The New Orleans Saints start the 2009 NFL season, at home, against the Detroit Lions, Sunday Sept 13. The Saints pounded the Lions 42-7 during their last meeting, while the Lions set an NFL record going 0-16. NFL oddsmakers at Sportsbetting.com have the Saints as -13 point home favorites over the Lions with the over/under set at 49 points. Be sure to get your New Orleans Saints vs Detroit Lions NFL Week 1 Picks in now at Sportsbetting.com
The Lions enter the 2009 with a handful of new faces to help recover from the franchise's most embarrassing season in team history. QB Matthew Stafford was drafted out of Georgia. During his three years with the Bulldogs, he had 48 TD’s with 7,481 yards passing to go along with six rushing TD’s and 204 yards rushing. It’ll take some time to adjust from college to the NFL, but with one of the best wide receivers in the league by his side in Calvin Johnson he could turn out to be a Matt Ryan. The Saints have opted for a new offensive blocking scheme as the Lions are going to rely heavily on RB’s Kevin Smith and Maurice Morris to move the chains and control the clock. Smith had eight TD’s while Morris had 0 TD’s but 574 rushing yards with Seattle. On defense they brought in new defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham who will focus on attacking the quarterback and increase blitz packages. Lions will need to get Drew Brees on his back and hold the Saints to as many three and outs as they can. It was hard to get to Brees last year as he was sacked only 13 times.
The Saints are all about passing the ball, and you can bet that QB Drew Brees is going to have another all out air attack again this season. Drew Brees had a fantastic year in 2008, throwing for 5,069 yards, 34 touchdowns and 17 interceptions for a passer rating of 96.2. As for their running game, they came up lame. They ranked 28th in the league and they’ll be looking to change that in 2009. The running game will be shouldered by Reggie Bush now that Deuce McAllister is no longer with the team. However, Bush has been bothered by knee injuries and has never really established himself as an every down back. No question he is the most dangerous on screen and swing passes which plays into the Saints passing game. Bush had two TD’s after running for 404 yards. Their struggling running game was led by RB Pierre Thomas who ran for 625 yards with nine TD’S. New defensive coordinator Greg Williams is bringing a hopefully upgraded scheme and mindset, as well as a few favorites from the Jaguars squad he coached last season. This includes Pierson Prioleau and defensive end Paul Spicer who combined for 60 tackles.
Recent Trends to Consider:
- Lions are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games in Week 1.
- Lions are 1-4 ATS in their last 5 games in September.
- Saints are 5-0 ATS in their last 5 games as a favorite.
- Saints are 5-1-1 ATS in their last 7 games overall.
- Saints are 5-1 ATS in their last 6 games as a home favorite.
- Saints are 4-1 ATS in their last 5 home games.
- Saints are 4-1-1 ATS in their last 6 vs. NFC.
- Underdog is 4-1 ATS in their last 5 meetings.
New Orleans Saints vs Detroit Lions
When: Sun, Sept 13, 2009 1:00 PM ET
Line: Sportsbetting.com
Pick: Saints -13
Point-Spreads.com New Orleans Saints vs Detroit Lions NFL Week 1 Picks
The Bottom Line: The Saints at home and it’s their first game of the season, it’s a deadly combination. Be sure to get your New Orleans Saints vs Detroit Lions NFL Week 1 Picks in now at Sportsbetting.com and cash in with sign-up bonuses, weekly reload bonuses and free payouts at SPORTSBETTING.com, where betting is safe, secure and easy.
