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Saints hoping passing is the key to success: 2014 win total

John Benson

by John Benson in News

Updated Jan 17, 2018 · 9:40 AM PST

New Orleans head coach Sean Payton is banking on the idea that veteran QB Drew Brees has at least one more Super Bowl run left in his career. Despite the fact the team was 8-0 at home last season, the Saints were bounced from the playoffs by the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks.

Looking to this season, the Saints face five playoff teams with an overall schedule featuring opponents boasting a .469 winning percentage last year (only the 23rd hardest in the league). Something else in the Saints favor is the fact the team plays only one set of back-to-back road games. This would prove beneficial to a veteran squad.

Offensive-wise, the Saints were ranked second in passing and 25th in rushing. Payton doesn’t seem to mind. The NFL is a passing league and the team added WR Brandin Cooks in the draft to replace the offensive firepower of Darren Sproles. As for the defense, coordinator Rob Ryan will have hard-hitting rookie safety S. Jean-Baptiste in the mix.

Oddsmakers have the Saints posted at 9.5 for o/u wins with payouts ranging from -125 to -150 for the over. With an easy schedule and high-flying offense, it’s hard not to imagine the Saints fighting for the division with double-digit victories in 2014.

 

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