NFL Odds – Saints, Giants in clash of the unbeatens

Added on Oct 14, 2009 by sbworld in

NFL

The NFL Week 6 odds for this week’s massive tilt between New Orleans and the New York Giants are hinting at a close game, and they should as this pair is excellent on both sides of the ball. Who will win this battle of the unbeaten teams?

Giants vs Saints odds – Sunday, October 18, 1:00 PM ET

The Giants even got to rest Eli Manning in a 44-7 rout of the Oakland Raiders, as Manning went 8-of-10 for 173 yards and two touchdowns before being replaced by David Carr, who also played well. Manning had a heel problem that threatened to keep him out of this game, and he showed he was capable without aggravating the injury. Ahmad Bradshaw ran for 110 yards and two touchdowns on only 11 carries, and the Giants held the ball for over 36 minutes. They key to this sportsbook win was the defense, which forced three turnovers and held the anemic Raiders to 124 yards.

The Saints are coming off a bye week, and we all knew what Drew Brees and company could do, especially when healthy. The biggest surprise is the defense, which is sixth in the NFL and allowing just 16.5 points per game. The addition of veteran Darren Sharper to the secondary cannot be understated as the safety has five picks already, two of which have been taken back to the house for six points.

New Orleans is a 3-point favorite in your gambling software, and they’ve split four meetings with the Giants since 2001. This is a major chance for the Saints to prove that they can compete with the elite teams of the NFL, and their offensive line will have their hands full trying to protect Brees from the vicious New York pass rush. The Saints also have a decent pass rush, and look for them to blitz Manning from all angles. This will be a close one, but the Saints haven’t played an offense like this yet as Donovan McNabb was hurt in New Orleans’ 48-22 beating of Philadelphia back in Week 2. The Giants have more experience in this type of “big” game, so take them in your NFL picks this weekend.