ClutchPoints
The New Orleans Saints head to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for their Week 18 finale against the Atlanta Falcons in what promises to be a divisional battle with significant playoff positioning implications. Despite both teams’ struggles this season, this matchup features compelling individual storylines that could shape the game’s outcome. The Saints (6-10) will lean heavily on their quarterback Tyler Shough, who has emerged as a genuine spark plug for the offense after taking over as starter in Week 9.
The Falcons (7-9) are riding momentum with three consecutive victories heading into this crucial finale. Atlanta’s dominant ground game, anchored by Bijan Robinson, has been the driving force behind their recent success. This game will determine which team finishes the season with a fourth consecutive win, making it essential for both squads to prove their worth heading into the offseason. Notably, the Saints will be without running back Alvin Kamara due to his MCL sprain suffered back in Week 12, forcing them to rely on committee rushing options.
Tyler Shough has quietly become one of the most compelling stories in the entire NFL this season. Since taking over the starting role in Week 9, the second-round draft pick out of Louisville has led the Saints to a 5-3 record while throwing for 1,792 yards with seven touchdowns and five interceptions. What’s most impressive is Shough’s 67.8% completion percentage, which ranks seventh among all NFL quarterbacks. He’s also shown he can move the pocket with 152 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground.
In the dome at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where weather won’t be a factor, expect Shough to have one of his best performances yet. Projections suggest this game could see upwards of 36 passes from the Saints offense, and with Chris Olave commanding 100 catches and 1,163 receiving yards this season, the Saints’ passing attack should feast on an Atlanta defense allowing just 212.0 adjusted passing yards per game. Shough will put together a clinic Sunday, exceeding 320 passing yards and adding two touchdown passes to secure a crucial division victory.
Bijan Robinson is an alien
– 348 Touches
– 2,255 Yards
– 11 TD’sWith 136 Total Yards next Sunday, Bijan Robinson will rank 2nd in NFL history
Bijan’s averaging 140.9 YPG..
His durability is as good as it gets.. he’s NEVER missed a single game in his career (51 games).. pic.twitter.com/wR2cip1Wu4
— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbott) December 31, 2025
Bijan Robinson has evolved into one of the most dominant running backs in football, posting 1,445 rushing yards on 5.3 yards per carry this season while adding 810 receiving yards on 76 receptions. His dual-threat capability makes him virtually impossible to defend, and he’s been the engine driving Atlanta’s recent three-game winning streak. In his last contest against the Los Angeles...
