Saints Favored By 2 1/2 On Road In Oakland

NFL News - August 29th, 2009 - Written by Glen

Saturday's matchup should be a great offensive display by both teams as the New Orleans Saints travel to play the Oakland Raiders at 4:00 pm in Week 3 of the NFL preseason.  The Saints are coming into the game with a perfect 2-0 record in preseason.  They defeated Cincinnati in week one and Houston last Saturday.  The Raiders beat Dallas in week one and lost to San Fransisco. 

The Saints are coming into the game with an offense that is clicking on all cylinders, despite not having Reggie Bush last week against Houston.  He missed the game due to a strained calf but looks to get plenty of work this Saturday. Through the first two games, they are averaging 410 yards and 28 points per game.  Running back Mike Bell stepped in and rushed for over 100 yards against Houston.  Running back Pierre Thomas might be held out this week due to an injury. Head coach Sean Peyton has hinted that he might use a three back rotation this year. The Saints, led by quarterback Drew Brees, are putting up their typical passing display by averaging 311 yards per game in the air.  Brees should get the majority of plays so fans can expect this to be another explosive offensive day for them.  They seem to have not missed a beat from the way there offensive produced in 2008.  Defensively, they are looking pretty solid.  They have only given up 21 points in their first two preseason games.  Opponents are averaging 339 yards against the Saints' defense.

Oakland head coach Tom Cable has ended the quarterback battle this week by selecting JaMarcus Russell as the starter.  He was in a contest with veteran Jeff Garcia.  Garcia fell behind in the race due to his calf injury.  Russell played well last week against San Fransisco by going 7 for 11 with 76 yards and a touchdown.  As a team, they are averaging 25 points in their first two preseason games.  There rushing game has been solid also averaging 124 yards during preseason play.  Defensively the need to crack down on opponents' rushing yards.  They are giving up 159 yards on the ground so far this preseason.  Their defensive backs will be put to the test this week against a Saint's team that loves to throw the football. 

The odds makers at Bodog are picking the Saints to come out ahead in this game.  New Orleans comes into the contest as 2 1/2 point favorites with a payout of -115.  The Raiders are 2 1/2 point underdogs with a payout of -105.  The over/under is set at 41 for this game.   Fans can expect a high scoring contest if both teams play true to form.

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