New Orleans Saints Odds - Saints won't march until defense gets better
The NFL betting lines for the New Orleans Saints this year are cautiously optimistic, as last year’s squad put up points at an alarming pace, but a leaky defense and an inability to put teams away late held them to an 8-8 record. This year’s group may put up as many points as last year, but it’s the defense that will have the biggest say in the Saints' sports betting odds.
New Orleans Saints odds: +2000 to win Super Bowl XLIV
- Brees aims to follow up 5,000-plus yard season
- Offensive skill players are banged up heading into the season
- Secondary is better, but there is no pass rush to speak of
The Saints had the top-ranked offense in the league in 2008, powered by Drew Brees, who was fourth in the NFL in quarterback rating, tied for the lead in touchdowns, and first in yards. However, he could be going into the offseason without a number of targets as Lance Moore, Marques Colston and Jeremy Shockey are all battling injuries, as well as Reggie Bush. The Saints need Bush healthy as they let Deuce McAllister go, and the jury is still out on Pierre Thomas, who led the team in rushing last season. The Saints were incredibly unbalanced, finishing first through the air, but 28th on the ground.
The other side of the ball is where the Saints had the most problems, as they were 23rd in defense and 26th in points allowed. So that is where they focused their efforts in the offseason, bringing in cornerback Jabari Greer from Buffalo and veteran Darren Sharper from Minnesota. The Saints’ secondary was in rough shape, but it was partly because of a lack of pass rushing among the front seven. Bobby McCray led the team with six sacks, while Charles Grant and Will Smith won’t be allowed on the field until late December because they tested positive for a steroid-masking agent. The linebacking corps, led by resigned linebacker Jonathan Vilma, are solid enough against the run, but there is nobody that makes the opposing quarterback feel pressured.
Sportsbook odds for the season are +1200 to take the NFC and +2000 to win the Super Bowl, and with their high-powered offense, they’ll always give themselves a chance. It doesn’t seem to matter who is at wide receiver, as Brees threw over 5,000 yards without a dependable No.1 target. Having Bush in the backfield opens things up, and it’s almost scary to think what this New Orleans offense could do if they had a consistent running game. The secondary is a bit improved, but they’ll struggle to get any pass rush going again this year, which leaves the Saints in pass coverage for far too long. Until they can find someone to harass the quarterback, the Saints will be fun to watch, but they won’t make any playoff noise. Stay away from the Saints in online betting.
For more NFL picks and analysis, bookmark the Betting Edge at BetOnline.com.
Stan Simmons first tasted football through the college game, but his football handicapping has strictly focused on the professional sport. Not many people devote as much time to the NFL as Simmons. For six days a week he works, labors and handicaps the sport, and on the seventh he rests as the games play out. Thoughts or questions? Email Comments@BetOnline.com.
