NFL Predictions 2009: The Saints disappointed for the second season in a row as they went 8-8 last year and finished at the bottom of the NFC South. Head Coach Sean Payton, who guided his team to the Playoffs in 2006 with a 10-6 record, enters his fourth year with the team expecting more than another mediocre conclusion. Payton is not the only one, though. Bodog.com has New Orleans listed at 2 to 1 betting odds to win the NFC South in their New Orleans Saints NFL Predictions 2009.
The Saints have always had an explosive offense under Payton and things should be no different this year. Quarterback Drew Brees, who threw for 5069 yards and 34 touchdowns in 2008, returns to lead the impressive unit. New Orleans, under Brees' leadership, ranked first in points per game, yards per game, and passing yards per game a season ago.
The former Purdue Boilermaker has the same set of gifted receivers around him, including the likes of Marques Colston, Lance Moore, Devery Henderson, and Jeremy Shockey. Brees will also be operating behind an offensive line that has given up just 29 sacks over the past two seasons.
The only question mark for New Orleans on offense is the run game. Deuce McAllister is gone and Reggie Bush, who ran for 404 yards and two touchdowns in an injury plagued 2008 season, has yet to prove he can be an every down back. Pierre Thomas was a pleasant surprise filling in for Bush last year, leading the team in rushing with 625 yards.
The Saints defense was one of the more lackluster units in the league last season. The beseiged group gave up 24.6 points and 340 yards per game while managing to generate just 22 sacks. Turnover was needed and turnover was had as New Orleans let eight different defenders leave in the off-season. Payton also dismissed defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs and replaced him with defensive wizard Greg Williams.
New Orleans added four defenders, including first round draft choice Malcolm Jenkins (cornerback – Ohio State), that should see significant minutes in 2009. If those players and Williams can help the unit improve, there is little reason to believe that the Saints will not make a return to the post-season.
New Orleans opens the 2009 season on September 13th with a battle against the Detroit Lions at the Superdome.
Bodog.com New Orleans Saints NFL Predictions 2009 – Super Bowl Odds 2010
New Orleans Saints Regular Season Win Total:
Over 9 (+100)
Under 9 (-130)
New Orleans Saints Odds to Win the NFC South:
2/1
New Orleans Saints Odds to Win the 2010 NFC Championship:
10/1
New Orleans Saints Super Bowl Odds 2010:
22/1
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