The Saints and Seahawks meet in NFL Week 5 in New Orleans. This will be better than what fans expect. The Saints are at the bottom of the NFC, and the Seahawks are tied with every team in the NFC West.
With a combined three wins between the two teams, is the Saints vs. Seahawks spread too wide for 5.5 points?
New Orleans Saints Season Forecast
The Saints are having anything but the season they thought they would have. Coming into the season, there was a lot around the team as Winston returned from an injury.
NFL Standings
That, combined with a punishing defense, had Saints fans excited. However, in actuality, it’s been anything but smooth sailing. The Saints have started the year 1-3 in the NFL standings.
Two key things to look at when looking at this game from a Saints perspective. The first is who is under the center.
Saints in Familiar Territory
The Saints find themselves in familiar territory as Jamis Winston was injured in last week’s game against the Vikings.
After not practicing on Wednesday, I wouldn’t be surprised if Andy Dalton got the nod this week. If that is the case, the Saints’ path to victory will be a bit harder than once thought.
The other thing to remember is that the Saints are banged up and returning from Europe. The Saints played in the UK last week and had to travel back, readjust to their home timezones, and prepare for this week’s game.
With that being said, the travel will surely slow down the healing for some of these Saints, which is huge considering that five offensive starters are listed as questionable. It will be up to this defense to keep the team afloat as the offense tries to heal up down the stretch.
Saints Odds Breakdown
Moneyline
Opening Line
The Saints Moneyline opened at -195.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
This line is insane for all the unknowns regarding who will participate in the game. The odds have been jumping all over the place for three weeks before getting as expensive as -250. I would stay away from this bet.
What Makes Lose the Bet
The price is so inexplicably high that betting it on a straight bet would require a more significant investment than desirable. I see the Saints Moneyline as the game that will break a lot of parlays this week.
Spread Line
Opening Line
The line spread opened at -4.5
How the Line Has Moved and Why
Like the aforementioned Moneyline, the Saints vs. Seahawks spread has been jumping around for a couple of weeks as well. It’s been as high as -6.
What Make Lose the Bet
I think the spread is too large for a team as banged up as the New Orleans Saints. I’d stay away from the Saints spread this week.
Total
Opening Line
The total line opened at 41 points.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
This is a high point total to me. I don’t know how successful Andy Dalton truly is going to be with a heavily injured offense. I think New Orleans will have trouble putting points on the board.
What Makes Lose the Bet
Seattle’s defense is bad and could allow the Saints’ offense to have a good day.
Saints Betting Trend to Know
The Saints are 1-3 against the spread and haven’t beaten the spread at home yet this season. Take that into consideration as you make your Saints betting picks.
Seattle Seahawks Forecast
Nobody knew what to think about the Seahawks as we began the season. Many were down on the Seahawks after they departed ways with the longtime face of the franchise Russell Wilson.
As Geno Smith was poised to take the helm, many wondered if the 9th-year veteran was even capable of holding the starting position as he had never held a starting job post-year 2 of his career.
Smith has erased the doubt as he has gone 102 of 132 for 1,037 yards and getting 6 TDs to only 2 INTs leading the Seahawks to a 2-2 record so far in the year.
NFC West
Though I don’t think Seattle is a playoff team this year at the end of the day. Anything is possible, as the whole NFC West is currently tied 2-2. A win here would give them a tie for first with the winner of the Arizona and LA Rams game.
Seattle’s a little banged up, not to the extent of New Orleans, but fans will for sure be keeping a close on Rashaad Penny as Seattle’s leading rusher was unable to participate in practices Wednesday. Not having him would be a significant loss to this Seattle offense.
Seahawks Odds Breakdown
Moneyline
Opening Line
When the lines opened, Seattle was priced at +165, and that is probably closer to what the price should be.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
When looking across all the NFL games this week, I think Seattle may have the most value on their moneyline.
After going out and proving that they can have more success on the offensive side of the ball against Detroit, I think Seattle is poised to have a competitive game, one that being +200 underdogs doesn’t represent.
What Make Lose the Bet
It could be a long day if Seattle can’t get past New Orleans’ defense.
Spread Line
Opening Line
The line opened at +4.5
How the Line Has Moved and Why
I love the Saints vs. Seahawks spread for Seattle. After a couple of weeks of fluctuating, I think this line is just a little too large, and Seattle can capitalize off of it.
I think Seattle will not only keep it within 3 for the majority of the game but will have a real shot at winning the game. I’ll go as for as to say that the Seahawks’ +5.5 is my pick of the game.
What Make Lose the Bet
The Saints’ defense is good and could give the Seahawks problems
Total
Opening Line
The point totals opened at 41.
How the Line Has Moved and Why
Though Seattle Seahawks has proven they can put up 48 in a game, the Saints’ stellar defense will hold them to less. I have the score as 24-20 Seattle and anticipate the game staying under 46
What Makes Lose the Bet
Seattle’s defense needs to hold the beaten-up Saints to secure the bet.
Seahawks Betting Trend to Know
When looking at the Seahawks’ stats against the spread, they are 2-2, getting it done most recently last week on the road in Detroit. Keep this in mind when betting on the Saints vs. Seahawks spread.
Best Picks for this Matchup
NFL Pick: Seahawks (+200)
NFL Pick: Seahawks +5.5 (-110)
Football Pick: Under 46 (-110)
Most Profitable Players of this Matchup to Bet On
- Geno Smith O1.5 TDs +130
- DK Metcalf O61.5 Yards -115
- Noah Fant U21.5 Yards -110
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