L.A. Rams at New Orleans Saints, Sunday January 20, 2019
For years the New Orleans Saints have had an explosive offense but a very, very suspect defense. Finally, this year they have had a respectable defense, the type that can actually keep them in the game when their offense stumbles … which of course, isn’t very often.
The Saints D, though, looked vulnerable towards the end of the season, and worse yet, they lost arguably the most important player on the defense last week. Defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins was seriously injured in the win over the Eagles and is out for the season. Going up against the likes of Todd Gurley and the powerhouse Rams’ offense, the Saints simply can’t afford this loss. The only reason they are favored in this game is because of the home field advantage, but that edge is negated against a team like the Rams who will relish playing indoors.
The Rams also got to see the Saints earlier this year and in that week 9 loss, they did not have a key player in the secondary, Aqib Talib. That’s huge for the Rams second time around as they try to neutralize the likes of WR Michael Thomas.
Take the 3 1/2 points with the Rams before this line moves and don’t be surprised if the Rams pull the minor upset.
