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Andy McNamara
MNF Saints vs. Raiders Point Spread: NFL Week 2 Odds, Prediction
What a Monday night showdown this is between the Saints and Raiders! Both teams won their openers and since 1990 NFL franchises that start a season 2-0 have a 61.3 percent chance of making the playoffs.
Monday Night Football Point Spread and Betting Analysis
Interestingly enough it was Derek Carr, not future hall of famer Drew Brees, that had the better statistical 2020 debut. Carr completed 73.3 percent of his passes, amassing an efficient 239-yards and a pair of touchdowns. On the other side, Brees connected on 18 of his 30 throws for two scores and a pedestrian 160-yards.
Let’s see how these offenses develop head-to-head in Week 2.
The Saints are 5.5-point favourites and the over/under is set at 49.5. The road team is 4-1 against the spread (ATS) in the past five meetings between New Orleans and Las Vegas/Oakland.
New Orleans Saints
The big news for the Saints is that superstar wide receiver Michael Thomas’ ankle injury is more serious than first thought. Thomas could miss several weeks and that has an obvious impact on the upside of the New Orleans attack. The perennial Pro Bowler is irreplaceable, but Brees can still distribute the ball to playmakers Alvin Kamara, Jared Cook, Emmanuel Sanders and Tre’Quan Smith.
At the very least, Thomas’ absence should make us think about that O/U line of 49.5.
The black and gold are 4-0 ATS as visiting favourites, but are only 2-5 ATS in their previous seven Monday Night Football games. The score’s hit the over on five of those Monday matchups.
Las Vegas Raiders
When it comes to playing on a Monday, the Raiders are 4-1-1 ATS and the under has won out on their last four MNF appearances. In Las Vegas’ last eight contests they also own a 6-2 ATS record as a home underdog.
It’s an interesting contrast between these two battling clubs in O/U trends. Where New Orleans typically hits the over in primetime, the Raiders recent history is all about the under. 10-4-1 following a straight up victory, 5-2 in their past seven home games versus a team with a winning record, and 6-2 overall. All under. Considering the Michael Thomas health situation explained above, I’m feeling a lower scoring outcome.
NO
LV