The New Orleans Saints will travel to Lincoln Financial Field to take on the Philadelphia Eagles this Sunday afternoon in NFL action.
The New Orleans Saints lost their 2nd straight game and dropped to 5-4 on the season after being defeated by the Tennessee Titans, 23-21, this past Sunday. New Orleans struggled putting up points on board early in this one and although they fought back late after trailing by a 20-6 margin late in the 3rd quarter, the Saints could not force OT after a game-tying 2-point conversation came up short with just 1:16 left in regulation. New Orleans outgained Tennessee by a 373-264 margin and lost the turnover battle by a 1-0 margin in the loss. Leading the way for the Saints was QB Trevor Siemian who completed 19 of 34 passes for 298 yards & 2 TD.
On the season, New Orleans is averaging 24.7 ppg on 333.6 total yards per game (214.7 passing yds/g; 118.9 rushing yds/g). Offensively, New Orleans has been hit hard with injuries as they already loss Jameis Winston for the season while Alvin Kamara (146 att, 530 yards, 3 TD; 32 rec, 310 yards, 3 TD) missed last week due to a sprained MCL and is questionable for this matchup. QB Trevor Siemian has completed 57.7% of his passes for 706 yards (236.0 passing yds/g), 5 TD, & 0 INT. RB Mark Ingram II has 117 rushing yards & 1 TD since being traded to the Saints from Houston three weeks ago. The top receiving threats for the Saints have been Deonte Harris (24 rec, 407 yards, 2 TD), Marquez Callaway (24 rec, 346 yards, 5 TD), Adam Trautman (20 rec, 183 yards), & Tre’Quan Smith (11 rec, 141 yards, 2 TD).
Defensively, New Orleans is holding their opponents to an average of 19.8 ppg on 353.3 total yards per game (280.4 passing yds/g; 72.9 rushing yds/g).
The Philadelphia Eagles improved to 4-6 on the season after defeating the Denver Broncos, 30-13, this past Sunday. Philadelphia was outstanding defensively against the Broncos and was able to pull away in late in the 3rd quarter after an 83-yard fumble return for a TD by Darius Slay gave the Eagles a 27-13 lead. Philadelphia outgained Denver by a 386-308 margin and forced 1 turnover in the victory. Leading the way for the Eagles was WR DeVonta Smith who had 4 receptions for 66 yards & 2 TD.
On the season, Philadelphia is averaging 25.7 ppg on 361.5 total yards per game (217.0 passing yds/g; 144.5 rushing yds/g). Offensively, Philadelphia has been led by QB Jalen Hurts who has completed 62.2% of his passes for 2159 yards (270.8 passing yds/g), 13 TD, & 5 INT while also rushing for 549 yards (54.9 rushing yds/g) & 5 TD on 96 carries. The top receiving threats for the Eagles have been DeVonta Smith (42 rec, 603 yards, 4 TD), Dallas Goedert (29 rec, 429 yards, 2 TD), & Quez Watkins (26 rec, 408 yards). Leading the way for the Eagles backfield has been the trio of Miles Sanders (63 att, 300 yards), Jordan Howard (41 att, 211 yards, 3 TD), & Boston Scott (40 att, 205 yards, 3 TD).
Defensively, Philadelphia is allowing their opponents to average 23.1 ppg on 364.3 total yards per game (247.0 passing yds/g; 117.3 rushing yds/g).
The Saints are 4-0 ATS in their last 4 games following a straight up loss and 9-2 ATS in their last 11 road games vs. a team with a losing home record. The Eagles are 3-8 ATS in their last 11 games as a favorite and just 2-9 ATS in their last 11 games following a ATS win.
New Orleans is banged up offensively, however, I was still impressed by what I saw from the Saints last week in their near comeback victory at Tennessee. New Orleans has gotten solid play by QB Trevor Siemian, and I think the offense will be just fine once Alvan Kamara is back which I think will be this weekend after he practiced in limited form on Wednesday. Philadelphia was able to pick up a big win at Denver, however, this is not a great overall team and I think Jalen Hurts is going to struggle against a New Orleans defense that ranks 7th in scoring defense & 1st in rushing yards allowed per game. I think this is going to be a competitive game, however, Philadelphia is 0-4 at home this season and as I think the Eagles struggle putting points up on the board in this one, I think the play here is to take New Orleans and the points. Good Luck!
AUTHOR: Brett Nault
