Saints Rivalry
A fierce battle for Southern pride where the Falcons and Saints clash twice yearly, a tradition rooted in both the old NFC West and the modern NFC South.
The rivalry between the Atlanta Falcons and the New Orleans Saints is one of the most heated and storied matchups in the National Football League, defined by geographic proximity and a shared history of Southern football culture. While often cited as a fierce divisional battle, it should not be confused with the 'Deep South's Oldest Rivalry,' a title historically reserved for the Georgia vs. Georgia Tech college football contest. This NFL matchup has evolved from occasional regular-season clashes into a high-stakes battle for divisional supremacy, first within the NFC West (1970–2001) and later within the NFC South since 2002.
- character
- Divisional Rivalry
- Affiliation
- NFC West (1970–2001), NFC South (2002–Present)
- First appears
- 1967 (Regular Season)
- Status
- Active and Intense
- Key Era
- Continuous Divisional Alignment (NFC West & NFC South)
Lore & Background
The intensity has reached its peak in recent decades with memorable moments like the Saints' dramatic comeback victory in the Divisional Round against Minnesota, or times when Drew Brees orchestrated masterful responses against Atlanta. The atmosphere at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Caesars Superdome during these matchups is electric, often described as hostile by players from both sides. This rivalry has produced some of the most iconic plays in franchise history, cementing its place as a cornerstone of NFC lore that spans three decades in the West and two in the South.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the stadium was thick with humidity and anticipation as the Falcons' offense lined up for a crucial fourth-quarter drive against the Saints. The crowd roared, a sea of red and black shaking the ground, while across the field, the gold and black of New Orleans stood ready to stop them. Every snap felt like a collision of histories, a physical manifestation of two cities demanding respect in the NFC South.
Reader's Guide
Ultimately, this rivalry serves as a barometer for the health of both franchises. When one team struggles, the other often capitalizes, making every matchup feel like a battle for survival and supremacy in the division. It is a relationship built on mutual respect born from years of hard-fought battles.
Did You Know?
- Despite their fierce divisional battles, the Falcons and Saints have never met in the playoffs since joining the NFC South in 2002; all their postseason history dates back to their time in the NFC West or other conferenc
- While the teams joined the newly formed NFC South in 2002, their guaranteed twice-yearly meetings actually began much earlier during their time as division rivals in the NFC West from 1970 to 2001.
- Both franchises share a history of iconic quarterbacks facing off, including Steve Bartkowski vs. early Saints legends and later Matt Ryan vs. Drew Brees.
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines the Falcons-Saints rivalry?
This fierce divisional battle is rooted in Southern pride and geographic proximity, featuring two annual matchups between Atlanta and New Orleans.
When was the first meeting between these teams?
The franchises first faced each other during the regular season back in 1967 before formal divisional alignment intensified the competition.
Which divisions have they shared historically?
Originally aligned together in the NFC West from 1970 to 2001, both teams now compete annually within the modern NFC South starting in 2002.
Is this considered the oldest Southern rivalry?
No, that title belongs to college football's Georgia versus Georgia Tech contest, often called the Deep South's Oldest Rivalry.
What is the current status of this matchup?
It remains an active and intense conflict where both teams fight for divisional supremacy twice every season.
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