The Saints have dropped four of their last five as they travel to the desert to meet the Cardinals, a team with an identical 2-4 straight-up record.
Let’s check out the NFL odds and analyze this matchup. Also, feel free to compare our suggestions with OddsTrader’s NFL computer picks!
New Orleans Saints vs. Arizona Cardinals
Thursday, October 20, 2022 – 08:15 PM EDT at State Farm Stadium
The Saints march into the desert with a 2-4 straight-up and ATS record in tow. In their last effort, they were having their way with the Cincinnati Bengals, holding a nine-point lead midway through the third quarter but New Orleans’ offense began to sputter and their defense started to wear down.
When the dust settled, the Saints fell, 30-26, to the Bengals and failed to cover as three-point home dogs. Andy Dalton was just 17-of-32 for 162 yards and one passing touchdown. However, the rushing game was formidable with Alvin Kamara leading a ground-and-pound attack with 99 of the Saints’ 228 rushing yards.
Not the Good Type of Record
The loss was an especially bitter pill to swallow for the Saints after becoming just the third team since 1990 to record back-to-back 200+ yard rushing games while having never trailed until the Bengals struck for a 60-yard bomb with under two minutes remaining.
New Orleans’ quarterback, Andy Dalton, could not engineer one more scoring drive and the Saints not only lost but also proved to be a money-burner for all of those who were counting their money until the bitter end.
“We didn’t score enough touchdowns in the red zone and there lies the difference in the game,” coach Dennis Allen said after the game. “Of all the things that go on in the game, it came down to that one statistical category.”
Cardinals Hopes Sinking
Arizona’s defense did a fine job containing Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles two weeks ago but their offense could not muster enough energy to put the Cardinals over the edge. When the smoke cleared, the Cardinals bowed, 20-17, but cashed as 5 ½ point home underdogs.
And because of that hard-fought affair with one of the best teams in the conference, some believed the Redbirds would have a little jump in their step entering their Week 6 meeting with their NFC West rivals from Seattle.
But the Cards made it clear very early that there was no carryover effect from their effort the week before. Kyler Murray ended with 222 yards, no touchdown passes, and one interception but did have 100 yards rushing on 10 carries in Arizona’s 19-9 loss in Seattle.
“We can’t finish. That’s the moral of the story right now,” Murray said. “We’re not finishing drives. Not putting the ball in the end zone. Can’t win like that.”
Saints vs. Cardinals: Pick and Prediction
The Saints have yet to be blown out this season and despite their 2-4 ATS record, they always seem to show up. The problem is, they don’t know how to finish and have a porous defense that has cost them plenty this season.
And although New Orleans is ranked 16th against the pass, 20th against the run, and 28th in points allowed, I’m not sure it matters very much considering they are playing the Cardinals.
Kyler Murray has become a one-man band that doesn’t lack physical ability but often falters when the money is on the line. But it’s hard to blame him considering the lack of weapons he has around him.
What’s the Lean?
As you may be able to detect, I am leaning heavily on New Orleans in this contest. The Saints are ranked sixth in total yards and 12th in points scored. This offense has been scoring points without a bona fide weapon under center.
Andy Dalton is not the future and his exit may be coming sooner than later as Jameis Winston might be healthy enough to suit up on Thursday.
Winston would be a huge boon to the offense as long as he doesn’t slip back into the bad habits that cost him a ticket out of town in Tampa. Unlike Dalton, Winston can put this passing offense in overdrive as long as he’s healthy and makes smart decisions.
We should also note that the Saints were without their top three receivers as Michael Thomas (foot), Jarvis Landry (ankle), and Chris Olave (concussion) were all sidelined. However, one or more could be returning to face the Cardinals.
Meanwhile, Arizona sustained several injuries against the Seahawks, most notable were left guard Justin Pugh and wide receiver Marquise Brown. The Cardinals were stuck in neutral with those players but if they have to go without them this week, the offense will be even less effective.
Let’s back the Saints and go low in this one.
Predicted Score: Saints 22 – Cardinals 13
NFL Pick: Saints +2 (-107) at PointsBet
NFL Pick: Under 45 ½ (-110) at BetMGM
