New Orleans Saints 2010 NFL Predictions: New Orleans had the element of surprise coming into the 2009 season, but it will have no such advantage this year after shocking everyone with its upset of the Colts in Super Bowl XLIV. Not only do the Saints carry big expectations into the season, they also have a huge bullseye on them as the reigning league champion. Despite those two burdens, 2010 NFL Predictions at Sportsbook.com still like New Orleans at -150 moneyline odds to win the NFC South division.
After finishing 8-8 and dead last in the NFC South in 2008, not many people envisioned the Saints hoisting the Lombardi in
February of 2010; however, that is exactly what Drew Brees and company did after taking out the Colts 31-17 in the Super Bowl.
Now the question moves to New Orleans' ability to repeat. Does this squad have what it takes to become just the ninth team to earn back-to-back championships? A look at the offense, which carried the team a season ago, would say yes. Last year the Saints racked up 403.8 yards and 31.8 points per game and not much has changed for the group heading into training camp.
Brees, who threw for 4388 yards and 34 touchdowns, is back as well as the dynamic receving corps of Marques Colston, Devery Henderson, Jeremy Shockey (TE), Reggie Bush (RB), and Robert Meachem. Leading rusher Pierre Thomas (793 yards, six touchdowns, 5.4 ypc) also returns. Brees and Thomas also have the benefit of working behind the same starting offensive line, which paced the way for 2106 rush yards in 2009 while giving up just 20 sacks.
New Orleans' defense ranked 25th in yards per game allowed last season at 357.8 and 20th in points per game allowed at 21.3. Not great by any means, but good enough to let the offense do its thing and still come away with a 13-3 record. This year they lose linebacker Scott Fujita, but should show some improvement due to more familiarity with defensive coordinator Gregg Williams' system.
New Orleans Saints 2010 NFL Predictions: 11-5, First Place NFC South. The schedule is difficult but few teams had any answers for the offense last year, why should they this season?
Sportsbook.com New Orleans Saints 2010 NFL Predictions:
Odds to Win the NFC South -150 (one of four)
Odds to Win the NFC Championship +450 (Tied two of 16)
Odds to Win the Super Bowl +1000 (Tied five of 32)
Regular Season Win Total: Over 10.5 (+120), Under 10.5 (-140)
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