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There’s nothing like a WIN… to make things go a lot better. Call me moody or whatever, but when our beloved Saints lose, I don't want to watch sports highlights, and it's a real bummer. So, yeah... that win last week was a nice soothing ointment in a wound that didn't feel good (to this fan). This week, the Saints take the national stage to play (on the road) vs. the Dallas Cowboys. Saints fans will be dressed in their black-out jerseys to match the uni’s of the Saints. Sean Payton and Drew Brees have an outstanding record on Sunday night games. Let’s hope their track record translates into a dominating performance. More about this game further down the article. But for now, can I get a Who Dat?!?!?

Week 3 Bye teams: Bengals, Broncos, Browns, Cardinals, Rams, and Seahawks.

Thursday September 25th

Week 4, Game 1: Giants (2-2) @ Redskins (1-3)

Game already played; Giants’ offense exploded, and embarrassed the home team: 45-14.

Vegas odds on that were on this game: Giants by 4.


Sunday September 28st

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

a. Why it is important: Panthers are an NFC South rival. Panthers were riding high atop the NFC South last week with a 2-0 record. Then, they ran into a highly motivated Steelers team that totally dominated them on their home turf. If that wasn’t bad enough, the Panthers will now have to go on the road and face a Ravens team that is getting its mojo back. Add to the mix the fact that Steve Smith has not forgotten the way the Panthers let him go last season. Steve Smith should absolutely GO OFF for 100+ yards, even if he’s double covered. Looks like the Panthers will drop back to .500 this week.

b. Desired outcome: Not difficult to figure… go with the Ravens.

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

d. Vegas odds on this game: Ravens by 3- ½.


Week 4, Game 3: Packers (1-2) @ Bears (2-1)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. The Packers find themselves in an unusual position: In LAST PLACE in the NFC North (0-1 in their division). They travel to hostile territory, with Bears fans who do not have a reputation for hospitability. Aaron Rodgers is likely to have a good game, and the Packers will play their best game of the season.

b. Desired outcome: It’s still not clear cut who we should pull for. My gut tells me pull for the Bears; my mind says go for the team with the poorer record. I say: Pull for Da Bears.

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

d. Vegas odds on this game: Packers by 1- ½.


Week 4 Game 4: Bills (2-1) @ Texans (2-1)

N/A: AFC opponents. Battle of division leaders (should be a good game).

Vegas odds on this game: Texans by 3.


Week 4, Game 5: Titans (1-2) @ Colts (1-2)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Colts by 7- ½.


Week 4, Game 6: Lions (2-1) @ Jets (1-2)

a. Why it is important: Lions are an NFC rival.

b. Desired outcome: Interconference game; easy pick. Go with the Jets. Lions currently sit atop their division by virtue of a better division record than the Bears.

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

d. Vegas odds on this game: Lions by 1- ½.


Week 4, Game 7: Dolphins (1-2) @ Raiders (0-3)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Dolphins by 3- ½.


Week 4, Game 8: Buccaneers (0-3) @ Steelers (2-1)

a. Why it is important: Buccaneers are an NFC South rival. The Steelers have been coming on strong lately, and that’s not good news for the Bucs. Rumor has it that Lovie Smith has already lost the respect and control of the locker room. Players who were used to Schiano’s dictator-style of leadership are now under the control of someone who is at the opposite end of the spectrum. At any rate, we aren’t going to feel sorry for the situation in Tampa: THEY HIRED HIM!

b. Desired outcome: The only hope for the Bucs is if they have a +2 or greater turnover differential. Pull for the Steelers; easy choice in interconference games.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 7 out of 10

d. Vegas odds on this game: Steelers by 7- ½.


Week 4: Game 9: Jaguars (0-3) @ Chargers (2-1)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Chargers by 13.


Week 4: Game 10: Falcons (2-1) @ Vikings (1-2)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Falcons are also an NFC South rival. A loss by the Falcons & Panthers along with a Saints win Sunday night, puts the Saints in a 3-way tie for first place (with 2-2 records). Of course, the Saints have ground to make up with games in the division and conference. But given the way the season started, it would be nice to see.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Vikings (who wills still be without the services of Adrian Peterson). Vikings’ defense is stout, and may cause problems for the Falcons (…let’s hope so)!

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

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


Week 4, Game 11: Eagles (3-0) @ 49’ers (1-2)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Eagles sit atop the NFC East, and are tied with Arizona for the best record in the Conference. Sproles and Malcolm Jenkins have added a positive dimension to the Eagles.

b. Desired outcome: The 49’ers will have enough to deal with in their own division. We’d like to see them knock the Eagles down a notch or two. I suspect that this will happen with the ‘Niners at home, and very desperate for a win.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 5.5 out of 10 (home advantage for the 49’ers).

d. Vegas odds on this game: 49’ers by 4- ½.


(SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL)

Week 4, Game 12: Saints (1-2) @ Cowboys (2-1)

a. Why it is important: Cowboys are an NFC rival. Saints can fight their way back for a 3-way tie (2-2 record) with Carolina & Atlanta (pending the results of their games). And while it’s interesting to think about what other teams will do, it’s MORE IMPORTANT for the Black and Gold to take care of their own business, and let the chips fall where they may.

b. Desired outcome: Obvious choice in pulling for the Saints. The Saints’ running game is not quite as potent without Mark Ingram, but Khiry Robinson and Pierre Thomas have done a good job so far. The Saints will have their toughest challenge of the season (on defense) with DeMarco Murray leading the NFL in rushing, and Tony Romo having a productive year early in the season. Drew Brees has had some of his most memorable performances under the lights, especially on Sunday night. Look for that trend to continue. But a very big X-factor in this game (that hasn’t been discussed too much) is how fired up the defense will be in making Rob Ryan look good before a national audience. As most of us know, Dallas gave Coach Rob the boot a couple of years ago, and he (coach Rob) was welcomed to New Orleans. All he did was turn the worst defense in the league into a top-5 defense in one season. The Saints’ defense bounced back well last week (vs. the Vikings), and didn’t surrender a TD. They look to continue their improvement (led by a pleasant surprise at CB by Corey White), and are hoping to get their first interceptions of the season on Sunday night. WhoDat!

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

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


Monday September 29th


(MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL)


Week 4, Game 13: Patriots (2-1) @ Chiefs (1-2)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Patriots by 3.


News from Enemy Camps (Week 4):

Saints’ next opponent:
(Cowboys): Dallas Cowboys Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

Division Leaders:

NFC North Leader (Lions 2-1): Detroit Lions Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC East Leader (Eagles 3-0): Philadelphia Eagles Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC South Leader (Panthers 2-1): Carolina Panthers Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC West Leader (Cardinals 3-0): Arizona Cardinals Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

Stealthman

I'll be at the stadium tailgating with fellow WhoDats later today.

Halo

Steelers still up on the Bucs
Carolina is losing
Bears are losing.

Some good news for our Saints so far today. Let's hope things hold up...

|Mitch|

Just need the Vikings to pull off the huge upset

Halo

Falcons have been inconsistent at best this year. Not far fetched with the Vikings at home.

Halo

Steelers choking at home late to the Bucs....

Halo

Pittsburgh CHOKE complete. Allowed the Sucs to roll down and score a TD on them with 40 seconds left. Dats Turribel.

|Mitch|

Halo

Stealthman

Vikings up 14-7 on the Falclowns, and have the ball (late in 1st Qtr).