The Falcons and Saints will battle for a potential NFC South crown and playoff spot when they meet in the regular-season finale on Sunday.
Atlanta needs to defeat New Orleans and the Panthers have to beat the Buccaneers to make the postseason. Under that scenario, the Falcons, Buccaneers and Saints are each 8-9, but Atlanta would win the division based head-to-head records.
However, if the Buccaneers beat the Panthers, Tampa Bay is the division champ regardless of the Falcons-Saints finish.
Atlanta is coming off a disappointing 37-17 loss to the Bears on a snowy day in Chicago. The Falcons secured their sixth consecutive losing season with the setback.
Taylor Heinicke made his straight start in place of the benched Desmond Ridder and threw for 163 yards with touchdown and three interceptions. He also ran 24 yards for a score. Atlanta running back Bijan Robinson had 15 carries for 75 yards.
The Saints can win the NFC South and earn the No. 4 seed in the NFC playoffs with a win over the Falcons and a loss or tie by Tampa Bay. If New Orleans ties Atlanta and the Buccaneers lose to the Panthers, the Saints also will win the division.
New Orleans can qualify for a wild-card spot with a win over the Falcons and losses or ties by Seattle and Green Bay. If New Orleans ties Atlanta it will need Seattle and Green Bay to lose.
The Saints had a vital 23-13 victory over the Buccaneers in Week 17 to boost their playoff hopes. Quarterback Derek Carr completed 24 of 32 passes for 197 yards with two touchdowns and no turnovers.
New Orleans running back running Alvin Kamara left the game in the second quarter with a sprained an ankle. Atlanta beat New Orleans 24-15 in Week 12.
MORE: Full TV coverage map for NFL Week 18 broadcasts
What channel is Falcons vs. Saints on today?
- TV channel: CBS
- Live stream: Fubo (United States) | DAZN (Canada)
Saints vs. Falcons will air on CBS. Viewers can also watch the game with Fubo. Start your free trial today.
Viewers in Canada can watch Saints vs. Falcons on DAZN.
Falcons vs. Saints start time
- Date: Sunday, Jan. 7
- Time: 1 p.m. ET
Saints vs. Falcons will kick off at 1 p.m. ET on Sunday, Jan. 7. The game will be played at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans.
Atlanta Falcons schedule 2023
| Week | Date | Opponent/Result | Kickoff time (ET) | TV channel |
| 1 | Sept. 10 | Falcons 24, Panthers 10 | — | — |
| 2 | Sept. 17 | Falcons 25, Packers 24 | — | — |
| 3 | Sept. 24 | Lions 20, Falcons 6 | — | — |
| 4 | Oct. 1 | Jaguars 23, Falcons 7 | — | — |
| 5 | Oct. 8 | Falcons 21, Texans 19 | — | — |
| 6 | Oct. 15 | Commanders 24, Falcons 16 | — | — |
| 7 | Oct. 22 | Falcons 16, Buccaneers 13 | — | — |
| 8 | Oct. 29 | Titans 28, Falcons 23 | — | — |
| 9 | Nov. 5 | Vikings 31, Falcons 28 | — | — |
| 10 | Nov. 12 | Cardinals 25, Falcons 23 | — | — |
| 11 | BYE | — | — | — |
| 12 | Nov. 26 | Falcons 24, Saints 15 | — | — |
| 13 | Dec. 3 | Falcons 13, Jets 8 | — | — |
| 14 | Dec. 10 | Buccaneers 29, Falcons 25 | — | — |
| 15 | Dec. 17 | Panthers 9, Falcons 7 | — | — |
| 16 | Dec. 24 | Falcons 29, Colts 10 | — | — |
| 17 | Dec. 31 | Bears 37, Falcons 17 | — | — |
| 18 | Jan. 7 | at Saints | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
New Orleans Saints schedule 2023
| Week | Date | Opponent/Result | Kickoff time (ET) | TV channel |
| 1 | Sept. 10 | Saints 16, Titans 15 | — | — |
| 2 | Sept. 18 | Saints 20, Panthers 17 | — | — |
| 3 | Sept. 24 | Packers 18, Saints 17 | — | — |
| 4 | Oct. 1 | Buccaneers 26, Saints 9 | — | — |
| 5 | Oct. 8 | Saints 34, Patriots 0 | — | — |
| 6 | Oct. 15 | Texans 20, Saints 13 | — | — |
| 7 | Oct. 19 | Jaguars 31, Saints 24 | — | — |
| 8 | Oct. 29 | Saints 38, Colts 27 | — | — |
| 9 | Nov. 5 | Saints 24, Bears 17 | — | — |
| 10 | Nov. 12 | Vikings 27, Saints 19 | — | — |
| 11 | BYE | — | — | — |
| 12 | Nov. 26 | Falcons 24, Saints 15 | — | — |
| 13 | Dec. 3 | Lions 33, Saints 28 | — | — |
| 14 | Dec. 10 | Saints 28, Panthers 6 | — | — |
| 15 | Dec. 17 | Saints 24, Giants 6 | — | — |
| 16 | Dec. 21 | Rams 30, Saints 22 | — | — |
| 17 | Dec. 31 | Saints 23, Buccaneers 13 | — | — |
| 18 | Jan. 7 | vs. Falcons | 1 p.m. ET | CBS |
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