NFL Gameday: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints

Falcons defensive back Robert Alford returned an interception 59 yards for a touchdown in overtime against the Redskins. It was Atlanta’s fourth late-game comeback win in its 5-0 start. The Falcons visit the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night. Curtis Compton TNS

Atlanta (5-0) at New Orleans (1-4)

7:25 p.m. Thursday, KTVT/11, NFL Network

Line: Falcons by 3 1/2

Unbeaten Falcons live by Yogi Berra’s motto: It ain’t over til it’s over. They have trailed in the fourth quarter of four games and won them all. Usually reliable K Matt Bryant, who missed six FGs the last two years combined, missed two attempts against Washington, completing the even more difficult task of hitting each upright once. One more win matches total for all of last season and puts the Falcons in cruise as they don’t see a team with a winning record until Nov. 22 against the Colts. Second-year RB Devonta Freeman has already eclipsed rookie totals for rushing (405-248), receiving (240-225) and touchdowns (8-2). Saints QB Drew Brees had three turnovers (2 fumbles, pick) that led to 17 Eagles points. Even with a bum throwing shoulder, he is 59 of 84 for 694 yards with four TDs and one interception the last two games. The Saints started 1-4 in 2007 and 2012, missing the playoffs both times. History does indeed repeat itself.

Stephen Schroats

This story was originally published October 14, 2015 at 4:09 PM with the headline "NFL Gameday: Atlanta Falcons at New Orleans Saints."

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