The New Orleans Saints were the NFC runners-up last year and many experts' pick as the best team in the NFC heading into this season. But the Saints (7-7) must win out to return to the playoffs, beginning with Sunday's home game against Philadelphia (6-8), where New Orleans is a 3-point favorite (over/under: 47) on WagerWeb.com.
The Saints will be eliminated from the playoffs with a loss to Philadelphia and if Minnesota beats Washington on Sunday night.
As usual, most of New Orleans' success has come on the offensive side of the ball, a big reason it has won three straight games.
QB Drew Brees is coming off his second straight 300-yard effort and has eight touchdowns and no interceptions in his last three games.
"He's played at a very high level over the last two-thirds of this season," coach Sean Payton said, "and he's a big reason that we're still hanging around."
The New Orleans running game has picked up since Reggie Bush was lost to injury.
Aaron Stecker has stepped in the past two games as the starter, and he rushed for 100 yards at Atlanta and 95 yards at home against the Cardinals. He also had 46 yards receiving against Arizona.
However, Bush could return Sunday. Payton said if Bush does come back, Stecker would likely remain a key part of the offense.
"One encouraging thing is we've been able to run the ball in these last two games and it's given us some blance, which is something we've been looking for," Payton said. "Aaron's done a good job. We've done a
good job up front. So each week, depending on which team we're playing and what we're seeing efensively, we'll try to do what's best to score points."
"He may or may not play, but they have to prepare as if he's going to play," said Stecker. "If they don't repare for it and all of a sudden he shows up and plays, then they're just looking at themselves, saying, 'Why didn't we prepare?'The Saints offense will be facing an Eagles defense that has been playing well of late. The last three quarterbacks to face the Eagles have combined for 620 yards, three touchdowns and four interceptions.
Last week, the Eagles held Dallas QB Tony Romo to 214 yards and three interceptions on 13 of 36 passing. The Eagles rank sixth in the NFL in total yards allowed per game (311.8), 16th in passing yards allowed (217.1) and sixth in rushing yards allowed (94.6).
The Saints' offense ranks fifth (358.6), third (266.4) and 26th (92.2), respectively, in the same categories.
"Defensively, they're coming in with a lot of confidence," Payton said. "They just won a game against a very good offense. You hope to possess the ball and part of that is converting third downs, staying on the field, and establishing a balance.
The Eagles have been better than most people think offensively, with the 9th-ranked rushing attack and 13th best passing game in the NFL.
QB Donovan McNabb is completing 60 percent of his passes while throwing 15 touchdowns to only six interceptions.
The lowdown: Philadelphia dropped both visits to the Superdome last season by scores of 27-24 (the second one being in the playoffs). ... Last year in those two games against the Eagles, Brees threw for 275 yards and three touchdowns and 243 yards and one touchdown, respectively. ... Philadelphia lost linebacker Takeo Spikes to injured reserve with a torn rotator cuff.
Spikes was second on the Eagles with 139 tackles. ... The Saints have the 8th-ranked run defense in the NFL.
... New Orleans has 3rd-ranked pass offense in the NFL. ... Brees and Co. will be tested by a good Philly secondary, but New Orleans is rolling again. I love this game for the Saints to cover - but buy down to 2.5 to be safe.
Betting trends
The Eagles are 7-7 ATS.
The Eagles are 5-2 ATS away.
The Eagles are 3-1 ATS as the underdog.
The Eagles are 3-0 ATS as an away underdog.
The Saints are 6-8 ATS.
The Saints are 2-5 ATS at home.
The Saints are 5-7 ATS as the favorite.
The Saints are 2-5 ATS as a home favorite.More NFL Trends.
More NFL Trends.
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