The New Orleans Saints host the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday afternoon in a crucial showdown from Caesars Superdome. The Raiders have just two wins this season but have continued to look like a dangerous team when it all comes down to it. For the Saints, back-to-back losses keep them looking and trying to get back into the win column when they return home. The last team they met was back in 2020, with the Raiders walking away with the win by ten points, although this rematch could certainly go both ways.
Raiders looking for a winning streak
With all the off-season moves the Raiders made in the fall, expectations were high for this group. However, in the first few months of the season, it was struggle after struggle for this group. A win last week against Houston helped right the ship, but with their only other win coming against Denver, this team doesn’t have much to impress on their resume. To their credit, all of their losses are in the single digits, but they know they can’t afford many slip-ups over time. With an 0-3 record on the road, questions also remain as to how this group will handle travel to New Orleans.
The wide reception room is the main concern heading into the weekend for the Raiders. Hunter Renfrow (hip) and Mack Hollins (hee) are both questionable, while all eyes are on Davante Adams (flu), who is likely to leave. The good news is that Las Vegas isn’t as beaten on the defensive end of the ball, where they’ve struggled with depth this season.
Squeak ⚙️ pic.twitter.com/elkeGIa2e6
— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) October 27, 2022
Offensively, the Raiders have been able to move the ball over some of the best teams in the league this year, because moving the ball in this one shouldn’t be a problem. Las Vegas ranks third in the league in offense and with a balanced offense that can do it on the ground or in the air, that versatility will play well on Sunday. While all the attention is on Derek Carr and Adams, the emergence of Josh Jacobs has been crucial for this team. The more jacobs the Raiders can rely on on the ground, the more dangerous this offense will become.
As good as Las Vegas was on the offensive end, they were just disappointing on the defensive end. They rank 26th in the league in goalscoring defense, although their run defense is ranked in the top ten. They’ll be focused on slowing down the Saints in this one, but with a secondary that’s struggled, they’ll have to be careful what they wish for, should the Saints get some air. Divine Deablo (59 tackles) has led the way all season, although Maxx Crosby (6 sacks) remains the difference maker.
Saints battle in NFC South
The Saints haven’t had the best start to the season themselves, however, with everyone’s struggles in the NFC South this season, even a simple victory on Sunday could go a long way. New Orleans has lost two straight, dropping out of last week’s game against Arizona despite an early surge. With all but one of their losses in the single digits as well, they must also find a way to close the gaps as the season progresses. One thing is certain, the fans are always buzzing in New Orleans and if the Saints can get them started early and often, that could make all the difference in this one.
Major questions remain at quarterback and with Jameis Winston (back) having already been ruled out for Sunday, it looks like Andy Dalton will be in line to start again. Quarterback isn’t the only offensive position of concern, though, as narrow and wide receiving rooms are also growing. Jarvis Landry (ankle) and Michael Thomas (toe) are both questionable, but if even one can go, it could make this offense look quite different.
.@JohnDeShazier on the name of Andy Dalton #Saints starting quarterback going forwardhttps://t.co/UGuZt4IdCy
— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) October 28, 2022
The Saints didn’t do it with much flair, but their offense continued to be one of the best in the league this season. They rank third in total offense and seventh in points while ranking eighth in assists and runs. Running the ball could be a challenge against a strong Las Vegas front, though sitting in the pocket should lead to some success. With all of the wide receiver’s injuries, it remains to be seen how Dalton will adapt and if that will be enough. If Alvin Kamara can also dominate on the ground, that could be enough to open up some great playing opportunities for Dalton in the air.
Best bets for this game
Full game side bet
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Both of these teams have been in close games all season, but the Saints are poised for victory in this one. The Raiders might have the offense to find success, but their defense has continued to let them down on a weekly basis. With Dalton getting consistent reps over the past few weeks, as well as one of the best running backs in the game, it will be more than enough for them to avoid losing from close quarters again. Adding that they will be home should only add more confidence to this group. Additionally, according to covers.com, the raiders are 0-6 ATS in their last six road games against losing teams, while the Saints have consistently enjoyed success in Week 8. , after going 7-1-1 ATS in their last game. nine games in Week 8.
Prediction: Saints (+1)
Total Full Game Selection
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This game could end up being one of the most memorable games of the weekend and with two teams facing each other who need a win, and will be focused on the attack to get there, that will probably be enough to create an explosive and exciting game. Both offenses rank in the top ten in scoring and both defenses rank near the bottom of the league in scoring defense, creating the perfect opportunity for a high-scoring affair. Also, according to covers.com, the over bets are 4-0 for the Saints in their last four games, while it’s also 4-0 for Las Vegas in their last four games overall. .
Prediction: Over 49.5
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