 3–3
- Over/under
- 4–2
- ATS as favorite
- 1–2
- ATS as underdog
- 2–1
- ATS at home
- 1–2
Lines: ESPN's consensus, captured at kickoff. Individual sportsbooks varied.
21+. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Betting availability depends on your state.
Saints vs Falcons Fantasy Outlook for 2026
Two meetings are left on the 2026 schedule: Week 4 in New Orleans and Week 17 in Atlanta. Here's how to decide who to play in your league.
- Start/Sit ToolShould your Saints or Falcons player start in Week 4? Compare the decision against your other options.
- Fantasy Football ProjectionsSee the latest weekly and rest-of-season projections for Saints and Falcons players.
- Fantasy Points Allowed by PositionHow the Saints and Falcons defenses have treated QBs, RBs, WRs and TEs.
- Strength of ScheduleWhere these two matchups fall in each team's fantasy playoff run.
- Redraft CommandConnect your league for personalized lineup, trade and roster advice.
Keep Exploring
2025 Game Logs for Players in This Game
Saints vs Falcons Game FAQ
Who won the 2025 Saints vs Falcons Week 18 game?
The Atlanta Falcons beat the New Orleans Saints 19–17 in Week 18 of the 2025 season. The game was played at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA, on January 4, 2026. See the Falcons' 2025 schedule.
What was the final score of Saints vs Falcons?
The final score was Falcons 19, Saints 17. The Falcons led 10–7 at halftime, and the second half went Saints 10, Falcons 9.
What happened in the Saints vs Falcons game?
Atlanta led 10–7 at halftime and won 19–17, though New Orleans took the second half 10–9. New Orleans outgained the Falcons 340–208. Tyler Shough led all players with 23 of 35 passing for 259 yards and a touchdown, plus 3 carries for 34 rushing yards and a touchdown. The Saints committed 2 turnovers, the Falcons 1.
Who scored the most fantasy points in Saints vs Falcons?
Tyler Shough led the game with 22.8 PPR fantasy points, the QB4 of Week 18, on 23 of 35 passing for 259 yards and a touchdown, plus 3 carries for 34 rushing yards and a touchdown. Drake London was next with 17.8 (WR11). See Tyler Shough's 2025 game log.
Who led Saints vs Falcons in passing, rushing and receiving?
Tyler Shough (NO) led all passers with 23 of 35 for 259 yards, a touchdown and an interception. Audric Estime (NO) led in rushing with 21 carries for 63 yards. Drake London (ATL) led in receiving with 4 catches for 78 yards and a touchdown.
How many fantasy points did Tyler Shough score against the Falcons?
Tyler Shough scored 22.8 fantasy points against the Falcons in Week 18 of the 2025 season, the same in PPR, half-PPR and standard scoring because he had no catches, on 23 of 35 passing for 259 yards and a touchdown, plus 3 carries for 34 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Who outperformed and underperformed expected fantasy points in Saints vs Falcons?
Tyler Shough outperformed his expected fantasy points the most, scoring 22.8 PPR points on 17.5 xFP (+5.3). Kevin Austin Jr. fell furthest short, with 7.7 points on 15.3 xFP (−7.6). A gap either way reflects efficiency and touchdowns in one game; it is not a forecast. For matchups ahead, see fantasy points allowed by position.
How did the Falcons beat the Saints?
The Falcons beat the Saints 19–17 because they won the turnover battle 2–1.
Which team won the turnover battle in Saints vs Falcons?
The Falcons won the turnover battle 2–1: the Saints gave the ball away 2 times and the Falcons 1 time. The Falcons won the game.
What is the all-time Saints vs Falcons record?
The Falcons lead the all-time series 58–56 across 114 meetings since 1967, including a 1–0 record in the postseason.
When did the Saints and Falcons last play before this game?
Before Week 18 of 2025, they last met in the 2025 season on November 23, 2025, when the Falcons beat the Saints 24–10.
Have the Saints and Falcons met in the playoffs?
Yes, 1 time, most recently in the 1991 playoffs. The Saints are 0–1 against the Falcons in the postseason.
What was the closing spread for Saints vs Falcons?
The consensus closing spread at kickoff was Falcons −3.5, making the Atlanta Falcons 3.5-point favorites, with a closing total of 43.5. That implied about 23.5 points for the Falcons and 20.0 for the Saints.
Did Saints vs Falcons go over or under the total?
The game went under. The consensus closing total was 43.5, and the teams combined for 36 points, 7.5 under the number.
Who covered the spread in Saints vs Falcons?
The Saints covered as 3.5-point underdogs against the closing line of Falcons −3.5. The final margin was 2 points.