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We’re approaching the midway point of the 2014 season. The Saints face the NFL’s #1 rated defense (on the road) when the play the Detroit Lions this week. There is no point in talking about other teams if you can’t take care of your own business. Assuming we do what WE need to do, let’s take a look at other games that have a bearing on the NFC playoff picture.

Week 7 Bye teams: Buccaneers, Eagles.

Thursday October 16th

Week 7, Game 1: Jets (1-6) @ Patriots (5-2)

Game already played. Jets were big underdogs in this game, and played well enough to win. However, they came up short 25-27.

Vegas odds on that were on this game: Patriots by 9- ½.


Sunday October 19th

Week 7, Game 2: Falcons (2-4) @ Ravens (4-2)

a. Why it is important: Falcons are an NFC South rival. Falcons are near the top of the NFL in points scored, but are woeful in points allowed (…sound familiar, Saints fans?). Baltimore is a tough opponent at home, and is playing with confidence. Ravens are 3rd in the NFL in scoring defense (points allowed).

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

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

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


Week 7, Game 3: Vikings (2-4) @ Bills (3-3)

a. Why it is important: Vikings are an NFC rival, but are sitting at the bottom of the NFC North.

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

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

d. Vegas odds on this game: Bills by 5- ½.


Week 7 Game 4: Dolphins (2-3) @ Bears (3-3)

a. Why it is important: Bears are an NFC rival, and in a dogfight in the NFC North. The Dolphins have played all opponents tough, and may be able to pull off an upset… but they’ll need their best effort on the road in this one.

b. Desired outcome: Interconference game; pull for the ‘Phins!

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

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


Week 7, Game 5: Saints (2-3) @ Lions (4-2)

a. Why it is important: What happens when a team like the Saints go on the road vs. the best defense in the NFL? Well, the good thing is that the Saints had an extra week to prepare. The Lions have allowed a stingy 82 points in six games, and are also best in stopping the run. The Saints have a very capable offense, and are currently near the top of the NFL in rushing. If our boys in the Black and Gold are to emerge victorious, they will need to do the following: 1) Good pass protection, 2) no turnovers, 3) disciplined gap/lane coverage on defense, 4) good pass rush to disrupt Matt Stafford, and 5) improvement on Special teams. Reggie Bush is back from injury in this game (for the Lions). But guess what: So is Jimmy Graham (for the Saints)!

b. Desired outcome: A win in this one would be a tremendous confidence booster for the Saints. Next week, they host the Packers in the Mercedes Benz Superdome.

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: I believe the Saints pull off the upset (5- ½ of 10).

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


Week 7, Game 6: Panthers (3-3-1) @ Packers (4-2)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals; Panthers are also an NFC South rival. This game will have huge implications in the playoff picture.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Packers. A loss by the Panthers would have the Saints a mere ½ game out of first place in the NFC South. This is the Panthers’ second consecutive road game.

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

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


Week 7, Game 7: Bengals (3-1-1) @ Colts (4-2)

N/A: AFC opponents. This should be a good game between AFC division leaders.

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


Week 7, Game 8: Browns (3-2) @ Jaguars (0-6)

N/A: AFC opponents. With a couple of turnovers, the Jaguars are capable of beating the Browns (at home, in Jacksonville) straight-up.

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


Week 7: Game 9: Seahawks (3-2) @ Rams (1-4)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Seahawks are the likely contender for a playoff spot, so we hope that they drop their second game in a row this week.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Rams. An upset would be nice, but don’t bank on it.

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

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


Week 7, Game 10: Titans (2-4) @ Redskins (1-5)

a. Why it is important: Redskins are an NFC rival, and headed in the wrong direction (from their perspective).

b. Desired outcome: Interconference game. Pull for the Titans.

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

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


Week 7, Game 11: Chiefs (2-3) @ Chargers (5-1)

N/A: AFC opponents. Chargers have great defense, and balanced offense. They are on track for a first round bye. However, throw out most stats when you have a division rival in your backyard. Chiefs are capable of pulling off an upset.

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


Week 7, Game 12: Giants (3-3) @ Cowboys (5-1)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Cowboys looked very impressive in dismantling the Seahawks last week, and their confidence is sky-high. The only down factor for Dallas is that coming off such an emotional win, they may have a letdown vs. the Giants (and Eli Manning). This game will settle the issue whether Dallas is a contender… or a pretender. Right now, they look strong as contenders.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Giants.

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

d. Vegas odds on this game: Cowboys by 5- ½.


Week 7, Game 13: Cardinals (4-1) @ Raiders (0-5)

a. Why it is important: Cardinals are an NFC rival. This may be a trap game for Arizona. The Raiders are always tough at home, and the Cardinals may be looking ahead to next week’s game at home vs. the Eagles.

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

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

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


(SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL)


Week 7, Game 14: 49’ers (4-2) @ Broncos (4-1)

a. Why it is important: 49ers are an NFC rival. Who would have figured that both the 49’ers and Seahawks would be TRAILING the Cardinals in the NFC West at this point? Well, that’s how it stands going into week 7. We need Payton Manning to have a great game on Sunday night.

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

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

d. Vegas odds on this game: Broncos by 4- ½.


Monday October 20th


(MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL)

Week 7, Game 15: Texans (3-3) @ Steelers (3-3)

N/A: AFC opponents. But this is a key game, with both teams scrapping for position in their respective divisions.

Vegas odds on this game: Steelers by 3.


News from Enemy Camps (Week 7):

Saints’ next opponent: (Lions): See below.

Division Leaders:

NFC North Leader (Lions 3-2; 1-0 in NFC North): Detroit Lions Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC East Leader (Eagles 4-1; 2-0 in NFC East): Philadelphia Eagles Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC South Leader (Panthers 3-2-1): Carolina Panthers Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

NFC West Leader (Cardinals 3-1; 1-0 in NFC West): Arizona Cardinals Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

Danno

My dream weekend
Saints over Lions
Ravens over Falcons
Dolphins over Bears
Packers over Panthers
Rams over Seahawks
Raiders over Cards
Broncos over 49ers

Halo

You and the rest of WhoDatNation!!!

Danno

I was almost iffy about the Packers over the Panthers.

I think we'd overtake the Panthers regardless and I'd prefer not to travel to Green Bay in the playoffs.

But my hate for the Panthers and Cam Newton just will not allow me to pull for them under any circumstance. And the sooner we have them in our rear-view the better we will all feel.

And the Packers come to the Dome next week so I'd prefer not to play them after a loss.

So I hope the Packers win, but I hope the Panthers rough them up pretty bad.

Danno

By the way, A Saint win and a Panther loss and we're tied for 1st place in the NFC South!!!

brees84

Packers have CB problems. This one is entirely on Rodgers. Their defense is average at best.