New Orleans Saints at Las Vegas Raiders NFL Betting Preview
Las Vegas Raiders Look to Open Season 2-0
The New Orleans Saints travel cross country to face the Las Vegas Raiders as pair of 1-0 teams meet on Monday Night Football in Week 2 and open a brand new stadium. The new era of Raiders football begins in Sin City as Allegiant Stadium opens without fans present. The game is scheduled for an 8:15 pm ET kickoff in Las Vegas on Monday on ESPN.
These teams have not met since 2016 when the then-Oakland Raiders won in New Orleans 35-34. With quarterback Drew Brees at the helm, New Orleans is 2-1 against the Raiders with wins in 2008 and 2012 and an average of 35.3 points per game. The all-time series is even at 6-6-1, dating back to 1971.
New Orleans Saints Outlook: Stop the Run
The big news for the Saints this week will be the status of All-Pro wide receiver Michael Thomas. Thomas injured his ankle in the season-opening win over Tampa Bay and may land on injured reserve for the next three weeks, which could have an impact on the -5.5 Saints line. Before the injury, Thomas was held to three catches on 17 yards.
The Saints defense came up big in the 34-23 win over the Bucs with two interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown by Janoris Jenkins. They also held Tampa Bay to 3.3 yards per rush. That run defense will be put to the test against Josh Jacobs and the Raiders Monday night.
Brees threw for just 160 yards on 18-of-30 passing, and he had two touchdowns. With Thomas limited, tight end Jared Cook was the biggest target, hauling in five passes for 80 yards.
Running back Alvin Kamara caught five balls for 51 yards and a touchdown, while newcomer Emmanuel Sanders had three catches for 16 yards and a touchdown.
Kamara ran for just 16 yards on 12 carries but also scored a touchdown on the ground. Latavius Murray led the Saints with 48 yards on 15 carries, but overall, the Saints had just 2.4 yards per carry and went 5-for-15 on third down.
Las Vegas Raiders Outlook: Protect the Ball
The Raiders were among the top-scoring teams in the NFL in Week 1 with a 34-30 road win over the Carolina Panthers in their first-ever game with Las Vegas in their name. Jon Gruden’s squad allowed 15 points in the fourth quarter, but the offense was able to get the job done with the third-most points in Sunday games.
Jacobs led the way with 93 yards on 25 carries as he ran for three touchdowns and also caught four passes for 46 yards.
Quarterback Derek Carr completed 22-of-30 passes for 239 yards and a touchdown and didn’t turn the ball over. His top target was tight end Darren Waller with six receptions for 45 yards, while rookie wide receiver Henry Ruggs III had three catches for 55 yards, including the longest play of the day, a 45-yard reception.
The defense didn’t force a turnover and held Christian McCaffrey to 96 yards on 23 carries. The bad news was watching Panthers receiver Robby Anderson go for 115 yards on six catches, which could be an issue against Brees, especially if Thomas is able to play. The Raiders also struggled on third down, allowing 7-of-13 conversions.
New Orleans Saints at Las Vegas Raiders Betting Lines by Gameadvisers.com
● Saints spread: -5.5 (-115) Saints moneyline: -245
● Raiders spread: +5.5 (-105) Raiders moneyline: +205
● Over/Under: 51.5 (O -110, U -110)
Even if Thomas isn’t able to go, both of these teams have the ability to put up points. The Saints defense looked good against Brady and the Buccaneers, but historically teams have been able to move the ball against Sean Payton’s defense.
The Raiders, meanwhile, gave up 30 points to Teddy Bridgewater and the Panthers, so the Saints should be able to do the same, especially without fans at Allegiant Stadium.
Head to our favorite pay per head bookie site at www.RealBookies.com
Free Pick: Over 51.5 (-110)