Detroit Lions (7-4 SU, 6-4-1 ATS) vs. New Orleans Saints (5-6 SU, 7-3-1 ATS)
NFL Week 13
Date/Time: Sunday, December 4, 2016 at 1:00 PM EST
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome
TV: FOX, DTV: 712
by Chad Holloway, Expert Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread:DET +5/NO -5
Over/Under Total: 53.5
Are you ready for a shootout? Because its written all over the Week 13 matchup between the Detroit Lions, who sit atop the NFC North, and New Orleans Saints, who are trying to keep pace in the NFC South. Both teams are coming off Week 12 wins where the Lions bested their division rival Minnesota Vikings and the Saints steamrolled the L.A. Rams.
There are certainly NFC Playoff implications surrounding this game, but the long and short of it is the Lions can afford to lose while the Saints cannot. Take from that what you will.
The Lions enter the week with the 26th-ranked offense in the league averaging 329.5 total yards per game (YPG) and 22.5 point per game (PPG). Their passing game is 17th averaging 248.7 YPG, while their rushing game is abysmal averaging just 80.8 YPG, which puts them 30th in the league. Defensively, the Lions are 15th holding opponents to an average of 353.5 total YPG (250.9 passing YPG and 102.5 rushing YPG) and 21.6 PPG.
As for the Saints, they have the best offense in the entire NFL averaging 434.1 total YPG and 30.4 PPG. Their passing game is 1st in the NFL averaging 319.5 YPG, while their rushing game is ninth averaging 114.6 YPG. Unfortunately, they dont have a strong defense to compliment it. Their defense, which is ranked 26th, allows an average of 370.5 total YPG (271.4 passing YPG and 99.1 rushing YPG) and 27.9 PPG.
The Lions have pulled out some close wins and are benefitting from being in a weak division. Meanwhile, the Saints have had to keep the pedal to the metal offensively to make up for their defensive woes, and boy is it entertaining.
Just last week, Saints quarterback Drew Brees passed for 310 yards and four touchdowns, two of which went to Michael Thomas, who caught nine passes for 108 yards. He also rushed for a touchdown. Speaking of the rushing game, Mark Ingram carried 14 times for 146 yards and a touchdown. The Saints just have so many offensive weapons its often overwhelming.
Chad Holloway’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: Thats just what I expect from the Saints this week, to overwhelm the Lions. In their last five games, the most points the Lions have put up is 26 points. During that same period, the lowest the Saints have put up is 20 points. I think these two teams will go blow for blow come Sunday, but eventually the Saints will pull ahead. I look for them to win while covering the spread, and also see the two teams combining to cover the over.
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