Last Updated on December 19, 2009 12:00 pm by Anthony Rome
‘Boys vs. Saints Pick
Saturday night in the Superdome should be exciting as the undefeated New Orleans Saints host the Dallas Cowboys at 8:20PM ET.
The Cowboys lost to the Chargers 20-17 as a 3.5-point favorite in Week 14, while the combined score fell under to the posted total of 48.5 points. Tony Romo threw for 249 yards with two touchdowns for Dallas, while Miles Austin had six receptions for 71 yards and a touchdown.
The Saints beat the Falcons 26-23 as a 10-point favorite in Week 14, while the combined score fell under the posted total of 50 points. Drew Brees threw for 296 yards and three touchdowns in the win, while Reggie Bush caught six passes for 46 yards and two touchdowns.
Oddsmakers from online sports book Sportsbook.com have made the Saints 8-point favorites over the Cowboys in Week 15. The over/under total for this game has been set at 53.5 points.
The trends favor the Saints in this matchup, as New Orleans has covered in eight of their last 11 games at home and are 5-0 against the spread in its last five games when playing at home against Dallas. Meanwhile, the Cowboys are just 1-4 ATS in their last five games on the road.
We’re well aware of the Cowboys’ struggles in December under Wade Phillips and we’re also well aware that the trends favor New Orleans in this matchup. But punt the trends: The Saints won’t win this game by a full touchdown.
In their last two games, the Saints were challenged by a struggling Redskins team and a depleted Falcons squad. Their defense has been decimated by injuries and while their offense can score at will, Dallas has enough offensive playmakers to keep this game tight throughout.
We expect a shootout in this game, with the Cowboys covering the eight points. Our free pick prediction for this matchup is Dallas +8 and the over 53.5.
Our NFL Week 15 Free Pick for this matchup is: DALLAS COWBOYS +8 and OVER 53.5.
Cowboys vs. Saints Current Odds
303 Dallas Cowboys +8 (+290 moneyline) Over 53.5
304 New Orleans Saints –8 (-380 moneyline) Under 53.5
Dallas is 1-4 ATS in its last 5 games
Dallas is 6-3 SU in its last 9 games
New Orleans is 5-0 ATS in its last 5 games when playing at home against Dallas
New Orleans is 5-1 SU in its last 6 games when playing at home against Dallas
DALLAS
[OT] 09/07/2009 – Robert Brewster PUP list ( Pectoral )
[LB] 08/22/2009 – Brandon Williams IR ( ACL )
[LB] 09/06/2009 – Stephen Hodge IR ( Knee )
[OT] 12/10/2009 – Marc Colombo expected to miss 6 weeks ( Fibula )
[S] 12/13/2009 – Ken Hamlin "?" Saturday vs. New Orleans ( Ankle )
[TE] 12/14/2009 – Martellus Bennett expected to miss Saturday vs. New Orleans ( Concussion )
[DE] 12/17/2009 – Demarcus Ware "?" Saturday vs. New Orleans ( Neck )
[S] 12/14/2009 – Pat Watkins expected to miss 2-4 weeks ( Knee )
NEW ORLEANS
[OL] 09/29/2009 – Jammal Brown IR ( Hip )
[TE] 09/05/2009 – Billy Miller IR ( Achilles )
[CB] 08/16/2009 – Reggie Jones IR ( Undisclosed )
[LB] 08/16/2009 – Mark Simoneau IR ( Tricep )
[FS] 09/05/2009 – Chip Vaughn IR ( Knee )
[FB] 09/05/2009 – Olaniyi Sobomehin IR ( Undisclosed )
[FB] 10/29/2009 – Heath Evans IR ( Leg )
[WR] 10/16/2009 – Rod Harper IR ( Knee )
[WR] 12/17/2009 – Lance Moore is upgraded to probable Saturday vs. Dallas ( Ankle )
[DT] 11/08/2009 – Kendrick Clancy IR ( Knee )
[CB] 12/10/2009 – Jabari Greer expected to miss at least 4 weeks ( Groin )
[CB] 12/13/2009 – Tracy Porter "?" Saturday vs. Dallas ( Knee )
[CB] 11/28/2009 – Leigh Torrence IR ( Shoulder )
[LB] 12/13/2009 – Marvin Mitchell "?" Saturday vs. Dallas ( Hamstring )
[LB] 12/13/2009 – Scott Fujita "?" Saturday vs. Dallas ( Knee )
[LB] 12/09/2009 – Jo-Lonn Dunbar IR ( Hamstring )
[RB] 12/13/2009 – Mike Bell "?" Saturday vs. Dallas ( Knee )
[DT] 12/17/2009 – Sedrick Ellis doubtful Saturday vs. Dallas ( Knee )
[TE] 12/16/2009 – Jeremy Shockey "?" Saturday vs. Dallas ( Toe )
[OT] 12/16/2009 – Jon Stinchcomb "?" Saturday vs. Dallas ( Knee )
Posted: 12/19/09 12:00PM ET