Lewis: Vegas sees 9.5 wins in the Saints, but we’ll take the over
 

The oddsmakers in Las Vegas are saying the over/under victory total for the Saints this season is 9.5.

What the heck do they know? Well, quite a bit, usually. How do think all of those palatial casinos get built?

But in this case, they are far underestimating the potential of the Black and Gold.

Going into training camp, which begins when the players report Thursday to The Greenbrier in White Sulphur Springs, West Virginia, the Saints of 2014 look to be a substantially improved product from the Saints of 2013. And that bunch went 11-5, posted the franchise’s first road playoff win and fell just a touchdown short of taking eventual Super Bowl champion Seattle into overtime in the divisional round.

But lest Who Dat hearts go all aflutter, we’re not ready to say the Saints are going to win the Super Bowl.

Or even get there.

We do see them going 13-3, winning the NFC South and hosting Seattle in the conference championship game, homefield being a must if the locals are to advance to the Super Bowl.

Here are 9.5 reasons why:

1. Mickey and Sean

Is there is more underappreciated general manager than Mickey Loomis? He and his team’s management of the salary cap is the envy of the league.

Plus, he brought the Jimmy Graham situation to a seemingly amicable conclusion and, if there’s ever been a hiccup in his relationship with coach Sean Payton, it’s never been a public issue, as such things become with other teams.

As for Payton, going into his ninth season (eighth if you don’t count 2012), he’s secure in his authority while being smart enough to recognize when strategic and personnel changes have to be made. And Bountygate is now a thing of the past.

Read more: Lewis: Vegas sees 9.5 wins in the Saints, but we

Re: Lewis: Vegas sees 9.5 wins in the Saints, but we’ll take the over
 

Good assessment. This season is starting to feel like it may be special. That being said, it still takes things to fall in their place, things such as injuries, ref calls, etc. It's going to be a show! :popcorn:

Re: Lewis: Vegas sees 9.5 wins in the Saints, but we’ll take the over
 

The Saints won 11 last year. Second year in Ryan's system, added Byrd and Bailey. I think they're going to be better than last season so I'd take the over.

Re: Lewis: Vegas sees 9.5 wins in the Saints, but we’ll take the over
 

Dude this is easy money. 10 wins? That's all?

Re: Lewis: Vegas sees 9.5 wins in the Saints, but we’ll take the over
 

"It's a trap!"

http://i1.ytimg.com/vi/4F4qzPbcFiA/maxresdefault.jpg








Las Vegas has made TONS of money in recent history, off of people picking against the Saints.

Re: Lewis: Vegas sees 9.5 wins in the Saints, but we’ll take the over
 

How do you win .5 games? We will win more than 9 games.

Re: Lewis: Vegas sees 9.5 wins in the Saints, but we’ll take the over
 

You don't. There will be no push.

Re: Lewis: Vegas sees 9.5 wins in the Saints, but we’ll take the over
 

we will be better for sure but u will have a tougher nfl south if u ask me. the panties u can't trust but may split with them. the question mark for me more so than the clowns is tampa bay. their new coach bugs me. I like him that's why. qbs are the ? mark, will they surprise or suck. we need to roll there ass twice for the 10 win plus season. jmo.

Re: Lewis: Vegas sees 9.5 wins in the Saints, but we’ll take the over
 

I'll take that bet.

Re: Lewis: Vegas sees 9.5 wins in the Saints, but we’ll take the over
 

I think 9.5 is a fair assessment. If you look at the overall roster, there is no question the Saints starters are very solid and among the best in the NFL. The question is when the injuries hit, are the Saints deep enough to keep winning? I know that is a question all teams have, and the deepest teams usually win it all. Also have to factor in projected improved play from the Falcons and Buccaneers, the Panthers are also coming off a good year and should be tough even with their roster losses. Overall, I do like the Saints chances in 2014 and believe they are better than 9.5 wins.

Re: Lewis: Vegas sees 9.5 wins in the Saints, but we’ll take the over
 

Just like Aintlanta wanted Bush......our depth is deep. Possibly deeper than I realized. It all depends on health.

Re: Lewis: Vegas sees 9.5 wins in the Saints, but we’ll take the over
 

No those losses will hurt. By now we should know this and Carolina not only has that and bigger offenses than last year on the schedule, teams have also studied up on them, and seen a year of film on them. I see Carolina starting out 0-4 or 1-3, the tricky game being the lions which can go either way. Then they play Chicago, Cincinatti, Green Bay, Seattle, us, Philadelphia, Atlanta before the bye week. That is just going to be too much for them.

Re: Lewis: Vegas sees 9.5 wins in the Saints, but we’ll take the over
 

I think that is a fair assessment for now. I think by game 4 the odds will improve. I'm saying 11-5. I think we have the type of team that will outperform our regular season success in the playoffs.

Re: Lewis: Vegas sees 9.5 wins in the Saints, but we’ll take the over
 

The only way we lose the division is if honestly, a major injury occured, which I hope will not happen.

Yes Atlanta is coming back no question and I think they will make the playoffs but unlike 2010 and 2012 they do not have gimme road games. Cincinatti, Minnesota, New York, Baltimore, Green Bay I just do not see Atlanta winning more than two of those. Tbh, though, most teams seem to be really intimidated when playing them and tend to beat themselves. Their home games are challenging as well. For a team that went 4-12 they do not have the benefit of really playing a bad team.

I think our 9 wins probably come from projected losses to bucs once, falcons once, panthers once, Pittsburgh, Chicago, and probably losing two home games, they probably think we lose to SF and GB. Thats what I think.