When the NFL schedule drops each year, there are always a few games that fans circle immediately. For Week 4 of the upcoming season, the New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons Monday Night Football clash is one of those must-watch matchups. But here's the twist: the Falcons reportedly tried everything to avoid being the opponent for this particular prime-time game.

According to a report from The Times-Picayune/NOLA.com's Jeff Duncan, Atlanta wanted no part of the Saints' "Domecoming" anniversary celebration. This game marks 20 years since the emotional return of the Saints to the Superdome after Hurricane Katrina in 2006—a night forever etched in NFL lore thanks to Steve Gleason's legendary blocked punt. The Falcons' reluctance, however, didn't stop the league from making it happen.

NFL vice president of broadcast planning Mike North revealed that the decision came straight from the top. Commissioner Roger Goodell himself insisted on Saints-Falcons for Monday night, saying, "We're gonna play Falcons at Saints on Monday night this year. Fit it in that kind of three-week window." No special week required, just a mandate from the boss to make this rivalry the centerpiece of prime time.

This isn't the first time Atlanta has shied away from the Saints' big moments. The Falcons famously refused to allow their logo to appear on the iconic "Rebirth" statue honoring Gleason's blocked punt. Add this to a franchise history filled with heartbreak—from Super Bowl collapses to wasting Julio Jones' prime to cycling through underwhelming coaches—and it's clear the "dirty birds" have never been comfortable in New Orleans' shadow.

Now, with the Saints hosting under the bright lights, expect New Orleans to do everything possible to remind Atlanta why they wanted out in the first place. For fans looking to gear up for this rivalry showdown, it's the perfect time to stock up on Saints apparel and show support for a team that thrives in the spotlight—whether their opponents like it or not.