Here are five things to know before tonight’s Falcons-Saints game, which kicks off at 8:20 p.m. at Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans.
1. Deion Jones is out. The Falcons' defense won't receive a boost from the return of middle linebacker Deion Jones, who was declared out of the game Wednesday. The Falcons are facing the high-scoring offense in the league as the Saints averaged 37.8 points per game. Jones is battling back from a broken foot.
2. Series history. This will be the 99th regular-season meeting between the Falcons (4-6) and the Saints (9-1). The Falcons lead the series 51-47. The Saints have won the past two games.
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3. Halftime show. The game will feature a halftime performance by Grambling State University's "GSU Tiger Marching Band" and Southern University's "Human Jukebox" Marching Band. Last season, the Saints had an all-man's burlesque group dance that formed the score "28-3" at halftime.
4. Where to watch, listen and stream. The game will be on NBC with Mike Tirico handling the play-by-play, Rodney Harrison and Tony Dungy will serve as the color commentary. Michele Tafoya will be the field report. Of course, Dave Archer and Wes Durham are available to you on 92.9 The Game and on the Falcons radio network.
5. Stopping Brees. Brees, at age 39, is playing as well as ever. He has a 25-to-1 touchdown to interception ratio. Falcons free safety Damontae Kazee leads with five interceptions. He is the first Falcon with as many as five picks since 2012, when free safety Thomas DeCoud had six and cornerback Asante Samuel had five.
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