Saints vs Eagles Odds - Saints smell blood with McNabb likely out for Eagles
The Saints vs Eagles odds were supposed to be an epic matchup featuring two high-flying offenses. The Saints lived up to that billing in Week 1, dropping 45 points on Detroit and, while the Eagles exploded for 38 points against Carolina, they lost Donovan McNabb in the process. Now, this NFL betting matchup is more about a stellar offense versus a vicious defense.
Saints vs Eagles Odds: No line yet
- WHAT: NFL betting
- WHEN: Sunday, September 20, 1:00 p.m. ET
- WHERE: Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia, PA
- KEY STAT: Eagles had five sacks in Week 1; Saints allowed zero sacks in Week 1
- PICK: Saints; UNDER the total
Saints vs Eagles odds maker breakdown: The Storyline
No offense looked better than the Saints’ unit in Week 1, as Drew Brees tossed six touchdown passes. No defense looked better than Philly’s, as the Eagles had five sacks, five interceptions and a defensive touchdown. Then again, the Saints did their damage against the lowly Lions while the Eagles did their damage against lowly Jake Delhomme. Each team wants to prove its legitimacy and the pressure is on the Eagles, as the “D” must come up big without Donovan McNabb helming the offense.
Saints vs Eagles odds maker breakdown: Offense
Even against an aggressive, well-rounded Philadelphia defense, New Orleans can do some damage. Drew Brees almost broke Dan Marino’s single-season yardage record with half his key starters hurt last season; in Week 1, he showed how much better he can be when he adds healthy Jeremy Shockey, Reggie Bush and Marques Colston to his already-large group of weapons. The Eagles will pressure Brees but he’s an elite signal caller who can overcome blitzes. With Donovan McNabb a virtual lock to miss Week 2, the Philly offense, as pass-happy as any in the league, could stall. Sorry, Kevin Kolb and (maybe) A.J. Feeley. Too bad Michael Vick isn’t eligible until Week 3. Betting Edge: Saints
Saints vs Eagles odds maker breakdown: Defense
No-brainer here. The Eagles lost co-ordinator Jim Johnson and stalwart safety Brian Dawkins in the offseason but showed online betting fans that they hadn’t lost their moxie on defense. They were absolutely everywhere against Carolina, especially Darren Howard, who had two sacks. The Saints picked off Matt Stafford three times yet still allowed 27 points to the Lions, so they can be had even against a depleted Eagles’ attack. Betting Edge: Eagles
Saints vs Eagles odds maker breakdown: Special Teams
Both teams have bigtime toys to play with in the return game, but Reggie Bush was awful for the Saints in Week 1, bobbling punts left and right. DeSean Jackson is a force and combines with David Akers to give the Eagles the edge. Betting Edge: Eagles
Saints vs Eagles odds maker breakdown: Notable Injuries
Perhaps no team got bitten harder by the injury bug than Philadelphia last week, as Donovan McNabb broke his ribs during a touchdown run. While the malady shouldn’t keep McNabb out too long, it’s a major short-term blow to the Eagles’ scoring ability. Betting Edge: Saints
Saints vs Eagles betting breakdown: Outlook and Pick
The Eagles won’t make life easy for the Saints, but New Orleans’ offense is so good that it could still top 20 points on an “off” day. That could be enough to beat the Eagles if Kevin Kolb or A.J. Feeley has the reins in McNabb’s place. Bet on New Orleans at your sportsbook. Go UNDER the total in your over/under pick. Both teams will have high-point projections but McNabb’s injury will cap what Philly can do and the Saints won’t face many defenses tougher than Philly’s. D.J.’S PICK: Saints; UNDER the total
For full Saints vs Eagles odds and all the NFL sports betting analysis you need, keep reading the Betting Edge at betonline.com. D.J. Tomkins is one of betonline.com's NFL experts.
