Eagles Look to Clinch No. 1 Seed in NFC | Saints vs Eagles | OSB
Saints vs. Eagles: Prediction & Player Props
By Sam Batz
The New Orleans Saints (neworleanssaints.com) travel to Philadelphia on Sunday, Jan. 1st to take on the league’s best Eagles (philadelphiaeagles.com). Philadelphia was the first team to clinch a spot in the playoffs but needs to win tomorrow in order to secure the No. 1 seed in the NFC. The Saints are still mathematically alive in the NFC South, but their chances to make the playoffs are extremely slim. Both the Saints and Eagles will have their starters on the field, as there is plenty left to play for with only two weeks left in the regular season.
The Saints are tied for second place in the NFC South with a 6-9 record. New Orleans is only one game behind the division leading Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but are highly unlikely to make the playoffs. Per FiveThirtyEight, New Oreleans has about a 3% chance to make it to the postseason. It is slim, but it is technically possible, and you can bet New Orleans will enter Sunday’s game against the Eagles fired up and ready to prove everyone wrong.
The Eagles already have a guaranteed spot in the playoffs and can clinch the NFC’s No. 1 seed with a win over the Saints, and a Minnesota loss. The Eagles have the best record in the league at 13-2. They are coming off a loss to the Dallas Cowboys last week, but were without MVP front runner Jalen Hurts. Gardner Minshew filled in for Hurts at QB, throwing for 355 yards, 2 touchdowns, and 2 interceptions, but his surprisingly competent performance wasn’t good enough to beat the Cowboys. Hurts is doubtful to play against the Saints, and with the Eagles having already clinched a playoff berth, don’t be surprised if they give Hurts another week of rest.
Prediction
The Eagles still have something to play for and will want to go into the postseason with some momentum. The Eagle’s defense has been unbreakable this season, allowing the fewest passing yards per game and the second fewest total yards. The Saints have struggled on offense, especially through the air, averaging 223.1 passing yards per game. Injuries have knocked many New Orleans receivers out, leaving few viable options for veteran quarterback back Andy Dalton. Alvin Kamara is a tenable option for the Saints, but he won’t be enough to overcome the Eagles defense. With Jalen Hurts likely out, the Eagles will lean on their strong running game. They average 153.8 rushing yards behind what is arguably the best offensive-line in the NFL. Philadelphia will once again get behind their big hog mollies, and run all over the Saints defense.
Prediction: Eagles cover the spread; final score: 27-20
Saints vs Eagles Odds
Betting odds courtesy of Pointsbet:
- Spread: Saints +5.5; Eagles -5.5
- Over/Under: 42 (-110)
- Moneyline: Saints +200; Eagles -250
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Player Props
Miles Sanders, Eagles RB, Over 80.5 Rushing Yards
Miles Sanders has had an outstanding year running the ball for the Eagles. He has recorded 1,175 yards on the ground, off of 236 attempts, for 11 touchdowns. Sanders is averaging 78.3 yards per game, and on Sunday, goes up against a Saints defense that ranks 23rd against the run, giving up 132.0 rushing yards per game. Sanders has been held under 70 yards in three out of his last four games but saw 21 attempts last week against the Cowboys. This week, if given the same volume of carries, Sanders will have a huge game against New Orleans. I predict Miles Sanders will go over his 80.5 rushing yards prop.
Alvin Kamara, Saints RB, Over 75.5 Rushing + Receiving Yards
Alvin Kamara has topped 100 total yards in back-to-back games and will once again be expected to lead the New Orleans offense. The Eagles have struggled to stop the run, giving up 120.7 rushing yards per game. Kamara has topped 75 total yards seven times this season, averaging 55.2 yards on the ground and 36.9 yards through the air. The Saints are still dealing with injuries to their top wide receivers, meaning Kamara will see more volume, both in the run and passing games. The Eagles have a great defense but the Saints will rely heavily on Kamara to get the ball down the field. I predict Alvin Kamara will go over his 75.5 rushing + receiving yards prop.
Andy Dalton, Saints QB, Under 195.5 Passing Yards
Andy Dalton will continue to struggle on Sunday against the Eagles. Dalton has failed to eclipse the 200 yard mark in two-consecutive games and on Sunday goes up against a Philadelphia defense who has given up the least amount of passing yards this season. Additionally, the Eagles are leading in team sacks with 61, and in a game where they could clinch the No. 1 seed, won’t be giving Dalton much time to sit back in the pocket. Andy Dalton is averaging 207.9 yards per game, but with a depleted receiving corps and a battered offensive-line, will struggle to move the ball against the Eagles. I predict Andy Dalton will go under his 195.5 passing yards prop.
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