By Dean Michaels, NFL Writer

New Orleans Saints (5-6) at Atlanta Falcons (10-1)

Two NFC South rivals will meet in the Georgia Dome on Thursday night when the Falcons host the Saints.

In Week 10, New Orleans handed Atlanta its first loss of the season by defeating the Falcons 31-27. In that contest, JIMMY GRAHAM of the Saints (146 receiving yards, two touchdowns) and TONY GONZALEZ of the Falcons (122 receiving yards, two touchdowns) became the first set of tight ends to each have at least 120 receiving yards and two touchdowns in the same game.

"We played New Orleans a couple of weeks ago, so that game and their schemes are probably still fresh in our minds," says Atlanta quarterback MATT RYAN. "We've done this before. We know how to handle the short week. It's just going to take a good effort this week."

The Falcons will look to continue their success at the Georgia Dome. Ryan is the only quarterback in the Super Bowl era to win 31 of his first 35 starts at home. The Saints have climbed back into the playoff picture after an 0-4 start and sit just one game behind the NFC's final Wild Card spot. Since joining New Orleans in 2006, Brees has won 11 of his 13 starts against Atlanta and has a 100.6 passer rating in those games.

"It's a quick turnaround for us," says Brees, who joined BRETT FAVRE (nine) and PEYTON MANNING (six) as the only quarterbacks with 30 touchdown passes in five different seasons. "We've got to get to their place, we've got to get prepared and we've got to put it all together. We've got a huge game on the road against the leader of our division. This is how you feel better, to go on and get a win."

 

Atlanta Falcons Host the New Orleans Saints - NFL 2012 Week 13 Preview