NFL Football
2009-09-13 - Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints
A Sports Betting Pick by FirstDown
Preview
New Orleans Saints have to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in the NFL, racking up points for fun while also giving up enough points to keep fans on the edge of their seats. However, I am sure that they would like to have less excitement and more wins to return to the playoff picture.
The Saints finished 4th in the NFC South last season with their 8-8 record. They were very strong at home where they finished 6-2 and they were 5-7 against the other NFC teams they faced.
Drew Brees will again be the key to this Saints team and he made a number of passing records last season for them. They will be hoping to win a few more close games which would turn the division in their favour and they must be the favourites to win the NFC South this season.
Detroit could not have had a worse season than their one last season which gave them the number 1 draft choice. Matthew Stafford has since been given the starting role as the Quarter Back for this team which made a number of personnel changes off the field to ensure improvement starts from now.
The Lions have lost 24 straight matches now and were infamously 0-16 last season which left them bottom of the NFC North. This is going to be another tough season as the NFC North has 3 teams that will be considered to be amongst the favourites to reach the playoffs.
Matthew Stafford is going to start at QB as mentioned, and he will be looking to make the most out of Calvin Johnson as Wide Receiver. Kevin Smith is a solid looking Running Back and will be another key for this side in their quest to win a game.
Statistics
These 2 sides met as recently as last season when New Orleans won here 42-7 in a comfortable rout.
Prediction
New Orleans have been very solid at home and they have all the tools to rack up big points against anyone. The key for them this season will be to come on top in close games as well as the blowouts and also improve defensively.
Detroit will be desperate to get off to a good start as their losing run begins to take a life of its own. This is a really tough place for them to open the season and it will not be easy for them this season with the division they are in.
Matthew Stafford is going to have to keep up with Drew Brees in touchdown passes and I cannot see him doing that as a rookie and I fear another blowout is on the cards for the Lions. I will take New Orleans to cover the handicap.
The Statistics :
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The Pick :
New Orleans Saints 38-14 Detroit Lions
Gooner’s Statistical Value Bet
Take New Orleans Saints -12.5 points to cover the high total.
