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The New Orleans Saints’ unbeaten start has come entirely outside the NFC South, but a seventh straight victory could give them a crystal-clear path to a division title.
A Monday night win over visiting Atlanta would also match the best start in franchise history and keep the Saints alone atop the NFC, and the Falcons’ defense will need to improve quickly if it hopes to slow Drew Brees’ high-powered attack.

Last meeting: Drew Brees passed for 230 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Saints past the Falcons, 29-25, in Week 14 last season. The Saints have won five of the past six meetings, but trail the overall series, 45-35, including the playoffs. New Orleans overcame a 21-point deficit in the first half and defeated Miami, 46-34. … Atlanta suffered a 37-21 loss in Dallas.
A trip to Miami provided New Orleans with its stiffest test Sunday, and after spending most of their season playing from ahead, the Saints (6-0) erased a 21-point first-half deficit and scored 22 unanswered in the fourth quarter to beat the Dolphins 46-34.

Atlanta’s offensive versatility: While the Falcons boast some of the league’s elite offensive talent, the team has struggled to develop that extra option to take some pressure off Ryan, Michael Turner, Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez. Last year, backup RB Jerious Norwood provided a spark, but he has struggled with injuries this season. Atlanta needs Michael Jenkins, Brian Finneran or Jason Snelling to emerge as a seondary weapon.
While Brees threw for 298 yards — just missing his fourth 300-yard game — and the Saints scored at least 45 points for the fourth time, New Orleans’ big-play defense helped bail out Brees after three interceptions.