The New Orleans Saints ease into the post-Sean Payton Era against the Atlanta Falcons — a team many have pegged to finish dead last in the NFL this season.
Despite Payton’s departure, New Orleans has continuity in its coaching staff with long-time defensive coordinator Dennis Allen promoted to head coach and offensive assistant Pete Carmichael carrying over Payton’s playbook as offensive coordinator.
Atlanta faces a new era of its own after trading away the face of the franchise, Matt Ryan, this offseason. The Falcons replace him at quarterback with Marcus Mariota, who could be keeping that No. 1 seat chair warm for rookie QB Desmond Ridder.
Atlanta is still very much in the midst of a rebuild, which is why the NFL Week 1 odds ha…