NFL Week 16 Preview: Falcons at Saints

Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) runs after a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the fourth quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons visit the New Orleans Saints in Week 16 of the 2017 NFL season. PFF previews the top player matchups of the game.

PFFELO Ranking: 4

Coverage by: Bill O'Brien

Matchup: Atlanta Falcons offense vs. New Orleans Saints defense

  • RB Devonta Freeman vs. LB Craig Robertson – Freeman took on a larger role last week due to fellow running back Tevin Coleman missing the game with a concussion. Freeman produced his highest yardage output on the season and has continued to be one of the most elusive backs this season. The Falcons’ leading rusher has earned an elusive rating of 54.4, which ranks tenth among running backs. The Saints will turn to Robertson to try to slow Freeman down. Robertson has been a key cog for the Saints defense, as he has played the second-most snaps among Saints linebackers and has earned a run stop percentage of 8.7 percent.
  • T Ryan Schraeder vs. Edge Cameron Jordan – Jordan is having one of the best seasons of his career and has been a problem for opposing offensive tackles. Heading into this week’s matchup, Jordan is tied for first in overall grade among edge defenders with an overall grade of 95.3. Jordan spends the majority of his snaps rushing against right tackles, meaning Schraeder, the Falcons right tackle will see plenty of Jordan this week. Schraeder has performed better as a pass-blocker this year, earning a pass-blocking efficiency rating of 97.0.

PFFELO Ranking: 5

Coverage by: Andrew Fleischer

Matchup: New Orleans Saints offense vs. Atlanta Falcons defense

Mark Ingram, running back, New Orleans Saints

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