Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones Will Play Against New Orleans Saints

USA Today

The Atlanta Falcons are one of only six undefeated teams left in the NFL with the team heading into an important divisional showdown with Drew Brees’ New Orleans Saints in Week 6. Matt Ryan and company have been firing on all cylinders for five straight weeks and will look to make it six straight wins on Thursday night at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.

One major concern for the Falcons heading into this divisional matchup is the health of NFL MVP candidate Julio Jones. The perennial Pro Bowler has been dealing with hamstring and toe issues leaving his status for Thursday’s game up in the air.

Fortunately for Atlanta, Jones appears to be on pace to play on Thursday against the Saints, according to Vaughn McClure of ESPN:

Atlanta Falcons coach Dan Quinn said he expects Julio Jones to be ready to face the New Orleans Saints on Thursday night. That opinion was echoed by the Falcons’ top receiver, despite the fact that he is battling right hamstring tightness and a toe injury.

The Falcons may be undefeated while currently on a five-game win streak, but the Saints are in desperate need of a win against a divisional opponent to stay alive in the playoff hunt. New Orleans has won only one game this season and may be able to turn their season around by handing their division rivals their first loss of the year.

According to Sportsbook.ag, the Falcons are only favored by -3.5 points to come out with their sixth win of the season on Thursday night in New Orleans.

With Jones in the fold, and running back Devonta Freeman having a breakout year, the Saints will struggle to contain the Falcons offense this week. Freeman already has eight touchdowns in the first five weeks of the season and is showing no signs of slowing down. Jones’ stats are also impressive with four touchdowns of his own.

Although these divisional matchups in the NFC South are also close, the Falcons should still come out with the win while covering the -3.5 point spread.