With Brees Planning to Start, Saints Become 10.5-Point Favorites Over Cardinals in Week 8

• The New Orleans Saints opened at -8.5 versus Arizona this week
• Quarterback Drew Brees said “the plan” is for him to play, causing the point spread to balloon to -10.5
• The Cardinals have won three in a row heading into this contest

The New Orleans Saints (6-1) were supposed to be dead in the water without quarterback Drew Brees. However, they’ve won five in a row without him and now he’s ready to return.

Even though he remains a game-time decision, the Cardinals vs Saints odds have moved from -8.5 to -10.5 as of Thursday. Are the Saints the right play in this Sunday’s game (Oct. 27, 1:00 PM ET)?

Arizona Cardinals vs New Orleans Saints Odds

Odds taken October 24th.

Saints Opened -8.5

Hosting the Cardinals this week, the Saints started the week as an 8.5-point favorite. At one point in the season, the Cardinals were nothing more than a doormat in the NFC, but they enter this contest on a three-game winning streak. A lot of people felt they were a live dog with Brees out.

No Drew Brees
No Alvin Kamara
No Jared Cook

The Saints still manage to score 36 points against the Bears pic.twitter.com/PENRmuyyTl

— Chris Rosvoglou (@RosvoglouReport) October 20, 2019

However, as Brees inches back to full health, the action has come in on the Saints. New Orleans has been pushed up to -10. The feeling here is that, if Brees is back, the Saints should have an easy time of things on Sunday.

Will Brees Play?

We’re getting some mixed signals from the Saints, which could be one of two things: they already know Brees will play and they’re simply playing mind games. Otherwise, they might simply not be sure whether Brees is strong enough to suit up.

From NFL Now: #Saints QB Drew Brees tells reporters he’s ready and plans to return this week, ahead of schedule. A look at the decision facing New Orleans… pic.twitter.com/sBD5Rqzimc

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) October 24, 2019

Remember that the Saints have a bye week after this, so it might make sense for them to hold Brees out for one more game. After all, they’re playing the Cardinals in this spot, not the Green Bay Packers. The Saints have already beaten better opponents than the Cards during their five-game winning streak. Brees isn’t the difference between a win and a loss.

While it’s true that the Cardinals have won three in a row, those wins have come against the Cincinnati Bengals, Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants. Those teams have combined for three wins this season (3-18). This also marks the Cards third road game in four weeks, so they could be fatigued.

Drew Brees loves what he sees after another Teddy B TD ?? pic.twitter.com/b7ZcnCQeFC

— FOX Sports: NFL (@NFLonFOX) October 20, 2019

At the same time, the Saints have made it clear that the opponent and the bye week will not be a factor. If Brees is ready to play, he’ll play. Brees himself said that “the plan” is for him to play this week. Again, though, this could be gamesmanship more than anything.

Which Way Will The Line Move?

I don’t see this line getting much higher than 10.5. If Brees does play, it seems that the line here has already baked that in to some degree. At the same time, I’m of the opinion that it makes no sense to play him here. Stick with the hot hand in Bridgewater and Brees will get an extra two weeks to make sure he’s 100%.

Teddy Bridgewater since taking over for an injured Drew Brees:

◇ 5-0 W-L
◇ 9-2 TD/Int ratio
◇ 1,205 pass yds pic.twitter.com/ocMSzNoK7B

— ESPN (@espn) October 20, 2019

The Saints have bigger goals this season than winning a Week 8 contest with Arizona. While it’s important for playoff standings, the Saints should take care of business here either way. Don’t expect this line to move a lot higher.