NFL Week 5 – New Orleans Saints vs Washington Redskins Preview

NFL Week 5 – New Orleans Saints vs Washington Redskins Preview

Week 5 of the NFL season comes to a close with a great NFC matchup as the New Orleans Saints play host to the Washington Redskins. The Saints return back to their home fortress 3-1 after consecutive gutsy road victories. Washington enters this one 2-1, fresh off of an early bye week after their upset win over the Packers. In a strong NFC, the winner here can start to separate themselves from the pack in what will surely be a competitive playoff race.

Where to Watch: ESPN, 7 Mate or NFL Game Pass Tuesday 11:20am 
New Orleans Saints 

Led by Quarterback Drew Brees, the Saints offense has been phenomenal this season. Even at age 39, Brees has shown no signs of slowing down, throwing for 1295 yards, 8 touchdowns and no interceptions so far. Receiver Michael Thomas has also proven to be an under the radar star, notching 445 yards and 3 touchdowns of his own. Similarly, second-year Running Back Alvin Kamara has built off of a strong rookie campaign so far this season. Ever the dual-threat, Kamara is averaging over 150 yards per game from scrimmage this season, to go along with 6 total touchdowns. 

Defensively, the Saints have been a mixed bag this season. Their secondary was torched by both Tampa Bay and Atlanta, but held up well in victories against Cleveland and New York. They did a nice job containing the Giants offence last week, forcing 2 turnovers and allowing only 18 points. Led by Demario Davis, Marshon Lattimore and Cameron Jordan, this Saints defence will need to be at their best this week against an upstart Redskins offense. 

Washington Redskins 

The Redskins offense has delivered 2 strong performances to go along with 1 dud so far this season. New QB Alex Smith has proved reliable when called upon, throwing for 767 yards and 4 touchdowns compared to just 1 interception so far. Vernon Davis and Jordan Reed also combine for an excellent Tight End duo that will cause matchup problems against this vulnerable Saints defence. Future Hall of Famer Adrian Peterson is still going strong at age 33, fresh off of a 120 yard and 2 touchdown performance against the Packers. 

On paper, the Redskins defence appears to be one of the best in the entire NFL this season. The pass defence looks especially strong and caused problems for star Packers QB Aaron Rodgers in their last outing. In Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, they possess quality defensive tackles that provide strong interior pressure. Linebacker Mason Foster continues to do a strong job in the middle of the field, whilst outspoken CB Josh Norman has been lights out so far this season. 

Best Bets 
Redskins +7 

With 15 days since their last fixture, I expect the Redskins coaching staff to have prepared a strong game plan against this potent Saints offense. Similarly, there is unlikely to be any significant fatigue on the part of the players after their rest to start this season. These logistical factors, coupled with their strong start to the season, allow me to see strong value in taking the Redskins here +7 points. 

Whilst Drew Brees has an incredible record at home, this Redskins pass defence is more than capable of containing the Saints here. With their strong reliance on a quick passing game and outside rushing attack, the Saints offense doesn’t really have a plan B against a fast and strong front seven like the Redskins. If their defence can keep up the level of play they’ve shown so far, I’m confident the offence can put up enough points to make this one competitive.  

Redskins Team Total Over 23 

Redskins QB Alex Smith continues to be one of the most underrated players in the NFL. After some strong seasons with the 49ers and Chiefs, Smith had the best season of his career last year, throwing for over 4000 yards and 26 touchdowns against only 5 interceptions. Smith has looked strong when called upon this season and I believe he has what it takes to put up points against this vulnerable Saints defence. 

Similarly, I expect the bye week to have done wonders for the legs of RB Adrian Peterson. In the offense-friendly conditions of the Superdome, I expect the Redskins to score in the late 20’s-early 30’s range. In what will likely be an offensive shootout, the Washington passing offense should prove enough here to eclipse this relatively low total. 

Saints 1-13 

This is an effective hedge to my Redskins +7 bet in the sense that it provides a strong middling opportunity. It worked in last week’s Monday Night Football game and I could see it working well again here in what I expect to be a close offensive battle. Whilst I’m high on the Redskins this season, coming into New Orleans and beating Drew Brees is a very difficult task. 

With Alvin Kamara and Michael Thomas both in fine form, I expect the Saints offense to put up a solid performance. The stout Redskins defence will be able to contain them somewhat, but the Saints always tend to average over 30 in the Superdome each year. Alex Smith will bring the Redskins close but ultimately the superior talent of the Saints offense will prove enough. 

Best Bet: Redskins Team Total Over 23 

I feel as though this line undervalues the Redskins offense given their start to the season. This is a total I expect the Redskins to eclipse whether they get off to a strong start early or have to play catch-up late. They have a balanced offense with some versatile weapons that match up well against the Saints defence. I’ve got 27 points for the Redskins here. 

Score Prediction: New Orleans Saints 31-27 Washington Redskins