The Eagles vs Saints matchup will be a battle between two teams whose fan bases are on opposite sides of the spectrum. The New Orleans Saints are one of the hottest teams in the NFL right now after eviscerating the Dallas Cowboys and Carolina Panthers.
On the other hand, the Eagles are coming off a crushing loss to the Atlanta Falcons. The loss reminded fans too much of the Eagles late 2023 performances. This game will serve as an opportunity for the Eagles to silence the doubters and get back on track. While another win here for the Saints will prove how real of a contender they are in the NFC.
This Eagles Star Needs to Come Up Big
The Saints defense has seemingly been a good unit for years now. With head coach Dennis Allen, they have consistently finished as a top-ten scoring defense. Against the Cowboys, they played a lot of different looks on defense and have a knack for keeping quarterbacks guessing on the coverage. However, their defensive line has not been as impressive as the backend. They’ve been solid rushing the passer, but much of the pressure they put on the quarterback came from blitzes.
#Saints Blitz numbers per PFR:
2023: 187 total Blitzes/11 Per game
79 combined between Davis/Werner (42%)2024: 32 Total Blitzes/16 Per game
9 combined between Davis/Werner (28%)Dennis Allen's defense is blitzing more and from more varied looks relying on other players. 1/
— RevDeuce (@RevDeuceWindham) September 18, 2024
With A.J. Brown likely out this week, it might be another bit of a struggle in the passing game for Jalen Hurts and company. There will be a few opportunities for big passing plays throughout the game, but this matchup will be influenced by Saquon Barkley. While the Saints haven’t been gashed on the run this year, there are other reasons for that. Teams have just fallen behind the Saints too quickly, making them lean on the passing game too much too early in the game.
Against the Cowboys, there were plenty of times the Saints defensive line got pushed back and there were gaps in the run game. While the Cowboys don’t have someone to fully take advantage of those creases, the Eagles do in Saquon Barkley. If Barkley can get the offense going on the ground early, it will open things up for deep shots, running lanes, and scramble opportunities for Hurts.
The Saints Blazing-Hot Offense
Another reason to feed Saquon Barkley is that through two weeks the Saints offense looks near unstoppable. They rank as the highest-scoring offense in the league and near the top in total yards. A lot of the credit has been going to offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who has “freed up” quarterback Derek Carr. They have been finding success with a balanced approach, highlighting Alvin Kamara. However, receivers Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed have been torching defenses for big plays, while the offensive line has protected Derek Carr well.
Derek Carr's 70-yard touchdown pass to Rashid Shaheed against the Cowboys. This is a quarterback with total confidence in the system, and in his weapons. 49 air yards over two deep safeties in Cover-6? Yeah, sure, no problem. pic.twitter.com/atlWDbX556
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) September 16, 2024
It will be hard to stop the Saints offense with how the Eagles defense has played so far. Expect to see some changes in the defense for the Eagles by blitzing more and having more bodies on the line of scrimmage. With that being the case, the Eagles will have to rely on their secondary to create a couple of turnovers in this game. Yet, all signs point to time of possession being crucial in the Eagles vs Saints matchup. If the Eagles can’t control the game on offense, their defense won’t hold up to the varied attack of the Saints offense.
2024 Eagles vs Saints Predictions
Saints Win 27-17
The case for the Eagles here is if Saquon Barkley has another monster game and they control the clock. That would open a few deep shots for Devonta Smith and Jalen Hurts, where the Saints can be a bit susceptible. If they can get a turnover or two as well from the secondary, then there’s a good chance they can take the win in the Bayou.
However, the lack of Eagles pass rush will hurt them in this game and open up big plays for Derek Carr and the receivers. On a short week in New Orleans, it seems like the Eagles will need to put up a perfect game to get a win here. Going up against a team that’s as hot as the Saints are right now is a tough way to try and bounce back for the Eagles.
Other Prop Bets:
Devonta Smith Any Time Touchdown Scorer
Alvin Kamara Any Time Touchdown Scorer
Saquon Barkley 100+ Combined Rushing and Receiving Yards
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Main Image: Bill Streicher – USA Today Sports
