Stealthman

Oh, what a difference a year makes! A year ago, the Saints were without head coach Sean Payton, displaying a porous defense that was giving up yardage at a record pace, fighting to defend their honor amidst allegations surrounding Bountygate, and were also WINLESS. Now, their head coach is back, the defense is in the top-five in the NFL, and the team is still UNDEFEATED! I could say more, but all that’s necessary is a big: “WHO DAT!”

This is the first Bye Week, with the Panthers & Packers getting the week off. With that, let’s take a look at the contests that have an impact on the 2013 NFC standings:

Thursday September 26th

Week 4, Game 1: 49’ers (1-2) @ Rams (1-2)

Apologies to all that this week’s article is late off the press, we already know that the 49’ers embarrassed the Rams on their home turf: 35-11.

Sunday September 29th

Week 4, Game 2: Ravens (2-1) @ Bills (1-2)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Ravens by 3.

Week 4, Game 3: Steelers (0-3) vs. Vikings (0-3) in London, England

a. Why it is important: Vikings are an NFC rival, and they (along with the Steelers) have yet to win their first game.

b. Desired outcome: As always, pull for the AFC team in interconference games.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Steelers by 2- 1/2.


Week 4, Game 4: Bengals (2-1) @ Browns (1-2)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Bengals by 4- ½.


Week 4, Game 5: Colts (2-1) @ Jaguars (0-3)

N/A: AFC opponents

Vegas odds on this game: Colts by 9- ½.


Week 4, Game 6: Seahawks (3-0) @ Texans (2-1)

a. Why it is important: Seahawks are an NFC rival. Also, it is far too early to talk about playoff seeding. However, we cannot ignore the fact that down the road, the Saints would much rather play Seattle in the Superdome rather than on their home turf. This will likely show the rest of the NFL how good the Seahawks are, because they are playing a quality opponent on the road.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Texans. Interconference rival games are a no-brainer.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Seahawks by 3.


Week 4, Game 7: Cardinals (1-2) @ Buccaneers (0-3)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals; Bucs are also an NFC South rival. Buccaneers are in turmoil, and will slide further in the NFC South basement with a loss. The Cardinals are going into a tough stadium for road teams.

b. Desired outcome: An equal argument could be made for wanting the Bucs to lose OR the Cardinals to lose. Since we are still in the first quarter of the season, pull for our NFC South opponent to lose.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Buccaneers by 2- ½.


Week 4, Game 8: Bears (3-0) @ Lions (2-1)

a. Why it is important: Both Lions and Bears are NFC rivals. Lions are very competitive at home, and will likely put a lot of pressure on Cutler with Ansah, Suh and company. Given the fact that the Bears are still undefeated and a division rival, it will likely have the Lions step up their game a notch or two.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Lions.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Lions by 2- 1/2.


Week 4, Game 9: Giants (0-3) @ Chiefs (3-0)

a. Why it is important: Giants are an NFC rival. Chiefs’ head coach Andy Reid knows the Giants and Eli Manning very well. On the flip side, the Giants are a very, VERY desperate team right now. This is their second road game in a row, and it follows the horrible 38-0 slaughter last week at Carolina. This will show the resolve and character of their team. Chiefs are an excellent team at home.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Chiefs. Here again, in an interconference game… it’s an easy choice.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Chiefs by 5.


Week 4, Game 10: Jets (2-1) @ Titans (2-1)

N/A: AFC opponents.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Titans by 4.


Week 4, Game 11: Cowboys (2-1) @ Chargers (1-2)

a. Why it is important: Cowboys are a conference rival. Cowboys are flying high atop the NFC East, and may be ripe for a trap game because they HOST the Broncos the following week. Let’s hope that they go into the game unfocused and overconfident.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Chargers.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Cowboys by 2.


Week 4, Game 12: Redskins (0-3) @ Raiders (1-2)

a. Why it is important: Redskins are an NFC rival. RG-III has had 300+ yards passing in each of the first 3 games this season. However, their Jim Haslett-coached defense is not getting it done. Our hope is that they continue their ways of the first 3 weeks.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Raiders. Unfortunately, the Redskins are overdue for a game in which they put it all together. The oddsmakers feel the same way.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Redskins by 2- ½.


Week 4, Game 13: Eagles (1-2) @ Broncos (3-0)

a. Why it is important: Eagles are an NFC rival. If the Broncos take the Eagles for granted, it could be a long night for Denver. John Fox is an excellent head coach, and the Broncos always have a chance when Peyton Manning is the QB. So, a letdown is not likely.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Colts.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 6 out of 10

d. Vegas odds on this game: Broncos by 11- 1/2.


(SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL)


Week 4, Game 14: Patriots (3-0) @ Falcons (1-2)

a. Why it is important: Falcons are an NFC rival and NFC South rival. Last week, head coach Mike Smith announced that the Falcons would no longer allow media at any of their practices. The fans in Atlanta are getting hostile, especially since they recently approved funding for a new stadium, along with making Matt Ryan a $100M+ man. A loss to the Patriots puts the Falcons in a deep hole for the first quarter of the season. The Patriots will be looking to keep the heat on all other teams in the AFC, so there should be no letdown for New England in this game. Falcons might rise up for this one. Those in Vegas feel the same way. The WhoDat Nation is hoping that the Patriots are the better team in the Georgia Dome.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Patriots.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 4.5 out of 10

d. Vegas odds on this game: Falcons by 2- ½.


Monday September 30th

Week 4, Game 15: Dolphins (3-0) @ Saints (3-0)

a. Why it is important: You’re not serious, are you? Well, in case you are, the Saints look to extend their unbeaten streak to four games vs. the ALSO undefeated Miami Dolphins. The Saints are 10-2 on Monday Night under Sean Payton. The Dolphins are a much improved team, and are extremely dangerous if Ryan Tannehill has time to set up in the pocket.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Saints. This starts a stretch of 3-straight games of teams in 1st place in their respective divisions. The next two are on the road.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 6 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Saints by 6- ½.

News from Enemy Camps (Week 4):

Saints’ next opponent
(Dolphins): Miami Dolphins Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC East Leaders:
(Cowboys): Dallas Cowboys Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC North Leaders
(Bears): Chicago Bears Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC West Leaders:
(Seahawks): Seattle Seahawks Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

Rugby Saint II

Great stuff. Thanks for sharing.

homerj07

Many games went the way we wanted. Hooray.