New Orleans at Philadelphia A Toss-Up

NFL News - September 18th, 2009 - Written by John

New Orleans at Philadelphia -- This one is simple. First one to 40 will probably win. After combining for 83 points in the first week of the season, New Orleans at Philadelphia appears to be the most entertaining game on the slate in Week Two. Both teams put up monster numbers against inferior opponents and are ready to air it out again.

They appear to be so evenly matched, at least at this point in the season, Vegas can't even make the call. BetUS posts the game as a pick'em as of Friday afternoon, the only game so far this season with that distinction. The payout is -110 both ways with a surprisingly low over/under of 46. Both teams have an individual over/under of 23.

If you are looking for an edge, it might take a microscope to find it. Yes, the Eagles are at home but that may be neutralized by the fact Donovan McNabb is doubtful. The Saints put up rediculous numbers in the first week, but it was against Detroit and, frankly, who hasn't.

Drew Brees looked like the best quarterback in the NFL, by far, throwing for a franchise-record six touchdowns against Detroit in the first game. He slung the ball around to eight different receivers and five of them had a touchdown catch.

But he will be up against a defense that had a better week than any other to start the season. In ESPN Fantasy Leagues, the unit 35 points, 19 more than the next closest team. They ambushed the Carolina Panthers, knocking starting quarterback Jake Delhomme out of the game after five turnovers led to a 31-7 lead in the second quarter. The Panthers' back-ups didn't fare much better. Josh McCown was knocked out of the game after only six pass attempts with knee and ankle injuries and Matt Moore was tagged with another interception.

Despite the offensive outpour by the Eagles in the first week, expect some kind of fall-off  against the Saints. After all, McNabb was knocked out of the game with a broken rib during a touchdown scamper and Philadelphia has been scrambling to find a replacement if he can't go. Kevin Kolb will get his first start if McNabb can't go, and the Eagles picked up Jeff Garcia off the free agent market to give insurance just in case. Kolb has only thrown 45 passes in the regular season, so a slow start can be expected.

Philadelphia has history on it's side. The Eagles have beaten New Orleans seven of the last nine times, the most recent coming in 2007 when they out-gunned the Saints, 38-23.

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