.jpg "Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints")
The talent level on these teams is pretty similar. Detroit may have the slight edge there, but the home field advantage for New Orleans helps wipe that out. Both of these teams fancy themselves playoff contenders and this is a critical game on both sides.
If either defense can come up with just a handful of stops and turnovers, it will give their team a big leg up. Tune in for what should be an entertaining contest between a pair of NFC teams.
Kickoff for this regular season Week 6 game is set for Sunday, October 15, 2017, at 1 p.m. ET at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome.
Opening NFL Odds at BookMaker.eu
Detroit Lions +3.5
New Orleans Saints -3.5
Over/Under 51
Odds Analysis
The half-point could be critical if this game ends up in a field goal margin for New Orleans as that would give the Lions the cover. So it’s not a surprise to see more than 70 percent of the action backing Detroit.
The scoring total looks lower than it should be so it’s not a surprise to see that more than 87 percent of the early money is on the “over.” The defenses have been better than projected thus far this season but if the offenses get rolling, they will be hard to stop.
Injury Report
Matthew Stafford — Detroit’s quarterback took quite a beating in his team’s loss to Carolina on Sunday. He was sacked six times and although he finished the game, Stafford looked to be limping afterward, but refused to elaborate on the injury. Keep an eye on his status closely.
Haloti Ngata — The Lions defensive tackle left Sunday’s game against the Panthers in the second quarter with an elbow injury and did not return. Ngata has been struggling to stay healthy this season, also dealing with a shoulder injury last week. The 33-year-old has one sack this season.
Zack Strief — The Saints offensive tackle is out for several weeks with a knee injury. He was taken off the field in a cart in following New Orleans’ win over the Dolphins in London on October 1st.
Alex Anzalone — New Orleans’ rookie linebacker was also placed on injured reserve following the team’s win in London two weeks ago and will miss a minimum of eight weeks. Anzalone left the game with a shoulder injury and did not return. It was a big blow for the defense and for the young player, who just earned the starting job.
Key Stat
2,251. That’s the combined passing yards for Brees and Stafford this season. The targets have changed in New Orleans over the past few seasons, as staples like Jimmy Graham, Marques Colston and Brandin Cooks have moved on, but Brees keeps on rolling;
His new crew includes Michael Thomas, Ted Ginn and Willie Snead, and Brees should be able to click in this one, as he really excels at home. Darius Slay is a solid cornerback and Quandre Diggs has been good. The Lions have been better than expected on defense this year, but it would be surprising if they shut down Brees.
Stafford has taken a nice leap forward and is now one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL. He has some talented wideouts and knows how to find Golden Tate and Marvin Jones in crucial spots. The Saints have had some nice games this year on defense but are not nearly consistent enough.
Stafford should have a big game in this one as long as his offensive line can give him time to throw.
Free ATS Pick
The Lions are an improved team and should be able to make a push for the playoffs, but the Saints are also looking good. New Orleans plays really well at home, where the indoor conditions help the passing game.
Brees should throw multiple touchdowns and help the Saints take a lead, but don’t expect the Lions to go quietly. This one should be fun to watch. Take New Orleans to stay on the gas enough to hold off a tough Detroit squad and capture the win.
NFL Odds: Saints 31, Lions 27
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