Seahawks Saints Betting – Rested Saints Show No Mercy Against Seahawks
- What: NFL betting
- When: Sunday, November 21st, 4:05 PM ET
- Where: The Superdome, New Orleans, LA
- Pick: New Orleans Saints -11.5
Sports betting players have watched the New Orleans Saints go about their business is a much different way this season, and while they’re not undefeated like last year, they’re still in a very good position coming out of their bye week to host the Seattle Seahawks, who got a big win on the road last week, but they won’t make it two in a row.
What’s On The Line
The Seahawks (5-4) halted a two-game skid with a 36-18 win at Arizona, and they’re now the top team in the terrible NFC West. The Saints (6-3) are coming off a bye week, and they’re aiming to keep pace with the Atlanta Falcons in the NFC South. There is a lot at stake for both teams as the playoffs are just around the corner, so everyone is jockeying for position at this point in the season.
Offensive Matchups: Seahawks Saints Betting
Seattle exploded on the Arizona Cardinals for 490 yards, which is a massive game for an offense ranked 30th in the league. Matt Hasselbeck passed for 333 yards and a touchdown, and the running game was complimentary with 110 yards. The question is whether or not the Seahawks can find some consistency because they haven’t yet this year. They obviously need to find a way to get the ball more to Mike Williams, who caught 11 passes for 145 yards against the Cardinals.
Some people thought Drew Brees was really hurt, hiding a knee injury from the media, but in their last game at the Carolina Panthers, Brees threw for 253 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a 34-3 romp. What is even better in that game was that the Saints ran for 165 yards, and that would take a lot of pressure off Brees and the aerial attack, which is still the bread-and-butter of the team. They haven’t been as explosive as they were last year, but the Saints are still seventh in the NFL offensively. Reggie Bush will probably be back as well.
Betting Edge: Saints
Defensive Matchups: Seahawks Saints Betting
Much like the offense, the Seattle defense hasn’t been consistent this year, and you can probably see it in their record. They gave up 327 yards to the Cardinals, but they forced a couple of turnovers and stopped them on nine of 11 third-down opportunities. The Seahawks also sacked Derek Anderson five times, and they’ll need that kind of pass rush to slow down the Saints, especially in the Superdome, where the Saints can hang 40 points on you in a hurry.
The Saints are surprisingly third in the league defensively, and they held the Panthers to 195 yards two weeks ago. We know, the Panthers are awful, but it was still a dominating performance by the Saints, who aren’t forcing turnovers like they were last year, but they’re probably more solid all-around. There are a few injuries in the secondary to worry about, so the onus is on the front seven to generate a pass rush.
Betting Edge: Saints
Notable Injuries: Seahawks Saints Betting
Fullback Michael Richardson (hamstring) is questionable to return the lineup after missing three games, while receivers Brandon Stokley (calf) and Golden Tate (ankle) should be able to practice, at least. Defensive tackle Colin Cole (ankle) is unlikely to feature for the Seahawks. Th big question is Hasselbeck (wrist), who isn’t 100%, and that’s not a good look.
Bush (leg) and safety Darren Sharper (hamstring) should be able to play, but there are a number of questionable players for the Saints: running back Pierre Thomas (ankle), cornerback Patrick Robinson (ankle), safety Pierson Prioleau (ankle), tight end Jeremy Shockey (ribs) and safety Malcolm Jenkins (stinger) all need to be watched.
Betting Edge: Draw
Outlook and Pick: Seahawks Saints Betting
NFL betting odds have the Saints favored by 11.5 points at home, where they have played the Seahawks four times, but none since 2004. The Saints are 2-2 SU and 1-3 ATS in those four games, and the numbers don’t get much better: New Orleans is 1-4 ATS at home this season, and they’re 1-4 ATS in their last five games as a favorite of eight points or more. However, we’re going with them to cover this week as they’re coming off a bye, playing a West Coast team making the trip to play. The time change plays a very underrated role in football, so that has to be looked at. The Seattle defense is going to have a tough time stopping a rested New Orleans offense: this isn’t Arizona. Also, a hurt Hasselbeck won’t fare well against the Saints, who should cover the online betting spread easily. Stan’s Pick: New Orleans Saints
