[4:05 PM] Saints @ Cardinals

Who will WIN this matchup?

New Orleans Saints (5-8)

@ Arizona Cardinals (5-7)

 

• Both teams’ high hopes in the preseason have given way to disappointing campaigns despite each squad’s dominance in one facet of the game. Drew Brees and New Orleans’ prolific, pass-happy offense haven’t been able to overcome a whopping 22 turnovers and one of the league’s worst pass defenses.

• Turnovers also have plagued the Cardinals, whose 23 giveaways help account for the fact Arizona ranks 14th in scoring defense despite allowing the fewest total yards in the league. Arizona had four turnovers in last week’s 26-23 setback at Miami, its third loss in four games.

• New Orleans has committed 13 turnovers in its past five games, losing four of them. The Saints managed only 294 total yards in last week’s 16-11 loss at Tampa Bay, as they were held to 46 rushing yards – the second straight game with 50 yards or fewer. The subpar offensive outing wasted a strong performance from an improving defense, as the Saints gave up fewer than 300 total yards for the third time in the last four contests.

• The turnover issue has held back an Arizona offense that has plenty of weapons beginning with versatile running back David Johnson. Johnson leads the league in yards from scrimmage (1,830) and touchdowns (15) and ranks third in rushing yards (1,085), and Carson Palmer’s receiving corps has been plagued by injuries and illness while the veteran quarterback has had a tough time hanging onto the ball. The defense, which is especially tough against the pass, has forced at least one turnover in six straight games and 12 of 13 this season.

• New Orleans WR Michael Thomas, who leads all rookies in receptions (69), receiving yards (831) and touchdown catches (seven), is questionable with a foot injury after sitting out last week.

 

StreakSmarts Pick: Arizona Cardinals

Confidence: 4/10

Confidence
StreakSmarter Pick
Previous Pick
Next Pick