Here are three key matchups to watch when the Saints (9-2) play the Falcons (3-8) at 8:20 p.m. Thursday at Mercedes-Benz Stadium:
Saints WR Michael Thomas vs. Falcons CB Desmond Trufant: Thomas had 13 catches for 152 yards in the previous meeting as the Falcons mostly played zone defense. Trufant had his career-high fourth interception of the season against the Buccaneers last week. The Falcons likely will keep a safety over the top of the dangerous Thomas.
Saints DE Cam Jordan vs. Falcons RT Kaleb McGary: Jordan had two tackles and a quarterback hit in the previous meeting. He's a game-wrecker, but McGary held his own in the previous meeting. Despite rough outings against the Rams' Dante Fowler and the Bucs' Devin White, the Falcons have been pleased with McGary's play. "McGary for one coming in, for a first-year player and (getting) into the system, going against good guys right off the bat, (he has played well)," Falcons coach Dan Quinn said.
Saints CB Marshon Lattimore vs Falcons WR Julio Jones: Saints coach Sean Payton said that Lattimore was close to returning from a hamstring injury last week, but they held him out so that he could be ready for the rematch with the Falcons. The Saints have used Lattimore to shadow Jones in the past. With Lattimore out, Jones had three catches for 79 yards including a 54-yard gain. The speedy Russell Gage will got more action if Jones' is out.
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