Detroit Lions (3-2 SU, 3-2 ATS) vs. New Orleans Saints (2-2 SU, 2-2 ATS)
NFL Football Week 6
Date/Time: Sunday October 15th, 2017. 1:00PM (EST)
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome New Orleans, L.A.
TV: FOX
by Jay, NCAA Football Handicapper, Predictem.com
Point Spread: Det +4.5/N.O. -4.5
Over/Under Total: 50.5
On the heels of consecutive victories along with a week 5 bye, the New Orleans Saints will return to action this Sunday when they host the Detroit Lions inside the Superdome. The Saints started the season with ugly defensive outings in losses to both Minnesota and New England. The defense was dubbed one of the worst in the league after those two opening performances but they rebounded by holding the Panthers and Dolphins to just 13 points combined in the two victories since. Has the defense turned the corner? Perhaps the jury is still out but we will get a better understanding this Sunday when they face off against a Lions team that is averaging 24.6 points per game.
I was personally surprised the Lions failed to get the job done last week at home against Carolina. Despite two 4th quarter touchdowns by quarterback Matt Stafford, the Lions comeback efforts still fell short in a 27-24 loss to the Panthers. Perhaps even more surprising than the defeat itself is how the game unfolded. Despite some solid defensive performances in recent weeks, the Lions defense played poorly. Panthers quarterback Cam Newton threw for 355 yards with 3 touchdowns, the Lions defense allowed tight end Ed Dickson to get wide open on multiple occasions resulting in a career day for the backup to injured Greg Olsen, and the entire defense simply could not come up with stops.
All NFL units have off games where things go wrong but the busted assignments were alarming last Sunday. If those assignments are missed again this week, rest assured Saints veteran quarterback Drew Brees will capitalize. The 38 year old veteran, Drew Brees, is having another solid season. Though the Saints have not been as explosive compared to years past, Brees is hitting 70% passing and has 8 touchdowns on the season without any interceptions. WR Michael Thomas has led the way for the receiving corps catching 25 balls in the first 4 games totaling 310 yards with 2 scores. However, this offense is still looking for a playmaker to compliment Thomas.
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Rookie running back Alvin Kamara is currently 2nd on the team in receiving yards and that includes a carousel of running backs that have shared time in the backfield between Kamara, Mark Ingram, and Adrian Peterson. From watching this team this year, I personally believe Kamara could be the best back which is crazy considering the prestige and experience both veterans possess. However, I do not see the committee approach going away any time soon. For the passing game, WR Willie Snead should make his 1st start this Sunday. Snead served a suspension through the 1st 3 games and was held out in week 4. The Saints had big expectations for Snead going into the year and they need an extra weapon to attack this Lions defense that has given up 256 yards per game through the air.
On the other side of the ball, the Lions are in a similar situation on offense. Quarterback Matthew Stafford has been pretty solid with 9 scores and just 1 pick. However, this offense also needs someone to step up in the receiving corps. WR Golden Tate is getting plenty of targets but he is also getting plenty of attention from defenses. Meanwhile neither Marvin Jones nor young hopeful Kenny Golladay has produced much significance outside a pair of touchdown receptions. Overall, I am just waiting for this offense to come together. I feel like they are talented but under performing. I just dont know what needs to be done to turn the corner.
Jay’s Pick to Cover the Point Spread: I feel like this situation bodes
well for the Saints. They are at home, fresh off a bye week, riding some
momentum, and get one of their weapons back with Willie Snead. I expect
a few different looks offensively. A wrinkle here and a wrinkle there will
have the Lions defense on their heels early. Take New Orleans -4.5. Bet this game and ALL football/basketball games at -105 odds instead of the -110 odds that you’re currently laying with your book. Making the switch to reduced juice sports betting will save you THOUSANDS of dollars in vig over the years! Find this killer offer at 5Dimes Sportsbook!
