Five things to know before tonight’s Saints at Falcons’ kickoff

Falcons coach Dan Quinn discusses the Saints’ run game, his work excuse note and the play of Saints QB Drew Brees. Video by D. Orlando Ledbetter

Here are five things to know before the Saints (9-3) and Falcons (7-5) kickoff for the 96th time in the regular-season at 8:25 p.m. tonight at the Mercedes-Benz Super Dome:

1. Playoff picture. The Saints are two games ahead of the Falcons with four to play. A win by the Saints practically eliminates the Falcons from the Division title race and puts them in the wildcard race. They would need to practically win-out to make the playoffs. 

2. Dunn to be honor. Falcons great Warrick Dunn will go into the team's Ring of Honor tonight at halftime.

3. Color rush. Bring your sunglasses because the Falcons are going to blind you with their red color rush uniforms for the first time.

3. Running back battle. The Saints have Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara. Many think they have taken the title away from the Falcons' Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman as the best running back tag-team tandem in the league. This game may come down to a battle of the running backs. 

4. Injury report. Also, the Falcons officially declared left guard Andy Levitre (triceps) and tight end Eric Saubert (back) out for the game. Cornerbacks Desmond Trufant (concussion) and Brian Poole (back) fully participated in practice.

Saints offensive lineman Andrus Peat (groin) was declared out. Running back Mark Ingram (toe) was listed as questionable.

Also, tackle Terron Armstead (thigh shoulder), cornerback Marshon Lattimore (ankle), defensive end Trey Hendrickson (knee) and safety Marcus Williams (groin) were all listed as questionable.

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