New Orleans Saints vs Philadelphia Eagles Pick and Preview
NFC Matchup
Point Spread: Saints +5.5 | Total Points: 43.0
Coming into this week 17 NFC matchup, the Saints are in the middle of a 2-game winning streak but still have a below .500 record of 6-9. New Orleans will look to add on another win as they picked up a non-conference victory over the Cleveland Browns (17-10). In terms of betting, New Orleans picked up an ATS win, as they were the 3.5-point underdogs. The two teams combined point total of 27 remained below the betting line of 32.
Leading into their week 17 NFC matchup against New Orleans, the Eagles have an overall record of 13-2. This week, the Philadelphia Eagles are hoping to get back in the win column after falling 40-34 to the Dallas Cowboys. The loss was costly, as it came against an NFC East opponent. Philadelphia not only lost the game but failed to cover the spread as 4.0-point underdogs. In terms of the over-under, the teams combined for 74 points, which surpassed the betting line of 48.
Saints vs Eagles History
In the last matchup between New Orleans and Philadelphia, the Eagles not only came away with a 40-29 victory, but they also covered the spread as 3.0 point favorites. In the last 3 head-to-head matchups, the Eagles are averaging 26 points per game, compared to the Saints at 23. These figures have led to Philadelphia posting a record of 2-1.
The last 3 times that the Saints have traveled to take on Philadelphia, they have not fared well, going 0-3. In terms of betting, Philadelphia holds a recent edge vs the spread, going 4-1 in the previous 5 meetings. These games have finished with an average point total of 51, leading to an over-under mark of 3-2.
Notable Injuries
New Orleans Saints
- Andrus Peat (Ankle) Questionable
- Justin Evans (Shoulder) Questionable
- Dwayne Washington (Illness) Questionable
- Marshon Lattimore (Abdomen) Questionable
- Ryan Ramczyk (Illness) Questionable
- Alvin Kamara (Quadricep) Questionable
- Marcus Maye (Shoulder) Questionable
- Kaden Elliss (Hand) Probable
- Pete Werner (Hamstring) Questionable
- Chris Olave (Hamstring) Questionable
Philadelphia Eagles
- Jordan Davis (Head) Questionable
- Miles Sanders (Knee) Questionable
- A.J. Brown (Knee) Questionable
- Jalen Hurts (Shoulder) Questionable
Keys To Victory: New Orleans Saints
On the season, New Orleans has struggled to put up points, averaging just 20.2 points per game, placing them 23rd in the league. The team’s lackluster offense has contributed 48.0% of the scoring in their games, leading to an average point differential of -1.5. Heading into this week’s action, the Saints are averaging 30.9 yards per game through the pass, placing them 25th in the league. There is a chance that the team struggles to move the ball through the air against an Eagles defense that has defended the pass well this year. Quarterback Andy Dalton has put together a passer rating among quarterbacks at 95.7. This figure has led to a passing total of 2495 yards for Dalton. Against the Eagles, he will need to be on top of his game vs the league’s 1st ranked passing defense. One thing to keep an eye on that might affect the New Orleans offense is the health status of wide receiver Chris Olave as he is listed as questionable on the injury report. So far, Olave leads the team with 940 receiving yards while catching 61.8% of the balls thrown his way.
Through 15 games, the Saints’ ground game is producing at a level near the league average at 114.0 yards per game. However, they could be in line for an above-average performance vs a Philadelphia defense that struggles to defend the run. An area of concern for the Saints will be if their top running back Alvin Kamara is able to play, as he is listed as questionable on the injury report. This year, Kamara has rushed 717 yards, while averaging 3.9 yards per attempt.
Keys To Victory: Philadelphia Eagles
The Philadelphia Eagles and the NFL’s top-scoring offense will be looking to take care of business, as they are the 5.5-point favorites on the spread. A key to this game will be the availability of Jalen Hurts, as his status is up in the air with a shoulder injury. If he doesn’t play, Gardner Minshew will be in line to make another start. Against the Saints, the team will look to get receiver A.J. Brown involved in the passing game. This year, he is averaging 8.5 targets per game, leading to an overall receiving yards total of 1304.
Central to this game’s outcome will be if Philadelphia will be able to continue running the ball according to their season-long success. On average, the team is accumulating 153.8 yards per game on the ground. If they are able to control the game on the ground, it would also help keep the Saints’ offense off the field.
#Eagles are listing QB Jalen Hurts as doubtful for Sunday’s game vs. New Orleans.
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) December 30, 2022
Betting Trends
- New Orleans is 2-3 ATS in their last 5 games on the road.
- New Orleans is 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games at home.
- New Orleans is 4-6 ATS in their last 10 games as the underdog.
- New Orleans is 5-5 ATS in their last 10 games as the favorite.
Prediction
The Saints still have a shot at the playoffs so expect them to show up ready to play. Minshew and the Eagles had four turnovers last week, which is something the team has not had to deal with this season. We think a better performance will lead the Birds to victory.
Pick: Eagles 24-20
