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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

SmashMouth

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!

Utah_Saint

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.

Jack Vegas

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

SaintsBro

"It's a trap!"










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

NOLA54

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

the-commish

You don't. There will be no push.

st thomas

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.

QBREES9

I'll take that bet.

MatthewT

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.