The New Orleans Saints had some good luck on their side last weekend when they moved up into second place in the division. That was thanks to a fortunate Carolina Panthers loss to the Minnesota Vikings. The Saints are still at 3-2 on the year but line up with the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football. Sadly, we aren’t going to be getting to watch Jameis Winston vs. Russell Wilson. Russ is still out after undergoing surgery to help repair a finger issue.
Nonetheless, the Saints should be in great position to move up to 4-2 on the year. They are in a pretty good position overall. Winston has been solid while simultaneously limiting his interceptions. Alvin Kamara has shown the world that he can be a three down workhorse back. And Michael Thomas is one step closer to a big return. Offensive line is definitely going to be an issue for both teams, as the Saints are missing numerous starters on the lien and the Seahawks have struggled in that area the last few years now. New Orleans will be getting a handful of players back from the injured reserve this week and had a week off to prepare and get ready for a Seattle team that just lost in overtime to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Geno Smith will likely be the determining factor of this ball game. He completed just 10 of his 17 pass attempts for 131 yards, a touchdown and an interception against the Steelers last week. It didn’t seem like the coaching staff really trusted him to push it downfield until it was too late in the game. His offensive line allowed him to face pressure all night long and with three running backs down to various injuries he couldn’t lean on the ground game. Chris Carson, Alex Collins and Dee Eskridge are all facing injuries this week and Collins is the only one with a real shot to play.
Something to mention before I make my pick, the Saint’s kicking game has been horrible. Aldrick Rosas made just one of four field goals and Cody Parkey missed two extra point attempts. Wil Lutz will miss at least this upcoming game, which means the rookie Brian Johnson will be lining up for kicks this weekend.
All in all, I think I am confident enough to pick the Saints here. With Wilson active and playing this would be a completely different story though. New Orleans has had far more success defensively than Seattle, and has a terrific red zone offense, scoring touchdowns on 13 of 14 possessions there this season. Seattle has one of the worst defenses in the league and Smith hasn’t yet proved to be a viable option since Wilson’s departure. It isn’t going to be easy but I see it being a close game that doesn’t get decided until the last few minutes by a field goal or touchdown.
Also, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers face an easy matchup once again this week. As they go up against the Chicago Bears. However, Chicago did upset them last year, but it would take a miracle to do it again. I’m pretty sure Tom Brady will want revenge after the whole, forgetting what down it was thing. For the Saints to jump up and tie for first place, they would need a huge win and a Buccaneers loss.