Atlanta Falcons Week 12 Preview

Introduction

As we approach Week 12 of the 2023 NFL season, the Atlanta Falcons are looking to build on their recent performances and make a push for the playoffs. After a rollercoaster ride in Week 11, where they showcased both their potential and their flaws, the Falcons are gearing up for a pivotal matchup against the New Orleans Saints. With the stakes high and the rivalry fierce, let’s dive into the numbers from last week and see how they stack up as we prepare for this crucial game.

Power Ranking

Currently, the Falcons find themselves in the bottom half of the league power rankings, hovering around the 17th spot. While this isn’t exactly a position to boast about, it does reflect the competitive nature of the league this season. The Falcons have shown flashes of brilliance, but inconsistency has plagued them. With a win rate against a median opponent that leaves much to be desired, they’ll need to channel their inner underdog to rise above expectations and prove the naysayers wrong.

Overall Drive Efficiency

In Week 11, the Falcons showcased a mixed bag in terms of overall drive efficiency. Their ability to sustain drives was evident, but they struggled to convert those opportunities into points consistently. Ranked in the lower tier of the league, the Falcons need to tighten up their efficiency metrics if they hope to compete with the Saints, who have been known to capitalize on defensive lapses. It’s time for the Falcons to channel their inner efficiency experts and turn those drives into touchdowns rather than field goals.

Defensive Drive Efficiency

On the defensive side of the ball, the Falcons have had their ups and downs. Their defensive drive efficiency has seen some improvement, but they still rank in the bottom half of the league. In Week 11, they allowed too many long drives, which ultimately cost them crucial points. Against a team like the Saints, who can strike quickly, the Falcons need to tighten their grip and prevent those sustained drives. If they can force the Saints into quick three-and-outs, it could be the key to flipping the script in their favor.

Offensive Drive Efficiency

The Falcons' offensive drive efficiency has been a tale of two halves. While they’ve shown the ability to move the ball effectively at times, they’ve also been prone to stalls that leave fans scratching their heads. In Week 11, they had moments of brilliance, but inconsistency reared its ugly head, leading to missed opportunities. To keep pace with the Saints, the Falcons must find a way to maintain their momentum and convert drives into points, especially in the red zone where they’ve struggled historically.

Defensive Turnover Efficiency

When it comes to generating turnovers, the Falcons have been hit or miss. Their defensive turnover efficiency has seen some bright spots, but they still rank lower than desired. In Week 11, they managed to snag a couple of turnovers, which helped keep them in the game. Against the Saints, who have been known to cough up the ball at inopportune moments, the Falcons will need to capitalize on every opportunity. A timely interception or fumble recovery could swing the momentum in their favor and give their offense a short field to work with.

Offensive Turnover Efficiency

On the flip side, the Falcons' offensive turnover efficiency has been a concern. They’ve been prone to turnovers at critical moments, and Week 11 was no exception. Protecting the ball will be paramount against a Saints defense that thrives on creating chaos. If the Falcons can limit their mistakes and keep possession, they’ll have a much better chance of coming out on top. It’s all about ball security, folks—let’s hope the Falcons can channel their inner ball hawks this week!

Drive Time

The Falcons have exhibited a mixed bag when it comes to drive time. While they’ve had some lengthy drives that chew up the clock, they’ve also had their fair share of quick three-and-outs. This inconsistency in drive time has led to some nail-biting moments for fans. In Week 11, they managed to maintain possession at times, but they also had drives that stalled out far too quickly. Against the Saints, a balance will be key. They’ll need to find a way to sustain drives while also being efficient enough to put points on the board.

Preview For Next Week

As the Falcons gear up for their Week 12 matchup against the New Orleans Saints, the stakes couldn’t be higher. The Saints, currently favored by 1.5 points, will be looking to assert their dominance in this NFC South showdown. According to advancedfootballstats.com simulations, the Falcons have a slight edge in terms of winning probability at 51.6 percent, but they’ll need to bring their A-game to cover the spread. With an over/under set at 41.5 points, it’s shaping up to be a closely contested battle. Expect a mix of explosive plays and strategic drives, as both teams vie for supremacy in this heated rivalry.

Conclusion

The Atlanta Falcons have a challenging road ahead as they prepare for their matchup against the New Orleans Saints. With their recent stats reflecting both promise and pitfalls, it’s clear that they have the potential to compete at a high level—but they need to execute consistently. If they can tighten up their drive efficiency, generate turnovers, and maintain possession, they could very well flip the script and come out on top. So, Falcons fans, buckle up and get ready for what promises to be an exciting clash!

Stay tuned to advancedfootballstats.com for more data-driven insights and analysis as we continue to follow the Atlanta Falcons' journey throughout the 2023 NFL season.