Saints vs. Bills Point Spread: NFL Week 4 Odds, Prediction
A matchup that takes place only once every four years kicks off Sunday afternoon in Buffalo as the 3-0 Bills host the 0-3 New Orleans Saints at 1 p.m. ET.
New Orleans was competitive in its first two losses but was dismantled last week in Seattle by the Seahawks, 44-13. Special teams in particular let them down, as the team surrendered a punt return touchdown and had a punt blocked on the day, resulting in a seventh straight loss dating back to last season.
Meanwhile, Buffalo stayed hot at home, winning their 13th straight at Highmark Stadium in a 31-21 triumph over the Miami Dolphins that was closer than coach Sean McDermott would have liked.
The Bills are massive 16-point favourites to win on the NFL odds, with the total set at 48.
NFL Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Buffalo is 2-1 against the spread, while New Orleans is one of just two teams, along with the Houston Texans, currently at 0-3 ATS. The Bills, dating back to last season, are 12-6 against the spread in their last 18 games. The Saints are 1-5 ATS in their last six contests overall, and 1-7 straight up in their last eight road games.
Since these teams face off only as often as the Olympics are contested, this next trend is purely for fun. The Saints are 5-1 straight up and against the spread in the last six games of this series, dating back to 2001.
New Orleans Saints
The Saints are expected to be one of the worst teams in the league. They are projected to have the No. 1 overall pick in next year’s NFL Draft, with a stable of collegiate quarterbacks that has been underwhelming so far this season. That’s not good long-term news for a franchise currently counting on Spencer Rattler, who is now 0-9 as a starter.
Rattler’s backup, rookie Tyler Shough, is 25. To be fair, Rattler has been serviceable this season. He has completed 67 per cent of his passes for 639 yards and four touchdowns to just one interception, but the Saints are averaging just 15.7 points per game, which is the fourth-worst mark in the league.
Buffalo Bills
Conversely, the Bills are fourth-best in the league at 34 points per game, as reigning MVP Josh Allen is off to another tremendous start. He had three touchdowns last week against Miami and has completed nearly 70 per cent of his passes for 755 yards and five TDs with no interceptions.
There was some external consternation over running back James Cook’s new four-year, $48 million extension, but he is validating that new deal each week. He went over 100 yards for the second straight week and has now scored a touchdown in seven consecutive games, tying a franchise record. Count on Allen ensuring he finds the end zone again against the Saints.
NFL Prediction: Who Will Win Saints vs. Bills?
The Bills are almost certainly going to win. The only question is whether they are going to cover the 16-point spread as favourites. They failed to cover against the Dolphins, and they seemingly took their feet off the gas in their 30-10 triumph at the New York Jets in Week 2.
That shouldn’t be a problem this week against New Orleans. The Saints just don’t have enough to pass muster against Buffalo. Take the Bills and the points in a 34-13 victory.
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NO
BUF