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Thursday Night Football open thread: Saints at Falcons

There’s a big NFC South battle brewing in Atlanta.

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NFL: New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

A few weeks ago, Detroit Lions fans were looking to this Thursday night game with baited breath. The Atlanta Falcons and New Orleans Saints are facing off in a game that could have huge playoff implications.

The Falcons (7-5) are currently on the outside looking in, while the Saints (9-3) hold a one-game lead over the Panthers for the lead in the NFC South.

For the Detroit Lions, they need the Falcons to lose at least two more games down the stretch to catch them, because not only are the Falcons a game ahead of Detroit, but they have the head-to-head tiebreaker. Atlanta still has other games remaining against the Saints (again) and the Panthers, so it’s certainly possible Atlanta loses two (or three) of their last four. Why not start out tonight?

Of course, for any of that to matter, the Lions have to win out (and receive additional help). That is seeming less and less likely considering their level of play, but with their schedule, you never know.

So why not root for the improbable and hope for Saints win tonight?

Here’s how to watch:

Date/Time: December 7, 2017—8:30 p.m. ET
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium—Atlanta, GA
TV: NFL Network/NBC
Streaming: NBC Sports | fuboTV | Amazon Prime
Odds: Falcons by 2