Saints rookie Thomas may be given crucial role

The total-points line is a hefty 52.5 for the all-NFC South clash between Atlanta and New Orleans tonight and that is just as much a reflection of a pair of poor defences as it is of a wealth of offensive talent.

The Saints reached a 7-9 record last year despite conceding more points than any other team, mainly because of the ability of veteran quarterback Drew Brees.

They will be relying on him again tonight and he should relish playing against an Atlanta defence who compiled just 19 sacks last season and one in their two outings this term.