New Orleans Saints Predictions & 2008 NFL Picks
July 29, 2008
-Brad Marchetti
High New Orleans Saints NFL predictions made for a lackluster 7-9 record in the 2007 season. QB Drew Brees is the man in command of a lopsided team that looks for improvement from off-season additions to a defense that ranked 25th in the NFL. The Saints will also look to get off to a quick start and avoid last seasons 0-4 opening disaster. New Orleans has lived and died under aggressive coach Sean Payton’s diverse play calling but this year they hope to put all the pieces together for a Superbowl run. The 2008 New Orleans Saints AFC South NFL betting odds to win the 2009 Superbowl are at 25-1.
Brainy leader Drew Brees is an elite QB in the NFL with a laser arm. The physically limited but cerebral Brees might be missing starting RB Deuce McAllister for a few games early with a knee injury. The 30-year old McAllister might not be the 4-time 1,000 yard rusher he was when he comes back from his 2nd torn ACL in three season. Coming off a knee injury Reggie Bush may never be the feature #1 back that the Saints envisioned but he is joined by solid players in Aaron Stecker and Pierre Thomas. With 11 TD receptions and 11 TD’s in his second NFL season Marques Colston is a prime-time performer. Built like a tight end at 6’4″ 231 Lbs. with wide receivers speed Colston is a beast. Marques Colston is one of the top-5 WR’s in the NFL for his great hands even more so than his tremendous physical gifts. The Saints are deep at wideout with David Patten, Robert Meachem and Devery Henderson all talented players. The offensive line excels in the passing game but the Saints were ranked 28th in rushing. The 2008 New Orleans Saints NFL betting odds to win the AFC South division are at +110 odds.
In need of a major improvements the Saints opened their wallets and made some strong off-season additions to their 4-3 defense. First the Saints traded for Jets MLB Jonathan Vilma and added Vilma’s former Miami Hurricane teammate Dan Morgan. Added on the defensive line was 7th overall pick Sedrick Ellis from USC and pass-rush specialist Bobby McCray from Jacksonville. A poor secondary was injected with former New England CB Randall Gay and 2nd round draft choice Tracy Porter. The D-line is deep and talented with DE Will Smith and Charles Grant. Vilma and Morgan will team with a strong set of linebackers that will form a formidable front seven. New Orleans secondary will be operating without their best performer early in the season with CB Mike McKenzie coming off a late ACL injury. The Saints CB’s were burnt for much of last season and returning starter Jason David was the most frequent victim. New Orleans must get a better pass-rush this season upfront to hide their liabilities in the secondary. Gamebreaking punt returner Reggie Bush is a bright spot on a decent special teams group. The 2008 New Orleans Saints NFL Predictions OVER\UNDER betting prop is at 8.5 WINS with the OVER at -145.
The 2008 New Orleans Saints offense will make them tough to handle but their holes on defense will still be a factor. Look for the New Orleans Saints tough schedule and suspect secondary to hold them to an 8-8 finish.
2007 New Orleans Saints Betting Record: 6-10 ATS
2008 New Orleans Saints NFL Predictions Power Ratings
Coaching: 6
Quarterback: 8
Running Backs: 7
Offensive Line: 7
Wideouts: 8
Defensive Line: 7
Linebackers: 7
Secondary: 4
Special Teams: 6