NFL Betting Preview: New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers

Added on Sep 20, 2010 by Jack Thurman in

NFL

Only one NFL betting opportunity on the board for Monday night as the New Orleans Saints make a tricky road trip to San Francisco to face the 49ers. New Orleans got their Superbowl defense off to a good start last week with a Thursday night win over the Minnesota Vikings, while the Niners were ambushed by the Seahawks in Seattle.

New Orleans Saints at San Francisco 49ers
September 20, 2010–5:35 PM Pacific

As we noted at the top of the page, this is a tricky road game for the Saints on several levels. It’s a ‘sandwich spot’ off of that big opening night win over the Vikings and a pair of home conference games against Atlanta and Carolina. They’ve been off for over 10 days which is almost too long for an NFL team this early in the season–later in the year it might be helpful to let some nagging injuries recover but it makes it tough for the Saints to regain their momentum. Plus they’re facing a team that ‘on paper’ they should be able to beat but the Niners are a proud team with a tough minded coach in Mike Singletary that will no doubt be anxious to redeem themselves from their listless opening game performance against the Seattle Seahawks.

We look for a strong effort for the home team here, and the Niners have the pass rush to put pressure on Drew Brees. This game means more to San Francisco, with a chance to demonstrate that their competitiveness is ‘back’ on the biggest possible television stage. Line value is clearly with San Francisco, as it obviously reflects an overreaction by the public to the team’s opening game performances. Saints have covered 5 straight at San Francisco, but they’re only 1-6-1 in their last 8 against NFC foes and as we’ve discussed several times in the preseason its an entirely different dynamic for New Orleans now than it was back when they were the hapless ‘Aint’s’.

Still not convinced that the Niners’ offense is quite where it should be, however, and that keeps us from making a stronger call on the home team. The situation definitely favors the Niners so the points are the play in a game that should stay Under the posted total. Money continues to come in on New Orleans, and if this game goes to +6′ it becomes stronger due to the importance of the key number.

Bet San Francisco +6 over New Orleans
Bet San Francisco/New Orleans UNDER 44