By: David Lawrence
The Saints have won four of five and have once again started to look like the most explosive offense in the NFL. That figures to be a problem for the Raiders, who have given up 97 points in the last two weeks. The Raiders defense is pathetic right now as they’ve allowed 21 explosive plays (runs of 12 yards or longer and passes of 16 yards or longer) in the last two weeks. Drew Brees and the Saints should have no problems moving the ball up and down the field and scoring with regularity.
The New Orleans Saints have won four of five and are now one game shy of .500. Most people assume they’ll get back to that mark this week when they visit the hapless Oakland Raiders. Read our pick on the game before making your own NFL picks.
The Saints can win because…
The Saints have won four of five and have once again started to look like the most explosive offense in the NFL. That figures to be a problem for the Raiders, who have given up 97 points in the last two weeks. The Raiders defense is pathetic right now as they’ve allowed 21 explosive plays (runs of 12 yards or longer and passes of 16 yards or longer) in the last two weeks. Drew Brees and the Saints should have no problems moving the ball up and down the field and scoring with regularity.
The Raiders offense is struggling right now. Even though Carson Palmer is on pace for an awesome season, the running game simply hasn’t been there for balance or support. The Raiders are expected to be without Darren McFadden and Mike Goodson this week, which leaves Marcel Reece with all the carries. Without their top two backs, it will be tough for the Raiders to play ball-control and keep the ball away from the prolific Saints.
Does anyone actually believe the Raiders can beat the Saints in a shootout? Absolutely not. The Saints will make this a track meet and they’ll run away early.
The Raiders can win because…
The Saints are still a question mark. Yes, they have won four of five but when you look at their wins, three of their four opponents (San Diego, Tampa Bay and Atlanta) all had a chance to tie or win the game in the dying seconds. Translation: the Saints aren’t exactly blowing people out.
That alone should be enough reason why the Raiders can cover the spread, but there’s also the fact that the Saints and an indoor team that has to travel out west to play outdoors.
While the Raiders offense has been inconsistent, few people have noticed that quarterback Carson Palmer is on pace for the most prolific passing season in Raiders history. Last season, he passed for 2,753 yards and 13 touchdowns. This season, he already has 2,723 passing yards and 15 touchdowns. He’s completed 61.3% of his passes and he’s kept the Raiders in games when they’ve had no business. Against the Saints feeble defense, he should be able to move the ball and make throws. That will keep the Raiders within striking distance the whole way through.
Betting Prediction
The Raiders gave up 251 rushing yards to Doug Martin a couple of weeks ago and last week they allowed Joe Flacco to pass for 344. In other words, the Saints will be able to do whatever they want on offense this week.
Meanwhile, Steve Spagnuolo’s defense is going to send blitz after blitz against the immobile Carson Palmer. The Raiders simply won’t have the offensive firepower or the weapons to maintain.
Pick: Saints -4.5 at Pinnacle Sports +++
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