New Orleans Saints (1-0 1-0 ATS) at Las Vegas Raiders (1-0 1-0 ATS)
The Saints and Raiders both won their season-opening games and this Monday night non-conference matchup is the first at Allegiant Stadium in Sin City. Even on the road, New Orleans is the 5.5-point betting favorite with a total sitting at 49.5.
The money has been even bet on both teams so far and as of Thursday morning, the Saints have remained at -5.5 since opening.
These teams have not met since the 2016 season.
The Saints are coming off a 34-23 win over Tom Brady and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The team will be without a star in this game, as WR Michael Thomas, who led the NFL in receiving yards last season, is out with an injury.
The Raiders did not have the best defensive game in their opener but the offense was legit in their 34-30 road win over the Carolina Panthers.
The road team is 4-1 ATS in the last five games between these teams.
Little Bit of a Concern on Offense?
The Saints put up 34 points in their opening game even though they only had 271 total yards and only rushed for 82 yards. They forced three turnovers including a pick-6 on Brady but the offense did not shine and Drew Brees did not have a great game.
Brees did have two TD and no picks but only passed for 160 yards going 18 for 30. TE Jared Cook led the team with 80 receiving yards and while Alvin Kamara had 51 receiving yards he only rushed for 16 yards on 12 carries for a paltry 1.3 yard per carry average.
Latavius Murray led New Orleans in the win over the Bucs with 48 yards but took him 15 carries to do so.
The Saints played pretty good D in their win over Tampa Bay but the team is known for Brees and the offense and at least they will be facing a Raiders’ team that gave up 30 points in their opener.
Coming Up Big on Defense when it Matters
The Raiders did not have a great game on D in their 34-30 win over Carolina but stuffed them on fourth and inches in the middle of the field with just over a minute left in the game.
Las Vegas was outgained 388 yards to 372 yards but they were steady on offense. Derek Carr passed for 239 yards with a TD and no picks and RB Josh Jacobs came up big rushing for 93 yards and three TD.
The Saints have a decent pass rush that had three sacks in the win over Tampa Bay and put a lot of pressure on Brady. That is concerning, as in the Carolina game the Raiders lost two left tackles Trent Brown (calf) and Sam Young (groin), and each is listed as questionable for Monday night.
This game is HUGE for the Raiders with their first one at home in Vegas and on the national stage on Monday night. A win could give them a massive boost heading into a tough stretch where they have to face the Patriots, Bills, Bucs, and Chiefs.
Our Prediction
While the Saints have covered in their last four games as a home favorite the Raiders have covered in six of their last eight games as a home dog.
I think this will be a great game and one where the Raiders will step up. They have a tall task taking on Brees and the Saints, but they will be ready. They will give New Orleans a game behind a strong game from Jacobs, who they will lean on heavily. Las Vegas may not get the W but they will cover the spread on Monday night getting 5.5 points.
PICK: Raiders +5.5