Rating: (1 votes - 5.00 average)

The Saints just celebrated a birthday (their 48th, to be exact) on November 1, 2014. Can you ask for a better birthday present than what they claimed in Charlotte? Well, unless you have been living under a rock, you realize that our boys in the Black and Gold have now vaulted to FIRST PLACE in the NFC South. This, after a shaky 0-2 and 1-3 start to the season during which the Saints played five of their first eight games on the ROAD. If that wasn’t bad enough, our wonderful NFL Commissioner saw to it that the Saints would have to play a late Sunday night game (vs. Green Bay), then travel to Charlotte to play an early Thursday night game at Carolina. The fan base is pleased that our head coach made it a point to mention that fact in his post game remarks (see video): Sean Payton: "great team road win"

All in all, the Saints are starting to peak at the right time, and despite injuries, appear to be poised to make a serious run in the second half of the season. And even thought the remaining schedule is very tough, we play five of the remaining eight AT HOME. The next three in a row are in the Mercedes Benz Superdome. Can I get a WhoDat!?!?!?

Teams on a bye: Bears, Bills, Falcons, Lions, Packers and Titans.

Thursday October 30th

Week 9, Game 1: Saints (4-4) @ Panthers (3-4-1)

As mentioned above (and as most of you already know), the Saints took care of business this past Thursday night in Charlotte, NC. They came away with a decisive 28-10 win vs. the Panthers.

Vegas odds on this game were: Panthers by 2.


Sunday November 2nd

Week 9, Game 2: Jaguars (1-7) @ Bengals (4-2)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Bengals by 10- ½.


Week 9, Game 3: Buccaneers (1-6) @ Browns (4-3)

a. Why it is important: Buccaneers are an NFC South rival. As close as the NFC South is right now, NO TEAM IS OUT OF IT at this point. Therefore, every loss by division rivals is a better thing for the Saints, even though this one is an interconference game. Buccaneers are starting a new running back, which is a curious “X-factor” in this one.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Browns. This is the NFL, and it may be a dangerous game for the Browns because the Bucs and Lovie Smith may play loose, feeling they have nothing to lose. I can’t put my finger on it, but this game may not be a lock for the Browns.

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

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


Week 9, Game 4: Cardinals (6-1) @ Cowboys (6-2)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals, both lead their respective divisions, and both are in the thick of things in going for a first round bye in the playoffs.

b. Desired outcome: Because the Cowboys own a tiebreaker vs. the Saints, we would be better served by a Cardinals’ win. There are a few good arguments to pull AGAINST the Cardinals (…notice I didn’t say: Pull for the Cowboys), but overall my gut tells me that we want Arizona to emerge with a “W.”

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

d. Vegas odds on this game: Pick ‘em (even).


Week 9, Game 5: Eagles (5-2) @ Texans (4-4)

a. Why it is important: Eagles are an NFC rival, and are in the thick of it in the NFC East race.

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

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

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


Week 9, Game 6: Jets (1-7) @ Chiefs (4-3)

N/A: AFC opponents.

Vegas odds on this game: Chiefs by 9.


Week 9, Game 7: Chargers (5-3) @ Dolphins (4-3)

N/A: AFC opponents. Both teams are surprisingly in the thick of the playoff hunt this season.

Vegas odds on this game: Dolphins by 2 .


Week 9, Game 8: Redskins (3-5) @ Vikings (3-5)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Both are fighting to salvage their fading playoff hopes.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Vikings to win. Saints own the tiebreaker vs. the Vikings.

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

d. Vegas odds on this game: Vikings by 1 .


Week 9: Game 9: Rams (2-5) @ 49’ers (4-3)

a. Why it is important: Both teams are NFC rivals. Saints host the 49’ers next week.

b. Desired outcome: Pull for the Rams. St. Louis has played the 49’ers tough for the past few seasons, and Jeff Fisher will have a few wrinkles to throw their way. I believe the Rams easily cover the generous point spread in this one. Also, it may be a trap game for San Francisco, who may already be looking ahead at the game on the road vs. the Saints.

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

d. Vegas odds on this game: 49’ers by 9- ½.


Week 9: Game 10: Broncos (6-1) @ Patriots (6-2)

N/A: AFC opponents. Should be a great game. Manning may turn the tables on Brady in this game. The Broncos have been improving each week, and only a narrow loss at a fired up Seattle is their only blemish this season. The media is hyping this one as if Brady “OWNS” Peyton Manning, but the Broncos may emerge with a double-digit win if the Patriots eat the cheese.

Vegas odds on this game: Broncos by 3.


Week 9, Game 11: Raiders (0-7) @ Seahawks (4-3)

a. Why it is important: Seahawks are an NFC rival, and still very much in the thick of the playoff hunt.

b. Desired outcome: What would be better than the lowly Raiders to come into Seattle and emerge with an upset win? That would cause the fan base in Seattle to implode. Things are already on edge in the Seahawks’ locker room. Such an upset is highly unlikely, but I’d love for it to be our dream and the Seahawks’ nightmare. With a few turnovers, anything’s possible!

c. Confidence factor for a good outcome: 2.5 out of 10.

d. Vegas odds on this game: Seahawks by 14.


(SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL)


Week 9, Game 12: Ravens (5-3) @ Steelers (5-3)

a. N/A: AFC opponents. This should be a low scoring, but very PHYSICAL game.

Vegas odds on this game: Ravens by 1.


Monday November 3rd


Week 9, Game 13: Colts (5-3) @ Giants (3-4)

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

b. Desired outcome: Interconference game: Pull for the Colts. Indianapolis has been on a slide lately, and are due to bounce back. No better time for them to do that but in this game. On the other hand, Eli Manning usually plays well on national TV. Even though the Giants are 3-4, they are dangerous, and their confidence is increasing. Colts will need their A-game.

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

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


News from Enemy Camps (Week 9):

NFC East Leader:
(Eagles): Dallas Cowboys Rumors & News: Pro Sports Daily

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

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

Stealthman

I hope you guys & gals still like these.

Now that we're a the midpoint of the season, things are starting to heat up in the playoff race. Tracking how teams are doing will be more important with the passing weeks.

|Mitch|

Of course man! Just keep posting; I enjoy reading them... Just kind of a slow weekend with only the Buccaneers playing...