Falcons out of playoffs again, but QB Ryan still encouraged

Jones, though, only has two TDs in eight meetings with the Saints and none in the last three.

Erxleben made the 33-yard field goal, but the kick was nullified by an illegal motion penalty, forcing the Saints back and for Erxleben to try again, this time from 38 yards.

The day I don't care about the Saints defeating the Falcons is the day I don't care about Saints football anymore. Although the 8-7 Atlanta Falcons are not playing for a playoff spot this weekend, there is a ton at stakes in Week 17 as this is a major rivalry game for the Atlanta Falcons as the dreaded New Orleans Saints are coming to town.

The season has flown by, and the Atlanta Falcons await the New Orleans Saints at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons are now on a two-game win streak, including a thrilling win last week to end the Carolina Panthers' undefeated season. Edge? Falcons at home with their ability to run the ball.

Brees and his agent read this football club loud and understand the Saints management want some leverage with the star quarterback, but they will get very little of it.

Atlanta appears to have found its franchise back in Devonta Freeman, the second-year player who has developed into one of the NFL's better all-around options. When the Saints beat the 5-0 Falcons earlier this year, it wasn't so much the Saints defense stopped the Falcons, as the Falcons imploded, and the Saints were smart enough to get out the way.

Payton ditched his running back by committee approach because Mark Ingram was the best pass protecting back he had, he also traded for a third tight end (Michael Hoomanawanui), and turned Brandin Cooks into a potential lead receiver. The Falcons defense is allowing 21.7 points and 344.8 yards per game with 15 interceptions, 19 sacks, and 11 fumble recoveries. Three years in a row in the Top 10 isn't good for anybody. I will shed a tear for you, consistent features!

Other than missing the playoffs for a third straight year, White said he has no complaints, particularly with his close friend Jones having the third-most productive season in league history. Can you guess who they are?

Drew Brees will face Matt Ryan once again in a heated NFC south rivalry game.

In 2015 the Saints had $33.5 million devoted to dead money on players no longer on the Saints roster.

"I've been able to give pressure to quarterbacks throughout the year", Beasley said, "but we've been continuing to work together and we were in a great place this week to get it done".

As for Sunday's trip to Atlanta, your guess is as good as mine. "That's what they told me".

Both the Falcons and the Saints will want to finish disappointing seasons strong against their most hated division rival. He needs only 20 yards rushing to reach 1,000. Brees was 30 of 39 for 312 yards with a touchdown.

• Caitlyn Jenner settles lawsuit after fatal crash

• 'America is great! Trump is disgusting' message appears in California sky

• College Football Playoff National Championship Game Preview