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The Saints’ $54M man (Jairus Byrd) is lost for the season because of a knee injury during a non-contact practice. Sigh! When it rains… it POURS! But this is Week 5, and there is no time to feel sorry for yourself. The Saints have a 1-3 record, and are tied for LAST PLACE in the NFC South. Let’s not kid ourselves: The Saints have been a big disappointment thus far, and there is not much room for poor play in the remaining games. It’s time for the “NEXT MAN UP” …to step up and get it done! Even so, don’t despair: At the end of the day, the Saints could vault up to a 3-way tie for the lead in the division (with a 2-3 record). But it will take a great all-around effort vs. the Bucs (at home) just before the Bye week. So, hold onto your seats, fellow WhoDats. True fans never give up… NEVER! Can I get a WhoDat?

Week 5 Bye teams: Dolphins, Raiders.

Thursday October 2nd

Week 4, Game 1: Packers (3-2) @ Vikings (2-3)
Game already played. Packers came alive, and won the game going away: 42-10.

Vegas odds on that were on this game: Packers by 6- ½.


Sunday October 5th


Week 5, Game 2: Bears (2-2) @ Panthers (2-2)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals; Panthers are an NFC South rival. Panthers got a big dose of Steve Smith, who went off for 150+ yds receiving (for the Ravens) vs. his former team. The Bears are in what appears to be a 3-way dogfight for the NFC North crown. The Packers and Lions are not going away anytime soon.

b. Desired outcome: At this point, Saints need to take care of business in the NFC South. That’s why we want the Bears to knock off the Panthers.

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

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


Week 5, Game 3: Texans (3-1) @ Cowboys (3-1)

a. Why it is important: Cowboys are an NFC rival. Dallas utterly embarrassed the Saints on Sunday Night Football in Big-D. Now, the Cowboys face a resurgent Texans’ team that sits atop the AFC South, and hungry for a division title.

b. Desired outcome: Interconference game; pull for the Texans.

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

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


Week 5 Game 4: Bills (2-2) @ Lions (3-1)

a. Why it is important: Lions are an NFC rival. Lions currently lead the NFC North by ½ game over the Packers (who beat the Vikings earlier this week). Bills have not been consistent, but are still dangerous team. The Lions have historically played well at home, and they now have a lot of confidence. This will be a tough one for Buffalo to win.

b. Desired outcome: Interconference game; pull for the Bills.

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

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


Week 5, Game 5: Ravens (3-1) @ Colts (2-2)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Colts by 3.


Week 5, Game 6: Steelers (2-2) @ Jaguars (0-4)

N/A: AFC opponents. This is a trap game for the Steelers; upset is a strong possibility.

Vegas odds on this game: Steelers by 6.


Week 5, Game 7: Buccaneers (1-3) @ Saints (1-3)

a. Why it is important: Tampa is an NFC South rival. The Saints’ backs are against the wall. The Black and Gold CANNOT afford to drop this one just before Bye week. This is because two of the first three games after the Bye week are on the road (@Detroit; @Carolina), sandwiching a home game vs. Green Bay. As mentioned earlier, the loss of Jairus Byrd is huge. This means that the Saints must figure out a way to put tremendous pressure on the passer. The Saints must also show gap discipline in defending running lanes. If they stay on their game, we can see a victory in the Dome.

b. Desired outcome: Obvious choice is pulling for the Saints.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 6.5 of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Saints by 10- ½.


Week 5, Game 8: Falcons (2-2) @ Giants (2-2)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals; Falcons are an NFC South rival. Falcons have been a Jeckyl & Hyde team this season. Giants have come on strong lately.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Giants to knock off the Falcons.

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

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


Week 5: Game 9: Rams (1-2) @ Eagles (3-1)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Eagles are flying high, and tied for the lead in the NFC East. Two former Saints continue to shine for Philadelphia: Darren Sproles has been selected as NFL player of the Week for the second time in four weeks. Malcolm Jenkins is leading all NFL safeties with 4 interceptions, including a Pick-6 last week.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Rams. It will take a +2 or better turnover differential for the Rams to emerge victorious in this one.

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

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


Week 5, Game 10: Browns (1-2) @ Titans (1-3)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Titans by 1.


Week 5, Game 11: Cardinals (3-0) @ Broncos (2-1)

a. Why it is important: Cardinals are an NFC rival. They, along with the Bengals, are the two remaining undefeated teams in the NFL. The Cardinals should leave the unbeaten ranks after their game with Denver.


b. Desired outcome: Interconference game; pull for the Broncos.

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

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


Week 5, Game 13: Chiefs (2-2) @ 49’ers (2-2)

a. Why it is important: 49’ers are an NFC rival. Chiefs’ QB Alex Smith makes his first return to San Francisco since being traded 3 years ago. He should have a big chip on his shoulder, and will likely play a very inspired game. 49’ers are unpredictable, and may not answer the bell in this one… let’s hope so!

b. Desired outcome: Interconference game; pull for the Chiefs.

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

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


(SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL)


Week 5, Game 14: Bengals (3-0) @ Patriots (2-2)

N/A: AFC opponents. Even so, this should be a very good game! Patriots will be up for this one!

Vegas odds on this game: Bengals by 1- ½.


Monday September 29th

(MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL)

Week 5, Game 15: Seahawks (2-1) @ Redskins (1-3)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Seahawks are coming off a Bye week.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Redskins.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 3.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Seahawks by 7.


News from Enemy Camps (Week 5):

Saints’ next opponent:
(Buccaneers): Tampa Bay Buccaneers Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

Division Leaders:

NFC North Leader (Lions 3-1): Detroit Lions Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC East Leader (Eagles 3-1): Philadelphia Eagles Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC South Leader (Falcons 2-2): Atlanta Falcons Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

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

Stealthman

Good to get a win!

Sorry to see Saints fans exit (the way some of them did) before the game ended.